Alatorre-Frenk, Claudio (1994) Cost minimisation in micro-hydro systems using pumps-as-turbines. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

The use of reverse-running pumps as turbines (PATs) is a promising technology for
small-scale hydropower. This thesis reviews the published knowledge about PATs and
deals with some areas of uncertainty that have hampered their dissemination,
especially in 'developing' countries. Two options for accommodating seasonal flow
variations using PATs are examined and compared with using conventional turbines
(that have flow control devices). This has been done using financial parameters, and it
is shown' that, under typical conditions, PATs are more economic. The various
published techniques for predicting the turbine-mode performance of a pump without
expensive tests are reviewed; a new heuristic one is developed, and it is shown (using
the same financial parameters and a large set of test data in both modes of operation)
that the cost of prediction inaccuracy is negligible under typical circumstances. The
economics of different ways of accommodating water-hammer are explored. Finally,
the results of laboratory tests on a PAT are presented, including cavitation tests, and
for the latter a theoretical framework is exposed.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	T Technology > TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Pump turbines -- Economic aspects, Water-power -- Economic aspects
Official Date:	February 1994
Dates:	Date Event February 1994 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	School of Engineering
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Thomas, Terry
Sponsors:	Universidad Nacional de México ; Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom
Extent:	xi, 202 leaves
Language:	eng

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