Performance Enhancement of Existing Pump as Turbine

Abstract

In rural areas of India, power scenario is characterized by poor and unreliable supply of energy. Conversely, huge amount energy is wasted in owing rivers and canals. In such area small/mini/micro hydro power plants can be installed. The main limitation in installation of such plants is higher cost of turbine because each site requires special turbine correspond to local ecology. In hydro plants, pumps can be used in turbine mode considering various advantages associated with pump e.g. ease of availability, proven technology, low initial and maintenance cost etc. The efficiency of Pump as Turbine(PAT) may be lower than the turbine but there is signi cant reduction in the capital cost of the plant. In the present study introduction of small hydropower plant and pump as turbine(PAT) are given. The literature review pertaining to PAT is presented. The modi cations made in existing setup are discussed. The experimental work carried out with di fferent types of draft tubes and power measuring devices are presented. The computational Fuid dynamics analysis of casing with and without guide vanes is presented.