Pico turbines, the solution to self-supply energy to the water supply network. A case study in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2021-08, Vol.229, p.120653, Article 120653
• Main Authors: Borge-Diez, David, Godoy-Déniz, Juan Manuel, López-Rey, África, Colmenar-Santos, Antonio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air pollution; Anomalies; Chlorine; Consumption; Distributed generation; Drinking water; Drinking water supply network; Economics; Energy; Energy conservation; Exploitation; Hydraulic equipment; Hydroelectric plants; Leak detection; Measuring instruments; Networks; Pico turbine; Pico-hydroelectric power system; Pico-hydrogenerator; Profitability; Remote control; Sensors; Storage tanks; Technicians; Technology; Turbidity; Turbines; Water analysis; Water conservation; Water pollution; Water quality; Water supply; Water supply systems
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.120653

This paper describes the integration of the pico turbines in the drinking water network of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain). World's drinking water supply companies need updates his infrastructure and technology to turn existing networks into smart water networks, to preserve people's health by ensuring the potability of water for human consumption. The essential parameters for water quality (such as chlorine level, pH, turbidity and others) can be easily measured using sensors inserted in the pipes and in the storage and distribution tanks. Access to this information in real time and immediate action is essential to ensure the health of the people who access this vital element. It is therefore essential to increase the number of sensors and the analysis of the data they provide in order to detect anomalies, correct them and anticipate their consequences. Some of the objectives are the correct measurement of meters to detect leaks and anomalous consumption, saving water and energy, avoiding water and air pollution, achieving efficient supply to the consumer and achieving profitable, efficient and environmentally sustainable urban hydraulic systems. All systems require power, the pico turbines inserted in the network can supply power without affecting the normal operation of the network. Pico turbines are highly efficient, low cost and easy to install systems, but they are not widely used. The case exposed in this city could be replicated in many urban systems, it is novel that there is no literature of massive applications, existing a wide capacity of implantation and development of this technology. When it seems that the locations for the installation of hydroelectric plants have been exhausted, it is time to commit to the development of this mature technology on the micro-scale of the infrastructures already created, the novelty is to continue discovering those places where there is untapped energy potential. There is capacity to grow in very small hydroelectric systems with immediate profitability. The researchers in this article describe the first phase of an investigation that has gone hand in hand with its validation and actual exploitation. The aim is for managers not to forget this technology, which has a very wide growth field to satisfy the small demand for distributed energy in water networks of all types. The authors hope that the results of the research carried out will motivate other technicians to apply the energy potential of