Electrical energy recovery from network water pressure

The paper presents the potential possibilities of energy recovery during reduction of pressure in the heating networks. The main aim is to substitute the existing mechanical pressure reducing valve. For this purpose, sample analysis was carried out and later, a model of a device based on pump components for energy recovery from water pressures was constructed and tested in a laboratory. The main elements of the model are: the turbine housing and rotor, mechanical seal block, flexible coupling, bearings and a permanent magnet synchronous generator. The output of the generator is connected with a power electronics unit which converts and returns produced energy to a single-phase power grid (230V, 50Hz). Preliminary studies show possibilities to achieve a satisfying efficiency of energy conversion and point the way for the future research and development activities.