Study of the Effect of the Presence and Absence of a Membrane on the Operation of Pneumatic Tanks in Water Supply Systems in Terms of Energy Efficiency

The purpose of the research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the energy efficiency and economic feasibility of using membrane and non-membrane pneumatic tanks. The paper presents calculations and graphs comparing both tank designs, as well as calculations of energy efficiency with and without a membrane. Modern autonomous and centralized water supply systems have increasingly stringent requirements for reliability and energy efficiency. One of the most common ways to smooth out hydraulic fluctuations, reduce the number of pump starts, and provide an emergency water reserve is by using hydraulic accumulators (pneumatic tanks). These tanks allow for the accumulation of compressed air energy and its use to maintain system pressure during changing loads. The total energy losses are compared when a membrane is present, including its replacement, and when it is absent, allowing air to directly contact and dissolve in water, resulting in the need for air to be pumped to maintain pressure and additional energy consumption for the compressor. The purpose of the research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the energy efficiency and economic feasibility of using diaphragm and non-diaphragm pneumatic tanks. The paper presents calculations and graphs comparing both tank designs, as well as calculations of energy efficiency with and without a diaphragm.