Full-Scale PAT Application for Energy Production and Pressure Reduction in a Water Distribution Network

Pressure management is an effective method to reduce water loss. A common way to reduce pressure and water loss in water distribution networks (WDNs) is to use pressure-reducing valves (PRVs). In recent years, pumps used in turbine mode [pump as turbine (PAT)] started to appear as a viable option for reducing pressure, water loss, and pipe failure in addition to energy production. In this study, a recently installed full-scale PAT system is presented for the Antalya City WDN in Turkey. The system was installed on a bypass line and operated in parallel with a PRV. The system’s performance was continuously monitored online for flow rate, generated power, and inlet and outlet pressures. The installed PAT system works efficiently for a wide range of inflows (130–300 m3/h), and the produced energy varies between 0.7 and 7.0 kWh for a reduction of approximately 100 kPa (1 bar) pressure head in general. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the installed PAT system is the first full-scale application in a WDN to reduce water loss and to recover energy with a hydraulic model application.