AWWA JAW48180

This article discusses the hydropower valve, a device which is intended to redistribute water between pressure zones in a water distribution system. Although the concept of the hydropower valve is theoretical and no installations exist, the authors contend that the valve has the potential for saving energy costs in the operation of some water distribution systems because: it is more efficient than conventional systems; it uses energy that would normally be lost in a pressure reducing valve; and, when used in conjunction with the conventional system, it adds flexibilty for scheduling pumps in the conventional system to take advantage of off-peak power rates. A numerical model is presented which can be used to size hydropower valve components and to evaluate their performance at a specific site. Includes reference, tables, figures.