Energy savings configuration for a water-pumping system

Author(s): P. B. Ngancha, K. Kusakana, E. D. Markus
Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Central University of Technology Bloemfontein, South Africa
International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, vol. 9, no. 4, July 2020: pp. 805-812
ISSN: 2315-4462 (Print)
ISSN: 2373-3594 (Online)
Digital Object Identifier: 10.12720/sgce.9.4.805-812

Abstract: Pump theory is an interdisciplinary branch in water catchment/purification systems. The main determinant of the selling price of potable water to consumers is the amount of energy utilized when pumping the water from one area to another. These studies propose a water-pump configuration that decreases the energy consumption. The configuration involved an air-compressor that generates air-pressure; the air-pressure is used to supply a pneumatic actuator that converts chemical energy to mechanical energy. The mechanical force that exists at the pneumatic actuator piston is coupled to the piston of a hydraulic actuator to produce the mechanical stroke in the cylinder of the hydraulic actuator. Applying mechanical force at the hydraulic cylinder, the pumping of water from the water-catchment to a water-tank/reservoir is achieved. Using their compress-air properties, high force realized at the actuator will allows for an optimal output of the system components. This paper highlights the benefits of fluid dynamics in water-pumping system configuration that range from better energy savings and a robust pumping arrangement.

Keywords: energy-savings, water-pump, configuration, air-compressor, actuators, modelling
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