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Energy Recovery for Water Utilities
Author(s) -
Smith Jim H.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.2008.tb08118.x
Subject(s) - renewable energy , electricity , joint venture , environmental economics , smart grid , grid , business , engineering , electrical engineering , commerce , economics , geometry , mathematics
This article discusses a joint venture between Mouchel plc, an international support services company, and the U.S.‐based renewable‐energy‐recovery company Rentricity Inc. to recover untapped energy in water utilities' distribution systems. The joint venture revolves around Rentricity's innovative Flow‐to‐Wire? microturbine solutions. These small turbines are designed to capture the energy that is typically released through pressure‐release valves. The Flow‐to‐Wire package consists of a microturbine, a generator, sensors, processors, electronic controls, and communications equipment that operate synchronously. The unit converts the energy to electricity that can then be used by customers, such as United Kingdom water companies, to reduce their own energy expenses, or it can be sold to a local electrical grid. This “smart” technology is built around integrated sensors that actually enhance the capacity for water companies to manage their systems with real‐time performance data that help to maximize security and operational effectiveness. The article summarizes this technology use in the United Kingdom, and discusses U.S. efforts at harnessing untapped energy within water systems.