Energy conversion efficiency from low-head water to high-pressure gas. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Yang; Yao, Yuting; Yan, Min; Liu, Jiaming; Li, Haimiao; Bao, Yan; Lu, Mingwei
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 138(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Two-phase gas-liquid flow -- Gas-water energy conversion efficiency -- Low-water-head hydropower; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.01.062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Low-water-head hydropower is usually viewed as useless because of its inefficiency. The Low-Water-Head Hydropower Project can automatically transmute low-water-head hydropower into high-pressure gas power, which will solve the problem of the under-utilization of low-water-head hydropower. Considering the under-utilization of low-water-head hydropower because of its inefficiency, we propose a less intrusive and more efficient solution: the Low-Water-Head Hydropower Project with an automatic pump, which can transmute the low-water-head hydropower into high-pressure gas power. The energy-transfer process from water to air has not been investigated in previous studies. The goal of this study is to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the project. The goal of our study is to improve the energy conversion efficiency. The energy-transfer process from water to air has not been a focus in previous studies. Hence, a full-scale experiment was conducted, and the formula for the energy conversion efficiency η was deduced. Energy balance equations based on the one-dimensional homogeneous model from the Bernoulli equation were established. Through the energy balance equation, the percentages of energy loss of different forms were determined. Wider and higher outlet pipes have higher η values. From an engineering perspective, the frictional head loss in all cases is so small that the frictional head loss caused by sidewall friction can be neglected. The change in temperature does not practically affect the sidewall friction effect. These conclusions can be applied in engineering applications. Highlights: A new automatic pump developed using low water-head hydropower and highly efficient. Mechanisms of the energy-transfer process from water to gas. A full-scale experiment about the energy-transfer from water to air. Established energy balance equations based on one-dimensional homogeneous model. The percentages of energy loss in the mixing process of gas and liquid.