The Skagit Public Utilities District in the United States is one of the first water utilities to install a new micro-hydropower system that collects excess water pressure from municipal water supply pipelines and converts it into carbon-free electricity, reducing operating costs and helping to combat the climate Variety.
A new water and micro hydropower system was installed at the East Street Booster Pumping Station in the Skagit Public Utilities District in Mount Vernon, Washington, which collects excess pressure from water pipes to generate electricity.
InPipe Energy’s In-PRV recovers the energy embedded in excess water pressure and converts it into electrical energy.The system will generate up to 94MWh or more of electricity each year, while providing pressure management that helps save water and extend pipeline life.The electricity generated will be used to offset the use of electricity from the pumping station’s grid, thereby saving Skagit PUD (and its taxpayers) funds and reducing the equivalent of more than 1,500 tons of fossil fuel-based carbon emissions each year.
“Converting excess water pressure into clean renewable energy is a win-win for the environment and our taxpayers,” said George Sidhu, general manager of Skagit PUD.”Environmental management is one of the core values of Skagit PUD; in our actions, we want to protect the natural resources of our region. As a utility company, we are always seeking innovation and creating higher levels in our water supply system operations. The Dongshi Street Micro Hydropower Project meets all requirements.”
Water utilities usually supply water to customers through gravity water supply and use a control valve called a pressure reducing valve (PRV) to manage the pressure in the water supply pipeline.PRV helps prevent pipeline leaks and deliver water to customers under safe pressure.Ordinary PRV uses friction to burn excess pressure, which will be dissipated in the form of heat, so basically all energy is wasted.
InPipe Energy’s In-PRV pressure recovery valve system is like a highly accurate control valve, but it takes the process one step further by converting excess pressure into new carbon-free electricity.The In-PRV system combines software, micro-hydraulic and control technology as a turnkey product, which can be quickly, easily, and cost-effectively installed in the entire water system with smaller diameter pipes and wherever pressure must be reduced.
“The world’s water infrastructure is energy and carbon intensive,” said Gregg Semler, President and CEO of InPipe Energy.”We see a huge global opportunity for water utilities to meet the impact of climate change while fulfilling their mission. The sustainability of our country’s water supply system is critical, but water utilities continue to face the challenges of rising energy costs and aging infrastructure. By providing a A more precise way to manage pipeline pressure-while also generating electricity-our In-PRV products help water utilities offset energy costs while saving water, reducing carbon emissions and extending the life of their infrastructure.”
The Skagit PUD project was implemented with the help of Puget Sound Energy (PSE) as part of their Beyond Net Zero Carbon initiative and TransAlta Energy’s coal transition committee grants.
In January 2021, Puget Sound Energy Corporation launched its plan not only to reduce its own carbon emissions, but also to help other departments in Washington State achieve the same goals.
Mary Kipp, President and CEO of PSE, said: “We cherish the opportunity to provide Skagit PUD with funding for this energy efficiency program to help them improve efficiency and build resilience.” “This partnership reflects our own Reduce carbon emissions to net zero and help other departments achieve carbon emissions reductions throughout Washington State to address climate change commitments.”
TransAlta is phasing out its last coal-fired power plant in Washington by 2025, and it is supporting the development of local communities and renewable energy through its Coal Transition Commission grant process.
“We are committed to developing innovative forms of renewable energy, and this energy recovery project by Skagit PUD sets a good example for the role of water companies in making water and energy more sustainable,” said CEO John Kousinioris.Trans Alta.”We are excited about In-PRV’s potential to generate carbon-free electricity from North American water pipelines. Water is an important resource in Skagit County because it is related to power generation. This project demonstrates our regional leadership.” The Kajit Public Utilities District operates the largest water supply system in Skagit County, providing 9 million gallons a day to 75,000 people in Burlington, Mount Vernon and Cedro-Woolley and surrounding communities in Skagit County. Tap water.
Skagit PUD’s pumping station is the second installation of In-PRV in the municipal water supply pipeline.The first is located in Hillsboro, Oregon. It went online in September 2020 and is expected to produce 200 MWh or more of electricity per year.
Post time: Dec-25-2021
