Hydraulic Power Generators

Remote monitoring of water distribution networks relies on telemetry and SCADA equipment installed at valve chambers, pump stations and strategic network points. In urban areas mains power supply is generally available. In rural areas, remote reservoirs, mountain transmission mains and agricultural irrigation networks, the cost of connecting a power supply can exceed the cost of the monitoring equipment itself. Hydraulic power generators offer an alternative: harvesting the kinetic energy of pipeline flow to generate the DC power needed to run telemetry units, pressure loggers, water quality sensors and communication equipment.

The hydraulic power generator (HPG) is installed in the pipeline in place of a short pipe spool. As water flows through the unit, a small turbine converts the kinetic energy of the flow into rotational mechanical energy which drives a generator producing a regulated DC output. The device requires no external power connection, no battery maintenance and no solar panel installation. As long as water is flowing through the pipeline, the HPG generates power continuously.

The IHPG (Inline Hydraulic Power Generator) and MHPG (Modular Hydraulic Power Generator) cover the main range of flow and pressure conditions found in water distribution and irrigation networks. The Type III generator produces an adjustable output of 0.5 to 30V DC with an IP67-rated enclosure suitable for permanent installation in flooded or wet chambers. Output power is sufficient to run modern low-power telemetry modules, pressure transmitters and electrochemical water quality sensors.

Pipeline head loss across the HPG is typically modest and can be factored into the hydraulic design of the network. Where head loss is a constraint, the generator can be sized to draw less energy from the flow, accepting a lower power output in exchange for reduced pressure drop. AFC Valves Europe can provide head loss data and power output curves for specific flow conditions to support hydraulic design calculations.

Applications include rural water distribution networks in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Eastern Europe where grid connection costs are prohibitive; irrigation distribution networks in Southern Europe where solar power is impractical in shaded or underground locations; and transmission main monitoring points where telemetry is required but site access for battery replacement is difficult or infrequent.

Hydraulic power generators are supplied with flanged connections to EN 1092-1 and are available in sizes to suit the pipe diameter and flow range of the installation. We supply full technical documentation including power output curves, installation drawings and SCADA interface specifications.