Novel, induced flow, centrifugal water pumping system for off grid application

摘要

Water provision in rural areas represents a significant challenge, especially within the context of resource and sanitation in developing countries. High set-up costs, lack of installation expertise and reliability issues, arising from fluctuating operational conditions, have prevented many people from receiving the full benefit of automated pumping systems. The specific aim of this thesis is to assess the feasibility of using a tunable, induced flow subsystem as a means of optimising the power utilization and performance of a centrifugal pump over a wider range of operating conditions than typically expected. More generally, the research presented is undertaken to reduce the high implementation costs and localised limitations of rural water pumps by developing the theory towards a ‘’one-size-fits-all’’ pumping system. The theoretical analysis of an induced flow centrifugal pumping system is presented, coupled with the analogous electrical system. The results of simulations performed using both systems are compared to experimental results, obtained using an induced flow subsystem (IFS) test rig constructed at the University of Liverpool. All sets of results demonstrate consistent IFS characteristics, identifying its capability to maintain maximum power point (MPP) operation of the centrifugal pump irrespective of load. Further, the experimental results reveal a boost in output pressure which enables the pump to achieve an improved hydraulic power and increased operating range over the same system without an IFS. It is concluded that, through the addition of an IFS, the performance of a centrifugal pump may be decoupled from its operating head, expanding its range of serviceable conditions and demonstrating potential to develop a ‘’one-size-fits-all’’ system. Ultimately, this could offer a cheaper and more reliable supply of a resource which is vital to life in any rural location: clean water.