Lucidpipe Power System

Introduction

Lucidcide Power System is based on the generation of clean power from drinking water pipeline projects. It is comparatively clean, simple, reliable and efficient technique of power generation. The LucidPipe Power System generates environment-friendly hydropower with no impact on water delivery. Water from snow and rainfall fills remote reservoirs, feeding pipelines that move water to the point-of-use. As the water flows downhill, gravity creates pressure in the pipeline that is normally relieved by pressure-reducing valves and hence conversion of such pressure into Electricity is how power is generated.

The LucidPipe Power System is “invisible” that is, it does not affect water delivery. 

 

History 

LPS Concept was first Initiated in 2007, with open water project (Canal). Later In 2009, US Department awarded Lucid Energy as phase one SBIR. Also There are other projects on LPS . 1*42” lucid Pipe with single turbine was installed at Riverside Public Utilities, California . Moreover 2*42” Lucid Pipe was constructed in Portland drinking water Supply in Portland  

Working Principle

The main principle behind Lucidpipe Power System is conversion of excess pressure in drinking water pipelines into Electricity. The water inside the feeding or irrigation pipelines is generally under high pressure.The LPS can be placed in-line in the pipes of a water transmission network, and can generate electricity from excess pressure in the pipeline, reducing the work done by pressure-reducing valves.

spherical turbines are installed inside large-diameter (24” – 60”) gravity-fed water transmission pipelines. The turbines spin as water passes through them, converting excess head pressure into electricity. Multiple turbines can be mounted in series, one after the other, to maximize energy output. 

Parts of LPS

1. Drinking water pipelines: These pipelines are those where the proposed Lucidpipe Power System is to be installed. These pipelines shall be specific and equipped (as shown) of different diameters and designed for variable pressure. The design which creates larger pressure is preferred. specially for LPS , the pipelines having larger diameter are suitable.

2. Turbines: The pipelines contain turbines inside them. The turbines can harvest energy from large water lines. The turbine spin perpendicular to the flow direction .The lift based spherical turbines operate with minimal disruption to the flow making them nearly invisible in the pipeline.The turbines used are manufactured from composite and stainless steel. And the turbines can withstand maximum pressure of 120 psi (for 42” turbine). The maximum withstanding pressure may vary according to size of turbine or pipelines.Up to four turbines can be installed in a standard 40-foot section of pipe. The pressure can be extracted by the turbines to create electricity.

3.Generator: It is attached along with the pipe which converts mechanical work into electrical energy. It can be aligned either vertically or horizontally or as per need. Finally electrical energy is generated by the help of generator converting mechanical work into it.

4.Distribution system: The system is simpler and easier similar to existing system for micro hydropower project. The power generated can be added to the existing system grid or distribution system. As well off-grid manageable.

Advantages of LPS

• Lucidpipe Power System is more or less beneficial than other means.
• The conditions needed to create electricity through such system are much more stable and predictable .
• Most of it’s parts are highly controllable and there is no disturbance in supply while maintanence. Also there is no concern of disrupting wildlife inside a water utility pipe. 
• Moreover it has the option to use the power to offset their own energy usage.
• Lucidpipe System has very high life of generation of power (i.e. till the water flows continue) and the generation is weather independent .
• It can be called economic because approximate cost is about $0.05 to $0.07 per kilowatt hour which is economical. Lucidpipe Power System would be effective means of power generation in the near future.

Drawbacks of LPS

• Too much particulate matter causing the  seals on the pipes to wear out prematurely, 
• No possibility of power generation if there is not sufficient pressure inside pipe and size of pipeline must be appropriate(24” to 60” diameter) 

In conclusion we can discuss that Lucidpipe Power System can be more reliable and economic means of power generation. Lucidpipe Power System would be effective means of power generation in the near future.