Journal of Water and Wastewater; Ab va Fazilab (in persian)

Journal of Water and Wastewater; Ab va Fazilab (in persian)

Investigating the Performance of Pump as Turbine for Pressure and Leakage Management of Urban Water Distribution Network Operation Using Modeling Approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mehrtash Eskandaripour 1
Ramtin Moeini 2
Ali Dehnavi 3
1 PhD. Student in Civil Engineering-Water Resources Management, Civil Engineering and Transportation Faculty, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Assoc. Prof. of Civil Engineering-Water Resources Management, Civil Engineering and Transportation Faculty, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assist. Prof. of Civil Engineering-Water Resources Management, Civil Engineering and Transportation Faculty, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
10.22093/wwj.2026.557753.3528
Abstract
Pressure is one of the most important hydraulic parameters in urban water distribution networks and deviations from the permissible range can lead to increased leakage, reduced equipment lifespan, and energy losses. Although Pressure Reducing Valves are widely used as the most common tools for pressure management, this approach leads to considerable energy dissipation. In recent years, the use of Pumps As Turbines as an alternative or complementary elements compared to PRVs particularly in networks with significant differences in elevation and excess head. However, most previous studies either have focused primarily on energy generation or have not comprehensively investigated the hydraulic impacts of PATs based on Pressure Driven Analysis. In this study, the performance of PATs and PRVs in terms of pressure management, leakage, and energy recovery is comparatively investigated for the Baharestan WDS in Isfahan Province using PDA and a 24-hour Extended Period Simulation. The network was modeled considering three scenarios including, without valve, with PRV, and with replacement of PRVs by PATs. The results showed that PRV installation reduced the average network pressure from 51.11 to 35.91 m and decreased the average leakage from 64.65 to 44.26 L/s. However, replacing PRVs with PATs resulted in smaller reductions in pressure and leakage (average pressure of 45.03 m and leakage of 59.56 L/s) compared to PRVs, but enabled energy recovery of 73.28 kW during the 24-hour EPS. Overall, the results indicate that PRVs are more effective in pressure control and leakage reduction, whereas PATs, while maintaining hydraulic stability, offer substantial potential for recovering dissipated energy. These results suggest that PATs should not be considered a complete replacement for PRVs, but rather a complementary option to support informed decision-making in pressure and energy management of UWDN.
Keywords
Pressure Management
Pressure-Driven Analysis (PDA)
Energy Recovery
Leakage
Pump As Turbine (PAT)
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)
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Journal of Water and Wastewater; Ab va Fazilab (in persian)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 February 2026