Harvesting energy from pipelines

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of harvesting hydropower from pipelines even though the flow is not continuous. It is suggested that this energy can be stored and used for small devices. However, it is noted that most pipelines are pumped, so adding extra pumping power at the source would be necessary to extract extra energy along the way. The conversation also touches on potential energy and its uses in long distance slow fluid transfer and hydroelectric power generation. Some suggestions are made for potential uses of energy harvesting from pipelines, such as for self-powered flow meters.
  • #1
Pranav_Indian
4
1
why can't we go for harvesting hydropower from the pipelines, eventhough the flow is not continuous we can generate and store it,,, and can use it for small devices..
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Pranav_Indian said:
why can't we go for harvesting hydropower from the pipelines, eventhough the flow is not continuous we can generate and store it,,, and can use it for small devices..
Welcome to the PF.

And where would that extra energy come from that you are extracting along the way in the pipelines...? :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes Pranav_Indian
  • #3
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

And where would that extra energy come from that you are extracting along the way in the pipelines...? :smile:
its the potential energy stored in the tank...
 
  • #4
Pranav_Indian said:
its the potential energy stored in the tank...
Potential energy is only used for long distance slow liquid transfer (like water aqueducts transferring water long distances). Most pipelines are pumped, so you would need to add extra pumping power at the source to give you any excess energy to extract along the way...

http://www.prohim.com.tr/files/cache/431b5a2c9e79b65a44a1957295942aec_f857.jpg
http://www.prohim.com.tr/files/cache/431b5a2c9e79b65a44a1957295942aec_f857.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
berkeman said:
Potential energy is only used for long distance slow liquid transfer (like water aqueducts transferring water long distances). Most pipelines are pumped, so you would need to add extra pumping power at the source to give you any excess energy to extract along the way...

http://www.prohim.com.tr/files/cache/431b5a2c9e79b65a44a1957295942aec_f857.jpg
http://www.prohim.com.tr/files/cache/431b5a2c9e79b65a44a1957295942aec_f857.jpg
potential energy is not only used for long distance slow fluid transfer, what in the case of a dam.. there the fluid at rest have a potential energy and that one is routed to harnish electricity... but there we get a continuous high velocity jet of stream due to the high water head, but in case of a tank head is low, so we will go for small application devices
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #6
Pranav_Indian said:
potential energy is not only used for long distance slow fluid transfer, what in the case of a dam.. there the fluid at rest have a potential energy and that one is routed to harnish electricity... but there we get a continuous high velocity jet of stream due to the high water head, but in case of a tank head is low, so we will go for small application devices
After the dam water has fallen down through the hydroelectric generators, it has lost most its potential energy. The water flow out of hydroelectric dam facilities has very little energy left, and just flows slowly down the river, or is pumped to local water utilities.

There is some energy that can be harvested from tides, and we've had a few threads about that here at the PF. You can find more threads about energy harvesting by doing a PF search. :smile:
 
Last edited:
  • #7
berkeman said:
After the dam water has fallen down through the hydroelectric generators, it has lost most its potential energy. The water flow out of hyddroelectric dam facilities has very little energy left, and just flows slowly down the river, or is pumped to local water utilities.

There is some energy that can be harvested from tides, and we've had a few threads about that here at the PF. You can find more threads about energy harvesting by doing a PF search. :smile:
ok sir... thank you for your wordz...
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
  • #8
Pranav_Indian said:
why can't we go for harvesting hydropower from the pipelines,
You can. [ref]
eventhough the flow is not continuous we can generate and store it,,, and can use it for small devices..
"small devices"?
Is it safe to assume you were thinking of adding a hydroelectric generator to your showerhead?

hmmm... Were you of member of Michio Kaku's forum about 10 years ago?

[someone] 05-12-2007 09:01 AM
Generating Electricity from supplied water
Water is being pumped into our homes constantly...​
[OmCheeto]; Check for leaks!​

Always the comedian...:rolleyes:
 
  • #9
There are cases where harvesting pumping energy would be considered acceptable, such as for a self-powered flow meter (aren't they all?), but I'm not sure that is what the OP had in mind...
 
  • Like
Likes Pranav_Indian and berkeman
  • #10
If you extract energy half way down a pipe there will be less energy available at the end of the pipe. Otherwise I see no problem with the OP.
 
  • Like
Likes Pranav_Indian

Related to Harvesting energy from pipelines

1. How does harvesting energy from pipelines work?

Harvesting energy from pipelines involves using devices called thermoelectric generators (TEGs) to convert the thermal energy from the hot oil or gas inside the pipeline into electricity. The TEGs use temperature differences between the hot fluid and the cooler environment to generate electricity through the Seebeck effect.

2. What are the benefits of harvesting energy from pipelines?

Harvesting energy from pipelines can provide a sustainable and renewable source of electricity without the need for additional infrastructure. It can also reduce the carbon footprint and operating costs of the pipeline by utilizing the excess heat that would otherwise be wasted.

3. Are there any challenges or limitations to harvesting energy from pipelines?

One of the main challenges of harvesting energy from pipelines is the variability in temperature and flow rate of the fluid inside the pipeline, which can affect the efficiency of the TEGs. Additionally, the initial cost of implementing TEGs can be high, and regular maintenance is required to ensure optimal performance.

4. What types of pipelines are suitable for energy harvesting?

Most types of pipelines that transport hot fluids, such as oil, gas, or steam, are suitable for energy harvesting. However, the size and flow rate of the pipeline, as well as the temperature difference between the fluid and the environment, can affect the effectiveness of energy harvesting.

5. Is harvesting energy from pipelines a sustainable practice?

Yes, harvesting energy from pipelines is considered a sustainable practice as it utilizes a renewable energy source and does not produce any emissions. It also helps to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and contributes to the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions.

Similar threads

Why does air have to be compressed first in gas turbines?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
1K
RF Energy Harvesting Simulation
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
831
Is DeLaval Subsonic Effect the Key to Energy Harvesting from Ambient Air?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
11
Views
1K
Pressure drop due to holes in a pipeline?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
10
Views
4K
Methods of rotational energy harvesting and storage
    • Mechanics
Replies
1
Views
985
A Rippling Graphene Harvests Thermal Energy?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
30
Views
2K
Can a piezoelectric create dynamic pressure in oil fluid for energy harvesting?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
2K
Springs: Can they be used to conserve energy?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
670
Which variables determine the exact output of this condensing device?
    • General Engineering
2
Replies
54
Views
3K
B Could the Pistol Shrimp's Energy Event Hold the Key to Cold Fusion?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
2
Views
585

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top