Simulink/MATLAB Model for Assessing the Use of a Centrifugal Pump as a Hydraulic Turbine

A centrifugal pump used as a hydraulic turbine in producing power for a microhydropower system is multifaceted. Centrifugal pumps are far more ubiquitous than turbines in the turbomachinery market, therefore being more readily available to the consumer. Additionally, they are cheaper. Hydraulic turbines undergo rigorous CFD simulation design and testing to establish their blade geometries and ranges of operation. This results in a refined but very expensive final product. Centrifugal pumps are thus presented as a logical alternative seeing that they can physically perform the same task as a hydropower turbine albeit at a reduced efficiency. This paper presents the results of an analysis and simulation to assess the use of a centrifugal pump as a hydraulic turbine.