The practical application of a hydraulic power recovery turbine at the Valdez Marine Terminal

Abstract

A hydraulic power recovery turbine (HPRT) is a machine designed to capture energy from the pressure differential of a fluid. The HPRT recovers energy that would otherwise be lost to entropy in flowing fluid processes. When the shaft of the HPRT is coupled to an electric generator, the electricity produced can be employed for practical purposes. At the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) in Valdez, favorable hydraulic conditions and electrical infrastructure exists for the application of an HPRT to generate significant power. This project will study the practical application of an HPRT as a source of clean, reliable electricity to the VMT. Installation of an HPRT has the potential to reduce diesel consumption and emissions of air pollutants at the VMT.