Developing a High Efficiency, Ultra-Low Cost Zero-Carbon Pump

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Around 10% of the world's generated electricity is consumed in pumping fluids. Water distribution accounts for the majority of this power requirement. Currently, we rely on electric and fuel-driven pumps whose capital and operating costs are environmentally and financially detrimental. Hydraulic Ram Pumps (HRPs) can act as some of the most efficient engines in the world (60-70%), and offer a zero-carbon method for pumping water to help solve this problem.Hydraulic Ram Pumps concentrate the power of running water by cyclically starting and stopping the flow, generating pressure waves. These pressure waves are captured in a pressure chamber and their energy is used to pump a portion of the water uphill. This means that the pumps require no electricity or fuel to operate, making them one of the greenest forms of water management. The force of the pressure waves used to power the system means the pump has to be composed of very durable material. Carbon steel or cast iron is traditionally used, but this makes the pump expensive to manufacture (the RRP of an HRP with a 4" intake pipe \> £6000), slow to produce and difficult to transport. Plastic HRPs have been created but only for the smaller pump sizes (< 2"). The goal of this project is to create a high-efficiency, ultra-low-cost HRP using new manufacturing techniques and composite materials.The Composite HRP is designed to be easily scaled (from 2" to 12") which, when combined with HydroHammer's HARP system (an IoT controller for HRPs), will enable its deployment across water management, maximising its decarbonising impact. The first Composite HRP has been successfully created and field trialled. This project will establish and develop the efficiency of the composite design with the ultimate goal of demonstrating a manufacturable 4" HRP with 70% efficiency for under £1000\.This innovation will enable the mass deployment of HRPs to enhance and decarbonise hydroelectric, agricultural, and domestic water supply.