Ingeniería de Sistemas de Riego y Drenaje

Energy Saving in a Variable-Inclination Archimedes Screw

Abstract

Joaquim Monserrat*, Rubén García Ortiz, Lluis Cots and Javier Barragán

An analysis was undertaken of a new development of Archimedes screw consisting of a variable-inclination screw suitable for applications in which the downstream level may vary (e.g. sea level). As a result the energy consumption when the downstream level is low is less than that of a conventional, fixed Archimedes screw. In addition, investment costs are lower as a result of less expensive civil work being required. Moreover, this screw can also act as a check gate because it has a float at his downstream end. The flow rate for different rotational speeds was measured and a good fit was obtained with a developed graphical model. This paper analyses the operation of an Archimedes screw prototype pump of variable inclination and models its behavior. Its energy consumption is then measured and compared with that of conventional fixed inclination screw pumps