2026-04-13T02:48:17Zhttps://recercat.cat/oai/requestoai:recercat.cat:10256/204352024-06-14T08:53:35Zcom_2072_452955com_2072_2054col_2072_453061
RECERCAT
author
Quaranta, Emanuele
author
Pujol i Sagaró, Toni
author
Grano, Maria Carmela
2024-06-14T08:53:35Z
2024-06-14T08:53:35Z
2021-08-17
http://hdl.handle.net/10256/20435
Purpose – The paper presents a techno-economic analysis of the electromechanical equipment of traditional
vertical axis water mills (VAWMs) to help investors, mill owners and engineers to preliminary estimate related
benefits and costs of a VAWM repowering.
Design/methodology/approach – Two sustainable repowering solutions were examined with the
additional aim to preserve the original status and aesthetics of a VAWM: the use of a vertical axis water
wheel (VAWW) and a vertical axis impulse turbine. The analysis was applied to a database of 714 VAWMs in
Basilicata (Italy), with known head and flow.
Findings – Expeditious equations were proposed for both solutions to determine: (1) a suitable diameter as a
function of the flow rate; (2) the costs of the electromechanical equipment; (3) achievable power. The common
operating hydraulic range of a VAWM (head and flow) was also identified. Reality checks on the obtained
results are shown, in particular by examining two Spanish case studies and the available literature. The power
generated by the impulse turbine (Turgo type) is twice that of a VAWW, but it is one order of magnitude more
expensive. Therefore, the impulse turbine should be used for higher power requirements (>3 kW), or when the
electricity is delivered to the grid, maximizing the long-term profit.
Originality/value – Since there is not enough evidence about the achievable performance and cost of a
VAWM repowering, this work provides expeditious tools for their evaluation
Attribution 4.0 International http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Molins hidràulics
Water mills
The repowering of vertical axis water mills preserving their cultural heritage: techno-economic analysis with water wheels and Turgo turbines
info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion peer-reviewed