The use of polymeric materials in maintaining pumped hydro storage assets offers several benefits:
- Efficiency Improvement: Polymeric coatings, such as two-part epoxy coatings, can improve pump efficiency by utilizing hydrophobic technology to repel process fluids and reduce turbulent flow. This results in efficiency increases of up to 7% on new equipment and up to 20% on refurbished equipment.
- Erosion and Corrosion Protection: Polymeric systems provide effective erosion and corrosion protection for critical components like turbine runners, bearings, blades, shafts, valves, and penstocks. This helps extend the lifespan of these assets.
- Durability Enhancement: By employing cold-curing polymeric systems, engineers can enhance the durability of these components, ensuring they can withstand the double wear experienced in pumped hydro storage systems.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Implementing polymeric repair solutions can be more cost-effective than replacing entire components, potentially reducing maintenance costs over time.
- Environmental Benefits: The use of polymeric materials supports a greener future by improving the efficiency of pumped hydro storage, which is crucial for meeting net-zero carbon emission targets.
- New Material Development: Innovations in polymeric materials, such as polymer nanocomposites, could lead to more resilient, modular reservoirs and equipment, potentially lowering construction costs and increasing project viability.
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