What is Rentricity’s In-Pipe Hydropower Project?
Rentricity’s In-Pipe Hydropower project is all about turning the pressure inside water mains into clean, renewable energy. Since 2012, this innovative system—called Flow-to-Wire™—has been empowering water operators by capturing excess pressure within water infrastructure and converting it into electricity. Imagine tapping into the hidden energy flowing through city water pipes, agricultural irrigation systems, industrial operations, and wastewater facilities. That’s exactly what Rentricity does, offering a smart, sustainable solution that not only reduces energy costs but also supports a greener water grid infrastructure. Based in New York City, Rentricity designs and installs these unique energy recovery systems that generate between 30 and 350 kW of clean power, which can then be sold back to the grid. It’s a win-win: reliable, clean electricity and an additional revenue stream for water operators.
Main Benefits of Rentricity’s Flow-to-Wire™ System
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key figures and facts that make this project stand out:
- Power output ranges from 30 to 350 kW per system
- Over 22 turbine models available, covering 5 to 350 kW capacities
- Exclusive provider of NSF 61/372 certified reverse pump-as-turbines
- Applications span city water authorities, agricultural irrigation, industrial operations, and wastewater facilities
- Projects include multi-turbine setups and net-zero energy water treatment plants
- Systems designed for seamless integration with utility-grade equipment and UL/IEEE-compliant controls
- Guaranteed access to additional revenue streams and offsetting rising electricity rates
Applications Across Diverse Water Systems
Rentricity’s technology isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s designed to fit a wide range of water-related operations. For city and water authorities, it works with mandated releases, treatment plants, and distribution infrastructure like storage reservoirs and flow control turnouts. In agriculture, it supports large irrigation operations moving towards solid pipe infrastructure and gravity-fed center pivot systems. Industrial operations in food & beverage, mining, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors benefit from flow and pressure-controlled infrastructure. Even wastewater facilities with solid pipe outfalls can harness this technology. Plus, Rentricity is pushing the envelope with innovations in data center cooling, point-of-use hydrogen, and microgrid integration. Pretty impressive, right?
Unique Turbines and Control Systems
At the heart of Rentricity’s project are their regenerative hydro turbines™—over 22 models ranging from 5 to 350 kW. These turbines are integrated with unique, certified, utility-grade equipment to ensure smooth, reliable operation. What’s more, Rentricity is the sole source for NSF 61/372 certified reverse pump-as-turbines, a big deal for water quality assurance. Their Sustainable Energy Management System (SEMS) includes UL/IEEE-compliant control valves and panels, designed to protect normal operational pressure requirements while maximizing energy recovery. The entire setup is engineered for transparency and protection, making sure the water system runs as it should, even while generating power.
Featured Projects Showcasing Real-World Impact
Rentricity’s technology has been proven in a variety of real-world settings. For example:
- Flow Control Vault, Halifax, Nova Scotia: 2.4 MGD flow, ~40 PSI pressure, 32 kW output, started up in 2014 with a vertical turbine installation.
- Water Treatment Plant, Keene, NH: 700-1200 gpm flow, ~75 PSI pressure, 62 kW output, net-metered, multi-turbine setup achieving net-zero energy since 2012.
- Irrigation System, Richmond, UT: 2-12 MGD flow, 175-250 feet pressure, 360 kW output, net-metered, 8,000-acre multi-site with 3 turbines, operational since 2016.
- Above Ground Regulator Station, Anchorage, AK: 4-5 MGD flow, ~35 PSI pressure, 45 kW output, net-metered with NSF 61/372 certification, started in 2021.
These projects highlight how adaptable and effective Rentricity’s solutions are across different environments and scales.
Environmental and Sustainable Development Impact
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Enhances water infrastructure efficiency and sustainability
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Generates renewable electricity from existing water systems
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Promotes innovative energy recovery technologies
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Supports smart, sustainable urban water grids
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reduces carbon footprint by offsetting fossil fuel-based electricity
Project Development and Support
Rentricity doesn’t just drop off turbines and walk away. Their project development process covers everything from initial assessment through design, start-up, and training. This hands-on approach ensures that each installation runs smoothly and operators are fully equipped to manage the system. The company’s commitment to quality and support means that water operators can confidently integrate these energy recovery solutions into their existing infrastructure without disrupting normal operations. It’s about making clean energy generation as seamless and reliable as possible—because, at the end of the day, clean water and clean energy go hand in hand.
