Modelling of micro-hydropower turbine integration into the inlet pipe of a clean water tank: a case study of the Mbeya Urban Water and Sanitation Authority, Mbeya-UWSA

Abstract This study investigates the feasibility of integrating a micro-hydropower unit within the inlet pipe of a clean water storage tank to enable energy recovery in urban water supply networks. The Swaya water pumping centre operated by the Mbeya Urban Water and Sanitation Authority (Mbeya-UWSA), Tanzania, was used as a case study. Field measurements, hydraulic analysis, electrical load assessment, and dynamic modelling in MATLAB/Simulink were employed to evaluate system performance under realistic operating conditions. The available flow and head conditions indicate sufficient hydraulic potential to support low-head power generation suitable for auxiliary loads such as lighting, control systems, and small treatment motors. Simulation results demonstrate stable voltage and frequency regulation, effective transient response, and reliable power delivery without compromising water supply performance. Annual energy recovery analysis indicates substantial electricity cost savings, highlighting the economic viability of the proposed system. The findings indicate that integrating micro-hydropower turbines into clean water tank inlet pipes may be technically feasible and economically promising. However, field implementation and experimental validation are required before wider replication in similar urban water supply networks can be confirmed.