The E-Power Pipe Method: Trenchless Pipeline Installation
The E-Power Pipe method, developed by Herrenknecht AG, is a trenchless technology designed for the installation of small-diameter product pipes at shallow depths over long distances, up to 2 kilometers . This method is particularly useful for laying underground cables, gas pipelines, district heating systems, and hydrogen transport pipes with minimal disruption to the surface .
Key Benefits of E-Power Pipe Technology
- Speed and Precision: The two-stage process allows for the quick, safe, and precise installation of pipes, even in challenging ground conditions .
- Minimal Environmental Impact: The method is environmentally friendly, as it requires minimal earthmoving and avoids heavy equipment between launch and target pits, reducing noise, emissions, and damage to the landscape .
- Versatility: It can install both pressure-resistant and non-pressure-resistant product pipes, accommodating various materials like HDPE .
- Crossing Obstacles: The system can safely cross under existing infrastructure such as roads, railways, rivers, and other pipelines with high precision .
- Remote Control: The tunnel boring machine (TBM) is fully remote-controlled, enhancing safety and efficiency .
The Two-Stage Installation Process
The E-Power Pipe method integrates aspects of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and pipe jacking (microtunnelling) technologies .
| Stage | Process | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Boring | A jacking frame in the launch pit pushes a special tunnel boring machine (AVNS350XB) and reusable steel jacking pipes through the ground along the planned alignment. | – Jacking frame – Tunnel boring machine (TBM) – Reusable steel jacking pipes |
| Stage 2: Pulling | In the target pit, a pulling head is attached to the jacking pipe string. The prefabricated product pipe is connected to this pulling head and is pulled back into the borehole by the jacking frame. The annular gap is grouted for permanent support. | – Pulling head – Prefabricated product pipe – Grouting system |
Applications and Success
The E-Power Pipe method has been successfully used in major projects like the SuedLink, a 700 km underground DC power cable in Germany, and various grid expansion projects in Germany . It has demonstrated high performance, with pilot projects achieving daily best performances of 184 meters during tunnelling and 266 meters when pulling in the protective pipe .
Power from Water Pipes: Harnessing Urban Hydropower
A different application of “power pipe” technology involves generating renewable electricity from the pressure in existing water distribution pipelines. This concept, often referred to as “Pipeline Power” or “Urban Hydropower,” taps into the hydraulic energy in water systems to produce clean, low-cost electricity .
How It Works
- Miniaturized Turbines: A compact turbine-generator unit is installed in a water pipeline, typically replacing a standard pressure regulator valve .
- Energy Generation: As water flows through the pipeline, it spins the turbine, generating electricity. This is a form of micro-hydro power on a much smaller scale than traditional dams .
- Grid Integration: The generated power can be fed into the local electricity grid, offsetting the energy costs of the utility company or other large water users .
Benefits and Potential
- Cost-Effective: The technology can generate significant amounts of power, with one pilot project producing about six times as much power as a solar panel system in the same space .
- Ubiquitous Resource: Water pipelines are widespread in cities, agricultural facilities, and data centers, making this a potentially vast and underutilized energy source .
- Dual Purpose: It serves both to regulate water pressure and to generate electricity, providing a dual benefit from a single installation .
- Financial and Environmental Impact: For utility companies, this can reduce operating costs and help achieve carbon neutrality goals by generating free, low-cost electricity .
Real-World Example
InPipe Energy, a company based in Oregon, has deployed this technology in California. Their pilot project with the East Bay Municipal Utility District has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of generating electricity from water pressure in municipal pipelines . The company projects that this technology could reduce energy costs by 10 to 15% for large energy users .
Conclusion
Electric power pipe technology encompasses two distinct but equally innovative approaches. The E-Power Pipe method revolutionizes infrastructure by enabling the trenchless installation of essential utility lines, offering a faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional open-cut methods. On the other hand, the concept of generating power from water pipes taps into an existing and ubiquitous resource to create a new, decentralized source of renewable energy. Both technologies are poised to play significant roles in the future of sustainable infrastructure and energy production.
