Zeropex has developed the Difgen, a patented micro-hydro generator, sold to water companies, that fits into the water distribution network and converts excess pressure into electricity. The Difgen acts like a pressure-reducing valve, but controls pressure and flow through a rotary lobe turbine linked to a generator; this in turn is controlled through a variable frequency drive. Electricity is generated and converted to suitable frequency and voltage, whilst the utility has better control of pressure to reduce leakage. The electricity is either renewable energy, when under a natural flow, or recovered energy, when a pumped flow. A typical Water Utility can reduce its energy bill by up to 20% once a network of Difgens is installed.
The DIFGEN qualifies as: water efficiency, leakage management, energy efficiency, energy conservation, distributed energy, in-conduit hydro, micro hydro, renewable energy, alternative energy, regenerative energy, clean energy, carbon credit reduction, and clean tech