Customer FAQs
Discover answers to frequently asked questions about HydroXS and its features.
General Introduction & Technology Basics
- What is the HydroXS?
- Who is the HydroXS designed for?
- How does the HydroXS work?
- What makes the HydroXS different from traditional Control Valves?
- Does the HydroXS affect water quality?
- Does the HydroXS change the flow of the water?
- Can I use more than one HydroXS to maximize energy generated?
- What are the differences between your technology and existing in-conduit technologies?
- What are the regulatory requirements for doing energy recovery with the HydroXS?
- Is the HydroXS safe and reliable?
- Does InPipe have partners?
Industries We Serve:
Municipal & Utility Applications
- How does the HydroXS help reduce non-revenue water (NRW)?
- Can the HydroXS reduce long-term infrastructure costs?
- What operational data does the HydroXS provide?
- How does the HydroXS extend the lifespan of pipes and valves?
- Can the HydroXS be installed at multiple regulating stations across a city network?
- How do utilities use the HydroXS to meet regulatory and sustainability mandates?
Hydropower & Large-Scale Water Systems
- Can the HydroXS complement existing hydropower dams?
- Where does the HydroXS provide a benefit for conventional hydropower?
- Can the HydroXS boost total output at existing hydro facilities?
- How does the HydroXS capture energy from flows too small for big hydro?
- How does the HydroXS lower environmental and permitting barriers?
Semiconductor, Data Centers & Water-Intensive Industries
- How does the HydroXS increase energy efficiency in fabs?
- How does the HydroXS reduce operational risks in fabs?
- Can The HydroXS integrate with ultra-pure and process water systems?
- How does the HydroXS reduce your carbon footprint?
- How does the HydroXS align with semiconductor ESG reporting?
- Can the HydroXS improve resilience against grid disruptions?
Agriculture & Irrigation
- How does the HydroXS benefit irrigation systems?
- Can The HydroXS stabilize pressure and generate power at the same time?
- Does the HydroXS qualify for agricultural sustainability programs?
- How can the HydroXS help offset rising farm energy costs?
- Is the HydroXS suitable for groundwater and surface water systems?
- Can the HydroXS power on-site farm equipment or pair with solar and storage?
Energy Generation & Carbon Reduction
Carbon Reduction & Net Zero Objectives
Deployment & Integration
- How is the HydroXS installed?
- What comes included with a the HydroXS system?
- How long does a the HydroXS project take from start to finish?
- Does the HydroXS integrate with existing control systems?
- What is the process for evaluating a HydroXS energy recovery project?
Performance & Reliability
- What is the expected lifespan of the HydroXS?
- How reliable is the HydroXS compared to a standard PRV?
- Has the HydroXS been proven in real-world installations?
- What operations and maintenance do the HydroXS require?
- Does The HydroXS provide ongoing performance monitoring?
Funding, ROI & Incentives
- What incentives are available for the HydroXS projects?
- What is the payback period for the HydroXS?
- How does the HydroXS impact operating costs?
- Does the HydroXS create new revenue streams?
Customer Proof & Case Studies
- Where is the HydroXS being used?
- How have other utilities and industries responded to the HydroXS?
- Is the HydroXS scalable beyond the U.S.?
- Where can I learn more about The HydroXS success stories?
General Introduction & Technology Basics
- What is the HydroXS?
InPipe Energy’s HydroXS is a patented, modular in-conduit energy recovery system that precisely manages flowing water in pipelines while generating clean, renewable electricity anywhere water is flowing under pressure in pipelines. The HydroXS is a patented, modular, micro-hydroelectric energy recovery system that replicates the functionality of a control valve but instead of wasting pressure, it generates electricity while decarbonizing water systems. This is a source of energy that is predictable, consistent, low cost and dispatchable. It can also connect to storage for longer term disruptions. - Who is the HydroXS designed for?
The HydroXS is designed for the largest operators of water in pipelines. These industries are municipal water utilities, hydropower dams, wastewater plants, agricultural facilities, mines, industrial water users and data centers. - How does the HydroXS work?
The HydroXS is typically installed in a bypass co-located with a control valve in an existing water pipeline. The HydroXS is a modular and turnkey includes a hydroelectric turbine, generator to efficiently generate electricity, a smart controls system to monitor the flow and pressure in the pipeline and integrated into SCADA and a grid panel. As water flows, the HydroXS converts the flow and pressure into carbon free electricity — all without any disruption to water delivery. - What makes the HydroXS different from traditional Control Valves?
Conventional control valves (PRVs, Ball Valves, Altitude Valves, Flow Control Valves) use a mechanical mechanism, a diaphragm, to manage pressure. They essentially burn off pressure through friction and, essentially wasting potential energy.The HydroXS uses a turbine integrated with a control. This way, water flow and pressure are still managed precisely but instead of wasting pressure, electricity is produced without impacting the delivery of water. Unlike a control valve, the HydroXS also has a smart control system that provides real-time operational data, and extends asset life. - Does the HydroXS affect water quality?
No. The HydroXS does not impact water quality or flow. - Does the HydroXS change the flow of the water?
No. The HydroXS does not change the flow of the water. The HydroXS acts just like a control valve taking out excess pressure without impacting flow rate. It manages pressure precisely and adds critical data for operators. It is valuable to reduce non-revenue water adding advanced water loss control elements. - Can I use more than one HydroXS to maximize energy generated?
Yes, the HydroXS is modular and scalable; based on the hydraulics, multiple HydroXS units can be used to increase the impact and maximize energy generation from a pipeline. - What are the differences between your technology and existing in-conduit technologies?
The HydroXS is a patented, modular, scalable, turnkey energy recovery system which makes it optimal for many different piping sizes and pressure zones. Unlike the HydroXS, other in-conduit energy recovery solutions are one-offs and customized, very complex and very expensive. For smaller projects, customization can be a project deal killer. - What are the regulatory requirements for doing energy recovery with the HydroXS?
The HydroXS qualifies for the FERC conduit exemption. This is a straight forward process whereby notification that includes a description of the project and its impact is submitted as a notification of the project. Some States also have regulatory requirements for doing energy generation projects. - Is the HydroXS safe and reliable?
InPipe has several HydroXS projects up and running with over 10 years of operating experience and 99+% availability. - Does InPipe have partners?
Yes, we have a strong relationship with Grundfos, Cla-Val and Allen-Bradley. We have collaborated to develop variable speed capability so that we can generate up to 60% more electricity than conventional turbines because flow is not always consistent.
Industries We Serve
Municipal & Utility Applications
- How does the HydroXS help reduce non-revenue water (NRW)?
The HydroXS has a smart control system combined with a control valve to precisely manage pressure and flow. Studies have shown that up 60% water savings can be achieved by using a smart control system and a new control valve. The HydroXS reduces the impact of transients and pipe stress that causes leaks and bursts — the leading drivers of NRW. - Can the HydroXS reduce long-term infrastructure costs?
Yes. Because the HydroXS integrates into an existing pipeline. The HydroXS’ state of the art pressure management, becomes the main way flow and pressure are managed, extending old infrastructure and pipe life and lowering the need for costly emergency repairs and replacements. It is also your insurance policy that water operations will not be disrupted in the event the old control valve fails ensuring water will flow to your customers or throughout your facility. - What operational data does the HydroXS provide?
The HydroXS provides real-time operational data to operators: pressure, flow, HydroXS energy produced and carbon removed. All data is documented in real-time providing critical advanced warning of small leaks before they become bursts. - How does the HydroXS extend the lifespan of pipes and valves?
By eliminating unseen pressure spikes, the HydroXS reduces wear and tear on pipes and valves, extending their lifespan and lowering replacement costs. - Can the HydroXS be installed at multiple regulating stations across a city network?
Yes. The HydroXS is designed to be deployed throughout a service area or facility to increase the impact: reducing operating costs, carbon emissions, saving water and extending the life of infrastructure. - How do utilities use the HydroXS to meet regulatory and sustainability mandates?
By recovering wasted pressure, the HydroXS generates renewable energy, reduces water loss, and improves efficiency, sustainability and resilience. The HydroXS helps water intensive industries meet water, energy and sustainability requirements by tracking data and impact while supporting the data requirements of regulators.
Hydropower & Large-Scale Water Systems
- Can the HydroXS complement existing hydropower dams?
Yes. The HydroXS can be deployed in-line, in bypasses, spillways, or outlets to recover additional energy.The HydroXS installs directly in pipelines with minimal permitting, land, or infrastructure requirements, without disruption to the existing hydropower plant. The power the HydroXS produces, increases the output of the hydroelectric dam. - Where does the HydroXS provide a benefit for conventional hydropower?
The HydroXS is a modular, turnkey solution. It provides several benefits for existing Hydropower Facilities and non-powered dams:- Lower Cost – No pump house required,
- Increased Predictability – the HydroXS is based on a standardized platform so that its performance, reliability operation are predictable and reliable compared to custom solutions.
- More Revenue – The HydroXS operates in lower flows than existing facilities and can supplement energy generation, often enable year-round energy production.
- Can the HydroXS boost total output at existing hydro facilities?
Yes. Because the HydroXS recovers energy from release flows, it adds incremental energy generation - How does the HydroXS capture energy from flows too small for big hydro?
The HydroXS’ patented variable flow turbine adapts to changing flows. Unlike big hydro systems that require constant flow rate, the HydroXS adapts to changing flows and pressure to maximize energy generated efficiently generate energy. - How does the HydroXS lower environmental and permitting barriers?
By using existing pipelines, the HydroXS avoids major habitat disruption, fish passage concerns, and environmental long licensing processes. Typically, a FERC Conduit exemption is all that’s needed to permit a HydroXS project.
Semiconductor, Data Centers & Water-Intensive Industries
- How does the HydroXS increase energy efficiency in fabs?
Because the HydroXS converts wasted pressure into clean power, it lowers energy costs, without disrupting operations, while maintaining precise water conditions critical for production. - How does the HydroXS reduce operational risks in fabs?
The HydroXS stabilizes pressure and generates local backup power, lowering risks of water or energy interruptions in mission-critical facilities. - Can The HydroXS integrate with ultra-pure and process water systems?
Yes. The HydroXS can be installed in bypass lines without compromising water quality or purity. - How does the HydroXS reduce your carbon footprint? for The HydroXS offsets grid electricity with on-site renewable power, reducing CO₂ emissions per wafer and supporting industry climate targets.
- How does the HydroXS align with semiconductor ESG reporting?
The HydroXS provides verifiable data on clean energy generation and carbon savings, strengthening ESG and CDP disclosures. - Can the HydroXS improve resilience against grid disruptions?
Yes. The HydroXS provides distributed, on-site renewable power — a critical safeguard for fabs because unplanned downtime impacts the bottom line.
Agriculture & Irrigation
- How does the HydroXS benefit irrigation systems?
The HydroXS stabilizes water pressure while generating renewable power, lowering operating costs for farmers. - Can The HydroXS stabilize pressure and generate power at the same time?
Yes. The HydroXS functions as a PRV, protecting irrigation systems while producing clean electricity. - Does the HydroXS qualify for agricultural sustainability programs?
Yes. The HydroXS projects may qualify for USDA funding, state incentives, and federal clean energy programs. - How can the HydroXS help offset rising farm energy costs?
By producing continuous baseload power from irrigation flows, the HydroXS cuts reliance on increasingly expensive grid energy. - Is the HydroXS suitable for groundwater and surface water systems?
Yes. The HydroXS can be used in well-fed, canal-fed, or pressurized irrigation systems. - Can the HydroXS power on-site farm equipment or pair with solar and storage?
Yes. The HydroXS can directly support pumps, lighting, or cold storage and integrate with solar and batteries for hybrid farm systems.
Energy Generation
- How much power can the HydroXS generate?
Depending on flow and pressure, HydroXS units range from ~20 kW to over 2 MW each in pipe sizes ranging from 4 to 110 inches. - Can the HydroXS connect to the grid?
Yes. The HydroXS is net metered usually. It connects to the grid like distributed solar or can be configured in a microgrid or off grid
Carbon Reduction & Net Zero Objectives
- How does the HydroXS support carbon reduction and ESG goals?
Every kWh of energy produced by the HydroXS is clean, renewable and low-cost offsetting grid electricity. An independent 3rd party climate impact report from Boundless Energy states that if the HydroXS were fully deployed globally, 1.75 giga tonnes of CO2e could be removed from the planet per year, which is the equivalent to avoiding driving 4,300 billion miles. The HydroXS system operating in Hillsboro OR alone offsets 162,000 lbs. of CO₂ annually. The report further concluded that InPipe Energy has the lowest costing electricity and emits 35 times less greenhouse gasses (kgCO2E /kWh) when compared to similar renewables using commonly applied social and environmental impact metrics.
Deployment & Integration
- How is the HydroXS installed?
The HydroXS installs in a bypass, flange-to-flange typically co-located with an existing control valve. Installation is quick, non-disruptive with minimal permitting. - What comes included with a the HydroXS system?
The HydroXS system is comprised of everything required for a water to wire energy recovery system. A control valve, turbine, generator, protective enclosure, control panel, grid tie-in, flow and pressure sensors are all integrated together to efficiently generate electricity and provide data in real-time 24/7, SCADA integration and a digital dashboard. - How long does a the HydroXS project take from start to finish?
From feasibility study to commissioning, while site specific, most HydroXS projects takes less than a year. - Does the HydroXS integrate with existing control systems?
Yes. The HydroXS integrates with SCADA for system wide management and control. - What is the process for evaluating a HydroXS energy recovery project?
The information we need is:- Hourly: flow, upstream pressure, and downstream pressure. (Preferably for 3 years)
- Pipe diameter and material
- Description of the water quality (drinking water, raw water, corrosive, etc.)
- Site location
- As-built drawings
Performance & Reliability
- What is the expected lifespan of the HydroXS?
The HydroXS is designed for a 30-year lifespan. It should operate efficient for longer as long as scheduled maintenance guidelines are followed. - How reliable is the HydroXS compared to a standard PRV?
The HydroXS is as reliable as industry approved control valves from leading manufacturers like Cla-Val, Mueller and Val-Matic. - Has the HydroXS been proven in real-world installations?
Yes. The HydroXS has been successfully deployed in Oregon, Washington, California and Colorado with new projects expanding internationally. - What operations and maintenance do the HydroXS require?
Minimal because the HydroXS systems are designed for maximum reliability. Maintenance schedules and procedures mirror those of all of your PRVs. InPipe provides training and long-term support. - Does The HydroXS provide ongoing performance monitoring?
Yes. The HydroXS provides a digital dashboard that tracks pressure, flow, energy output, and CO₂ emissions reduction in real time.
Funding, ROI & Incentives
- What incentives are available for the HydroXS projects?
The HydroXS qualifies for the ITC and PTC tax credits (up to 50%), USDA grants, utility programs, and state funding for renewable energy. - What is the payback period for the HydroXS?
Most HydroXS projects achieve a payback between 2 and 5 years; often faster with incentives. - How does the HydroXS impact operating costs?
The HydroXS lowers electricity costs, reduces pipe repair costs, and requires minimal O&M. - Does the HydroXS create new revenue streams?
Yes. The HydroXS can provide income through net-metering or power sales. Furthermore, just through reducing operating expenses, you could create a new source of funding for conservation programs all derived from increased efficiencies.
Customer Proof & Case Studies
- Where is the HydroXS being used?
The HydroXS has been installed in California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado. Other US and international projects are about to be installed and operational. - How have other utilities and industries responded to the HydroXS?
HydroXS customers are pleased with the results of using this new energy recovery system to manage pressure and flow. Water districts across California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado are using the HydroXS to align with cost savings, energy resilience, and climate goals. - Is the HydroXS scalable beyond the U.S.?
Yes. The first HydroXS international deployment shipped and will be fully operational in Thailand. - Where can I learn more about The HydroXS success stories?
Contact InPipe Energy at [email protected]. Subscribe to follow InPipe Energy on LinkedIn and YouTube. Visit the InPipe Energy website for more technical information and to get a free potential energy assessmen.