Primstal overpass with PAT system
The height difference of 190 meters between the Hattgenstein moated castle (height 620m) and the treatment plant (height 430m) results in a water pressure of 19 bar. The treatment system is designed for a pressure of 6 bar, which means that the pressure must be technically reduced again before the raw water is transferred to the waterworks. This pressure reduction is achieved through the use of a "Pump-As-Turbine" (PAT) system, among other things
implemented. This PAT system generates 180 kW / h of electricity. This corresponds to an electricity generation of around 1.5 million kWh per year. Part of the electricity is used to operate the processing plant, the surplus is fed into the regional power grid. As an example, a family household with 4 people consumes approx. 4000 kWh per year. For example, 375 households can be supplied with electricity through the power generation of the PAT system. In order to guarantee the drinking water supply in the district of Birkenfeld during the renovation phase of the Steinbachtalsperre, a new, around 32 km long, raw water connection line was laid from the Primstalsperre in Nonnweiler to the Steinbachtalsperre. The water is pumped from the Primstalsperre to the high point of Hattgenstein and then flows freely downhill to the waterworks at the Steinbachtalsperre. Even after the renovation, water from the Primstalsperre can be discharged into the Steinbachtalsperre if necessary.