The present paper deals with designing a tool to answer the following research questions:
Which bioenergy potentials occur in different plant types? Which mass and
energy flows are related to the specific potentials? Which utilisation processes for
the potentials can lead to a high energy recovery efficiency of WWTS? Preliminary
analyses with the designed tool were focused on estimating the level of electric and
thermal energy self-sufficiency of different plant configuration scenarios including
or excluding digester gas and/or sludge utilisation units. First results based on the
level of self-sufficiency and associated energy and disposal costs show that a
digester gas and sewage sludge utilisation should be considered when designing
future WWTS.
Resource Theme: Energy
Carbon extraction for energy recovery – Compendium of best practices for advanced primary treatment
In this report the results of literature research and comparison
with data of case studies of full scale enhanced primary treatment units
are shown and compared to each other. Specific indicators for
the comparison are defined followed by identification of available
alternative technologies for primary treatment at municipal
wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
Energy Recovery from the Water Cycle: Thermal Energy from Drinking Water
For a specific case, the effects of cold recovery from drinking water were analyzed on three decisive criteria: the effect on the GHG emissions, the financial implications, and the effect on the microbiological drinking water quality. It is shown that cold recovery from drinking water results in a 90% reduction of GHG emissions, and that it has a positive financial business case: Total Cost of Ownership reduced with 17%. The microbial drinking water quality is not affected, but biofilm formation in the drinking water pipes increased after cold recovery.
Future-oriented Technologies and Concepts for an Energy-efficient and Resource-saving Water Management
This brochure gives an overview on joint research projects of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which initiated the funding measure “Future-oriented Technologies
and Concepts for an Energy-efficient and Resource-saving Water Management” in 2012. Results show that the water-energy-nexus gives the crucial incentive for new energy and resource efficient solutions.
LUCIDPIPE POWER SYSTEM CASE STUDY, Portland, Oregon
This resource is included, even though it refers to a single technology, as it provides interesting insights on the financing model. This technology is available from other vendors.
Factsheet – Microturbines installed in water pipes allow converting the hydraulic potential energy loss resulting from the hydraulic design and the topography into electrical energy.
Resource recovery from wastewater in Austria: wastewater treatment plants as regional energy cells
This paper describes the estimation of total energy consumption and generation and the related degree of energetic self-sufficiency at certain Austrian WWTPs. Preliminary results regarding the development of a tool for evaluating and optimising on-site and externally supplied use of energy are presented. Finally, the possibilities of energy supply for neighbouring spatial structures are discussed briefly and conclusions drawn about the potential to develop WWTPs as regional energy cells.
Guia para la optimización energética en sistemas de tratamiento de agua (Guideline for energy optimization in water treatment systems)
The document is a guideline and tool for water utilities to evaluate, identify and implement measures for reducing the energy consumption in their treatment systems.
Urban water networks as an alternative source for district heating and emergency heat-wave cooling
Three emergency cold recovery techniques are presented as a response to heat-waves: subway station cooling, ice production for individual cooling, and “heat-wave shelter” cooling in association with pavement-watering. The cold generation potential of each approach is assessed with a special consideration for mains water temperature sanitary limitations. Finally, technical obstacles and perspectives are discussed.
The Roadmap to a Low-Carbon Urban Water Utility
An international guide to the WaCCliM approach
The Roadmap to a Low-Carbon Urban Water Utility presents utility managers with an approach to address their most pressing challenges, while reducing carbon emissions through
measures that either have a return on investment through energy or water savings, or that correspond to planned investments as part of the asset management plan to maintain or improve their services. Utilities adopting this approach are contributing to a carbon-neutral future, by instigating a change of mind-set, not only in urban water management but also by inspiring all other urban services through sharing the risks and the urgency to act to avoid aggravated impacts of climate change, of which water utilities are among the first victims: water scarcity, flooding and deteriorated water quality
Biogas valorization and efficient energy management – Best practices for improved sludge digestion
This review covers state-of-the-art technologies for advanced anaerobic digestion of municipal sewage sludge. It is based on an extensive review of literature and available data, focussing on processes which have been realized in full-scale plants. The review includes information on single-stage mesophilic digestion, thermophilic digestion, temperature-phased digestion, high-load digestion and other process modifications, as well as mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological disintegration methods. All processes are described with a set of key performance indicators such as degradation rate of volatile solids, biogas yield, return load, effects on dewatering, and capital costs.