Development of an evaluation method for hydropower energy recovery in wastewater treatment plants: Case studies in Ireland and the UK

摘要: Abstract Wastewater management is an energy intensive sector that reliant on fossil fuels in many countries. This paper examines the potential for improvements sustainability of through recovery using hydropower turbines at outlets wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Flow and head data outlet pipes were collected from over 100 Ireland UK. An evaluation method was developed to estimate power outputs payback periods schemes plants. A sensitivity analysis carried out illustrate effect variations flow, turbine selection, electricity pricing financial incentives output period. Seasonal changes precipitation extreme rainfall events found impact selection design flow. optimising flow cater variation without impeding efficiency developed. In addition, estimated future rate (due demographic climate changes) investigated. For with planned or expected growth, it increased allow higher flows more economically viable than present rates a plant. With regard Kaplan have greatest but pump-as-turbine had lowest cost per kilowatt. Finally, major economic viability recovery. majority EU-28 countries investigated, directly on-site shorter period selling grid earn revenue feed-in tariffs.