Biogas and photovoltaic solar energy as renewable energy in wastewater treatment plants: A focus on energy recovery and greenhouse gas emission mitigation

Milani, Sevda Jalali; Nabi Bidhendi, Gholamreza

doi:10.1016/j.wse.2023.11.003

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 33 publications

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“…Although multiple studies have examined the LCA impacts of systems, few studies have reported the greenhouse gas emission mitigation benefits of using photovoltaic solar to power wastewater treatment plants [23], and no studies have compared energy efficiency measures to adding photovoltaic solar energy in terms of the relative benefits of decarbonization for small WWRFs.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of Greenhouse Gas Emission Assessments of Solar and Energy Efficiency Improvements at Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities

Thompson,

Dvorak

2024

Environments

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Small water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) account for the majority of centralized systems in the world and have higher energy intensities than large facilities. This study compares potential greenhouse gas emission reductions based on on-site solar energy and energy efficiency (E2) improvements made at small WRRFs. Case study data from 31 existing small WRRFs in Nebraska were collected and included 35 site-specific energy efficiency (E2) recommendations and on-site solar renewable energy systems integrated at three facilities, and the data were used to compare the benefits of on-site solar energy and E2 improvements made at small WRRFs. Improvements in E2 (e.g., improved aeration control) presented the largest reduction in emissions per dollar invested. They often exhibited shorter paybacks, with operational changes in aeration strategies showing the highest impact (up to 0.2 kg CO2eq/m3 treated water). On-site solar systems showed the largest net potential for reducing environmental footprint (0.35 kg CO2eq/m3) but often showed the smallest emissions reduction per cost. While the use of both E2 improvements and the integration of on-site solar renewable energy can significantly improve the sustainability of small WRRFs, on-site solar has advantages for small facilities in that it often requires less operational involvement, allows for greater facility resiliency, and presents less uncertainty in terms of environmental benefit.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of Greenhouse Gas Emission Assessments of Solar and Energy Efficiency Improvements at Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities

Thompson,

Dvorak

2024

Environments

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A techno-economic feasibility analysis of solutions to cover the thermal and electrical demands of anaerobic digesters

Taramasso,

Motaghi,

Casasso

2024

Renewable Energy

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An Analysis of the Physicochemical and Energy Parameters of Briquettes Manufactured from Sewage Sludge Mixtures and Selected Organic Additives

Kujawiak,

Makowska,

Janczak

et al. 2024

Energies

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As a by-product of wastewater treatment, sewage sludge can be used for natural, agricultural, or energy purposes. One method of preparing sludge for management and use is solar drying. To intensify the drying process, natural additives can be used to alter the structure of the sludge and accelerate the evaporation of water. This research aimed to evaluate the influences of different organic additives in sewage sludge mixtures on the physicochemical and energy parameters of briquettes. This research was carried out without thermal boosting in a 4 × 2.5 × 2 m plastic tunnel. The tunnel was equipped with three drying stations and control and measuring equipment. In two test series, sludge additives in the form of straw and lignocellulosic materials, sawdust, bark, woodchips, and walnut shells, were used. Briquettes were made from the resulting mixtures and then subjected to physical and chemical analyses. This research showed high variability in the contents of trace elements, nitrogen, and sulphur in relation to an increase in the amount of sludge in the briquettes, which, for the briquettes made from sewage sludge, was nearly twice as high as for the briquettes made from the mixtures. The results of the flue gas analysis for the briquettes with sawdust and wood chip additives were very similar. The briquettes made from sewage sludge with lignocellulosic materials (bark and wood chips) had fuel properties similar to woody biomass, with a calorific value and heat of combustion of 15–16 MJ/kg. Fibrous additives (straw) significantly increased the strength parameters of the briquettes, by more than 50% of the value. The compositions and properties of the mixtures affected the following briquetting parameters: temperature and compressive force. The briquettes made from sewage sludge and additives can be classified according to ISO 21640 as SRFs (solid recovered fuels). In most of the results, the net calorific value (NCV) was 3 to 4; the chlorine content (CL) was 2 to 1; and the mercury content (Hg) was 1. The sewage sludge mixtures facilitated the agricultural and energy use of the briquettes.

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Biogas and photovoltaic solar energy as renewable energy in wastewater treatment plants: A focus on energy recovery and greenhouse gas emission mitigation

Cited by 3 publications

References 33 publications

Comparison of Greenhouse Gas Emission Assessments of Solar and Energy Efficiency Improvements at Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities

Comparison of Greenhouse Gas Emission Assessments of Solar and Energy Efficiency Improvements at Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities

A techno-economic feasibility analysis of solutions to cover the thermal and electrical demands of anaerobic digesters

An Analysis of the Physicochemical and Energy Parameters of Briquettes Manufactured from Sewage Sludge Mixtures and Selected Organic Additives

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