Potential of Micro Hydroelectric Generator Embedded at 30,000 PE Effluent Discharge of Sewerage Treatment Plant

Abstract

A micro hydroelectric generator is an energy conversion approach to generate electricity from potential (motion) energy to an electrical energy. In this research, it is desired to be implemented by using a micro hydroelectric generator which is desired to be embedded at the continuous flow of effluent discharge point of domestic sewerage treatment plant (STP). This research evaluates the potential of electricity generation from micro hydroelectric generator attached to 30,000 PE sewerage treatment plant. The power output obtained from calculation of electrical power conversion is used to identify the possibility of this system and its ability to provide electrical energy, which can minimize the cost of electric bill especially for the pumping system. The overview of this system on the practical application with the consideration of payback period is summarized. The ultimate aim of the whole application is to have a self-ecosystem electrical power generated for the internal use of STP by using its own flowing water in supporting the sustainable engineering towards renewable energy and energy efficient approach. The results shows that the output power obtained is lower than expected output power (12 kW) and fall beyond of the range of a micro hydro power (5kW - 100kW) since it is only generating 1.58 kW energy by calculation. It is also observed that the estimated payback period is longer which i.e 7 years to recoup the return of investment. A range of head from 4.5 m and above for the case where the flow shall at least have maintained at 0.05 m3/s in the selected plant in order to achieved a feasible power output. In conclusion, wastewater treatment process involves the flowing water (potential energy) especially at the effluent discharge point of STP is possibly harvested for electricity generation by embedding the micro hydroelectric generator. However, the selection of STP needs to have minimum 4.5 meter head with 0.05 m3/s of continuously flowing water to make it feasible to harvest.

Potential Sites for Micro-Hydropower Station by using Spatial-MCDA

“…This had enabled over a hundred micro-hydropower schemes to be developed there ever since the mid-1990s [6]. However, for this purpose, a large dam or a flooded land is needed to make it possible for the installation of a micro-hydropower system [7].…”

“…Micro-hydroelectric electricity is known to be a non-polluting, sustainable, and environmentally safe energy source [7]. The example countries which more develop micro-hydroelectric power are Bolivia and Philippines which these two developed countries where rural populations will benefit from micro-hydropower because both countries have strong hydrological supplies and steep mountain ranges, and this has enabled over a hundred MHP schemes to be developed in each nation since the mid-1990s [6].…”

“…The example countries which more develop micro-hydroelectric power are Bolivia and Philippines which these two developed countries where rural populations will benefit from micro-hydropower because both countries have strong hydrological supplies and steep mountain ranges, and this has enabled over a hundred MHP schemes to be developed in each nation since the mid-1990s [6]. However, a large dam or a flooded land is needed for the installation of a microhydropower system [7].…”

Assessment of Hydropower Potential in Wastewater Systems and Application in a Lowland Country, Lithuania

“…Real case studies with a brief technical description of small hydro turbines integrated into water infrastructure, including drinking water and wastewater networks, were presented in [6]. Assessments of hydropower potential, including the technical and economic viability of installing turbines in water and wastewater infrastructure, have been conducted in a number of countries [1,2,[13][14][15][16][17].…”

“…Ultralow head is defined for sites with a hydraulic head of less than 2-3 m [18,46]. Some authors even offered a feasibility threshold for such plants operating in urban areas: a minimum head of 4.5 m with a flow of 0.05 m 3 /s [16].…”