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Assessment of a Francis Micro Hydro Turbine Performance Installed in a Wastewater Treatment Plant

Author

Listed:
  • Paweł Tomczyk

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 24, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Mastalerek

    (Eneris Alternative Fuels Sp. z o.o., Koszykowa 65, 00-667 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Mirosław Wiatkowski

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 24, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Alban Kuriqi

    (Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Jakub Jurasz

    (Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Systems, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, pl. Grunwaldzki 9, 50-384 Wrocław, Poland)

Abstract

The purpose of this research work was to examine the hydroelectric potential of wastewater treatment plants by harnessing the kinetic and/or potential energy of treated wastewater for electricity generation. Such a concept encapsulates the essence of renewable energy and resonates with international sustainable development mandates and climate change adaptation strategies. The primary objective was to analyze the performance parameters of the Francis turbine, a key component of this energy generation system. An experimental analysis encompassed model tests on the Francis turbine, simulating varied flow conditions using the GUNT turbine. Additionally, historical data from the Toruń Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) 2018 annual wastewater discharge were employed to validate the findings and shed light on real-world applications. The tested efficiency of the Francis turbine peaked at 64.76%, notably below the literature-reported 80%. The turbine system’s overall efficiency was approximately 53%, juxtaposed against the theoretical value of 66.35%. With respect to the Toruń WWTP data, the turbine’s power output was highest at 24.82 kW during maximum wastewater flow, resulting in a power production of 150.29 MWh per year. The observed turbine efficiencies were consistent with the previously documented range of 30% to 96%. The turbine displayed optimal outputs during heightened flow rates and maximized production at more frequent, lower flow rates throughout the year. Implementing such turbines in wastewater treatment plants not only aligns with global renewable energy goals but also boasts lower construction costs and environmental impacts, primarily due to the utilization of existing infrastructure. Furthermore, wastewater flow consistency counters the seasonal variability seen in conventional water treatment plants. These findings pave the way for more energy-efficient design recommendations for turbines within wastewater treatment and hydropower plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Paweł Tomczyk & Krzysztof Mastalerek & Mirosław Wiatkowski & Alban Kuriqi & Jakub Jurasz, 2023. "Assessment of a Francis Micro Hydro Turbine Performance Installed in a Wastewater Treatment Plant," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:20:p:7214-:d:1265636
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kuriqi, Alban & Pinheiro, António N. & Sordo-Ward, Alvaro & Garrote, Luis, 2019. "Flow regime aspects in determining environmental flows and maximising energy production at run-of-river hydropower plants," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    2. Du, Jiyun & Ge, Zhan & Wu, Hao & Shi, Xudong & Yuan, Fangyang & Yu, Wei & Wang, Dongxiang & Yang, Xinjun, 2022. "Study on the effects of runner geometric parameters on the performance of micro Francis turbines used in water supply system of high-rise buildings," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    3. Ram Adhikari & David Wood, 2018. "The Design of High Efficiency Crossflow Hydro Turbines: A Review and Extension," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Gallagher, J. & Harris, I.M. & Packwood, A.J. & McNabola, A. & Williams, A.P., 2015. "A strategic assessment of micro-hydropower in the UK and Irish water industry: Identifying technical and economic constraints," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 808-815.
    5. Bousquet, Cécile & Samora, Irene & Manso, Pedro & Rossi, Luca & Heller, Philippe & Schleiss, Anton J., 2017. "Assessment of hydropower potential in wastewater systems and application to Switzerland," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 64-73.
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