Feasibility Evaluation of Micro-Hydropower System Generation for Different Types of Sewage Treatment Plants

Abstract

Small scale hydropower is among the most attractive and cost-effective sustainable energy technologies available, by harnessing electricity through moving water. Naturally, moving water can be found in rivers and also man-man conduits where there is a continuous water flow. The sewage treatment facility has continuous water flow at the effluent pipe that can generate electricity by means of small-hydropower system. However, there are no sewage treatment plants (STP) in Malaysia that reclaim the energy through the usage of water turbines. This study is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a micro-hydropower (MHP) system at the continuous flow of effluent discharge point of domestic STP that comprises of a low head with high flow fluctuations. This work comprises of evaluation of the potential power output of MHP generator which attached to different type of STP. The work starts with selection of a five STP which have maximum current population equivalent (PE) over design PE loading ratio. Next, the effluent discharge flow rate & outfall head are collected and recorded. Finally the potential output power for all selected STPs is calculated. The highest continuous effluent discharge flow rate contributing in high potential power and will be identified as the feasible STP for the MHP system installation.