Use of Renewable Energy Sources For Energy Demands of Waste Water Treatment Plants

Abstract

Akyaka-Gökova Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area was designed with Advanced Treatment Technology by former Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas. Wastewater from Gökova and Akyaka is transported to the plant with six pumping stations. High energy cost of plant derived from electricity network of city forced local authority to explore possibilities for operation of the plant with renewable energy sources.

In this study, quantity of energy used to feed the plant and pumping stations was determined and related cost analysis was made for the present situation. Renewable energy sources (solar energy, wind energy etc.) were investigated. The most proper system was determined and its technical and economical applicability was examined.

Primarily, cost of electricity consumed at the treatment plant was investigated. For this purpose, identification of power consumption of electrical equipment was done, monthly/annually electric consumption of these equipment was studied.

In the second step, alternative renewable energy sources are investigated. In this context, data on number of sunny days and wind usage potential was examined.

In the third step, some modifications for the units were proposed in order to provide effective use of energy and save in electricity consumption.

As a result, in order to decrease cost of electricity in wastewater treatment plant and pumping stations in Akyaka-Gökova, it was prescribed that solar energy system having capacity of 300 kWp, should be established. By this way, consumption of electricity would be saved by 45 % annually which corresponds to 130.000 TL/year = 56.046,6 Euro / year (1 Euro=2.3195 TL).