Potential of micro hydroelectric generator embedded in effluent discharge of sewerage treatment plant

Abstract

A micro hydroelectric generator is an energy conversion approach to generate electricity (5 KW -100 KW) and it is converted from potential (motion) energy to an electrical energy. In this research, it is desired to be implemented by using a micro hydroelectric generator to be embedded at the continuous flow of effluent discharge point of sewerage treatment plant (STP). This research evaluates the potential of electricity generation from micro hydroelectric generator attached to a selective sewerage treatment plant based on the power output obtained from calculation of electrical power conversion in the meanwhile identify the possibility of this system whether it is able to provides energy saving which eventually minimizing the cost of electric bill for STP especially in 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. On the basis of result, the output power obtained is fairly 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. It is also obtained that the estimated payback period is slightly longer whereby the investor need to be waited for around 7 years to have 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.