Energetic flexibility on wastewater treatment plants

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Energy Systems Management
• Wastewater Treatment Technology

Background:

• Increasing renewable energy integration necessitates enhanced grid flexibility and storage solutions.
• Energy systems require adaptable generation and consumption to manage fluctuating supply.
• Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) possess underutilized potential for energy flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and quantify the energetic flexibility potential of WWTPs.
• To develop an aggregate management strategy for load shifting in WWTPs.
• To ensure effluent quality is maintained while providing grid services.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on energy flexibility in WWTPs.
• Detailed analysis of energy-consuming aggregates at a pilot WWTP.
• Development of an aggregate management procedure with control parameters.

Main Results:

• WWTPs demonstrate significant potential to offer energetic flexibility services.
• Load shifting is feasible for critical components like aeration systems.
• Appropriate control strategies and time slots prevent compromise of system functionality and effluent quality.

Conclusions:

• WWTPs can be valuable flexible energy service providers, supporting grid stability.
• Implementing aggregate management unlocks the energetic potential of WWTPs.
• Optimized control of WWTP operations enables participation in volatile energy markets without risking environmental compliance.