Energy audit in water supply systems: a proposal of integrated approach towards energy efficiency

Abstract

An integrated procedure has been designed to identify and rank the opportunity for energy efficiency in water supply systems (WSS). The main objective is to help WSS managers to identify key issues to be treated as nonconformity and develop a program for continual improvement of energy efficiency. The procedure was built in collaboration with practitioners and implemented in a company. One of the concerns during the development of the procedure was to provide companies with a fast and user-friendly tool. Complementarily, it also complies with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and European Committee for Standardization (CEN) standards, and is of great relevance for any company of the sector of water utility. Recommendations for enhancing the energy management in WSS are also addressed in the audit procedure. The findings derived from the evaluation of the state-of-the-art and applications have led to the identification of key issues for energy saving. The success of energy management programs will be based on energy audit and on the top managements' engagement, workers' attitude and qualification, and the financial resources available.

Decentralized Energy and Water Networks for Community Resilience against Natural Disasters

“…Some researchers have focused on solutions to optimize the operation of the WWTP [34], [35]. While power and water networks have been traditionally studied in isolation, in recent years, the coordinated operation of the two, in the form of an energy-water nexus, has gained much attention [36], [37]. A benefit in combining the two systems into a single framework is that excess power generation (during times of low demand) can be utilized by the water network to avoid curtailing the otherwise useful energy [38].…”

Definition of the Operational Curves by Modification of the Affinity Laws to Improve the Simulation of PATs

“…The use of micro-hydropower systems is key to improve the energy efficiency in water pressurized systems. The accuracy of the energy analyses is also very important in the complete analysis of these energy improvements [1]. Pump working as turbines (PATs) are hydraulic machines, which are commonly recommended to be used as recovery machines in water pressurized systems [2].…”