Energy flexibilization in wastewater infrastructure

The power grids of the future should be able to cope with the instability of weather-dependent renewable energy sources. As a major energy consumer and potential energy producer, wastewater treatment plants and sewer networks can help stabilize future renewable energy grids through demand-side management. Such an approach could also enable plant operators to reduce their operating costs. However, new control strategies for energy flexibilization need to be developed to ensure safe and efficient operation of the wastewater infrastructure.  



The experts at the CLEWATEC Innovation Lab are working on the following technological challenges: 

  • Methods for the simultaneous evaluation of weather, energy market and grid operation data 

  • Development of control strategies for energy flexibilization and optimal operation of wastewater treatment plants and sewer networks 

  • Integration of future power-to-gas processes in wastewater treatment plants

Clean Water Technology Lab CLEWATEC

Alejandro Parra

Alejandro Parra

Innovation Manager CLEWATEC Innovation Lab

Details

Current results include the development of models for the techno-economic evaluation of the oxygen supply of activated sludge in wastewater treatment plants through electrolysis. Simulation models were also used to evaluate fuzzy-based control strategies for pumping stations in sewer networks. By integrating data on the energy market and weather forecasts, the simulations with the new control concept resulted in 40% less combined sewer overflow and 16% lower energy costs.

Target Customers

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