Simulation of sizing of energy storage for off-grid decentralized wastewater treatment units: A case study in the Netherlands

摘要

Constant energy supply for decentralized wastewater treatment plants (DWWTPs) is crucial in order to ensure itsfunctionality and prevent contamination of rivers and human illnesses due to pollution. However, power blackoutsare a common problem in rural areas, which can affect the reliability of wastewater treatment plants.This paper presents a simulation study of sizing of solar photovoltaics and Sea-Salt batteries for powering aDWWTP working in 100% off-grid mode. The analysis is performed for two different DWWTPs: a prototype membranebioreactor (MBR) and a Bever III compact wastewater aerobic system. The study is performed using thesimulation package DEMKit developed at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Results show that asolar photovoltaic system of 15 kWp coupled with a 20 kWh Sea-Salt battery may provide 100% of the electricitynecessary during summer and up to 75% during winter in the Netherlands for the Bever III. In the case of theMBR, a photovoltaic system of 30 kWp in combination with a Sea-Salt battery of 50 kWh meets 100% of the electricityneeds during summer and up to 65% during the winter in the Netherlands. Furthermore, in order to powerthe DWWTPs during the months of low sunlight, the dimensions of the solar photovoltaic system and the Sea-Saltbattery needs to be increased by a factor of three.