| Title |
Study on Energy Independence Plan and Economic Effects for Sewage Treatment Plant |
| Authors |
박기학 ( Kihak Park ) ; 이호식 ( Hosik Lee ) ; 하준수 ( Junsu Ha ) ; 김극태 ( Keugtae Kim ) ; 임채승 ( Chaeseung Lim ) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.15681/KSWE.2021.37.2.128 |
| Keywords |
Benefit; Cost; Energy independence rate; Greenhouse gas; Sewage treatment |
| Abstract |
It is generally known that a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) consumes immense energy even if it can produce energy. With an aim to increase the energy independence rate of WWTP from 3.5% in 2010 to 50% in 2030, the Korean government has invested enormous research funds. In this study, cost-effective operating alternatives were investigated by analyzing the energy efficiency and economic feasibility for biogas and power generation using new and renewable energy. Based on the US EPA Energy Conservation Measures and Korea ESCO projects, energy production and independence rate were also analyzed. The main energy consumption equipment in WWTP is the blower for aeration, discharge pump for effluent, and pump for influent. Considering the processes of WWTP, the specific energy consumption rate of the process using media and MBR was the lowest (0.549 kWh/m3) and the highest (1.427 kWh/m3), respectively. Energy-saving by enhancing anaerobic digester efficiency was turned out to be efficient when in conjunction with stable wastewater treatment. The result of economic analysis (B/C ratio) was 2.5 for digestive gas power generation, 0.86 for small hydropower, 0.49 for solar energy, and 0.15 for wind energy, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that the energy independence rate could be enhanced by installing energy production facilities such as solar and small hydropower and reducing energy consumption via the replacement of high-efficiency operating. |