Assessment and improvement of energy use in wastewater systems

Abstract

This research aims at developing a comprehensive approach for assessing the energy use and efficiency in wastewater systems, considering the water-energy-greenhouse gas (W-E-G) emissions nexus supported by methods and tools, such as a tailored energy balance and a performance assessment system (PAS). This approach is aligned with continuous improvement principles and allows carrying out the diagnosis of energy efficiency in wastewater systems supporting the building of a portfolio of energy use improvement measures responding to strategic objectives and attending to the systems’ characteristics and factors influencing performance. The impact of undue inflows into these systems is addressed specifically. This approach is intended to support utility managers in managing the referred nexus.