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21 pages, 5818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Hydropower Water Distribution Networks, Use of Artificial Intelligence Methods and Metaheuristic Algorithms to Generate Energy from Existing Water Supply Networks

by Diamantis Karakatsanis and Nicolaos Theodossiou

Energies 2022, 15(14), 5166; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15145166 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2485

Abstract

In this paper, the possibility of installing small hydraulic turbines in existing water-supply networks, which exploit the daily pressure fluctuations in order to produce energy, is examined. For this purpose, a network of five pressure sensors is developed, which is connected to an [...] Read more.

In this paper, the possibility of installing small hydraulic turbines in existing water-supply networks, which exploit the daily pressure fluctuations in order to produce energy, is examined. For this purpose, a network of five pressure sensors is developed, which is connected to an artificial intelligence system in order to predict the daily pressure values of all nodes of the network. The sensors are placed at the critical nodes of the network. The locations of the critical nodes are implemented by applying graph theory algorithms to the water distribution network. EPANET software is used to generate the artificial intelligence training data with an appropriate external call from a Python script. Then, an improvement model is implemented using the Harmony Search Algorithm in order to calculate the daily pressure program, which can be allocated to the turbines and, consequently, the maximum energy production. The proposed methodology is applied to a benchmark water supply network and the results are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Water-Energy Nexus: The Transition to Sustainable Energy Ⅱ)

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15 pages, 3212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Hydropower Potential of the Torysa River and Its Energy Use in the Process of Reducing Energy Poverty of Local Communities

by Peter Tauš and Martin Beer

Energies 2022, 15(10), 3584; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15103584 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1701

Abstract

The presented paper deals with the evaluation of hydropower potential in a selected section of the Torysa river in the eastern part of the Slovak Republic. This part of the country was chosen based on the existence of a significant risk of increasing [...] Read more.

The presented paper deals with the evaluation of hydropower potential in a selected section of the Torysa river in the eastern part of the Slovak Republic. This part of the country was chosen based on the existence of a significant risk of increasing energy poverty in local marginalized communities. Small hydropower plants in the form of mini and micro installations are an ecological and economical way to secure electricity and suppress indicators of energy poverty. The essential part of work focuses on the quantification of the gross (theoretical), technical, and economic hydropower potential of the Torysa river using elevation data obtained by GIS tools and hydrological data provided by The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute. The next step identified concrete locations with a suitable head and volumetric flow rate. In the last part, the assessed section of the Torysa river was analyzed in terms of geographical collisions with NATURA 2000 areas, historical heritage elements in the country, and natural water bodies without hydropower potential (i.e., lakes, ponds, etc.). The resulting technical hydropower potential of selected part of Torysa river is 5425 kW and the economic potential is 1533 kW. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Water-Energy Nexus: The Transition to Sustainable Energy Ⅱ)

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17 pages, 2483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perspectives on the Advancement of Industry 4.0 Technologies Applied to Water Pumping Systems: Trends in Building Pumps

by Danilo Ferreira de Souza, Emeli Lalesca Aparecida da Guarda, Welitom Ttatom Pereira da Silva, Ildo Luis Sauer and Hédio Tatizawa

Energies 2022, 15(9), 3319; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093319 - 2 May 2022

Viewed by 2576

Abstract

The rational use of energy systems is one of the main discussions in sustainability in the 21st century. Water pumping systems are one of the most significant consumers of electricity in urban systems, whether for urban water supply, sewage, or use in vertical [...] Read more.

The rational use of energy systems is one of the main discussions in sustainability in the 21st century. Water pumping systems are one of the most significant consumers of electricity in urban systems, whether for urban water supply, sewage, or use in vertical buildings. Thus, this work aims to present Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies applied in buildings’ water pumping systems, focusing on energy efficiency, supervision, and control of the pumping system. The work involves four steps: (i) identifying the existing I4.0 technologies and (ii) mapping the possibilities of applying Industry 4.0 technologies in building pumping systems. The study includes the analysis of (16) articles published in journals between 2018 and June 2021 to identify I4.0 technologies cited in the publications. It identified and grouped eighteen (18) technologies based on twenty-two (22) terms observed in the papers. The study classified the identified technologies into three possible applications in a building water pumping system. The applications include: (i) directly applicable, (ii) partially applicable, and (iii) application not yet identified. Therefore, the study presents the advantages of I4.0 technologies developed primarily for the industry sector, also applicable in residential building water pumping systems. These technologies’ benefits include energy efficiency, user control, a reduction from periods of failure of the pumping system (maintenance), water quality, and moving towards Intelligent Pumping or Pumping 4.0. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Water-Energy Nexus: The Transition to Sustainable Energy Ⅱ)

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19 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pumped Storage Hydropower for Sustainable and Low-Carbon Electricity Grids in Pacific Rim Economies

by Daniel Gilfillan and Jamie Pittock

Energies 2022, 15(9), 3139; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093139 - 25 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8879

Abstract

Because generating electricity significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement and 2021 Glasgow Climate Pact requires rapidly transitioning to zero or low-emissions electricity grids. Though the installation of renewables-based generators—predominantly wind and solar-based systems—is accelerating worldwide, electrical energy [...] Read more.

Because generating electricity significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement and 2021 Glasgow Climate Pact requires rapidly transitioning to zero or low-emissions electricity grids. Though the installation of renewables-based generators—predominantly wind and solar-based systems—is accelerating worldwide, electrical energy storage systems, such as pumped storage hydropower, are needed to balance their weather-dependent output. The authors of this paper are the first to examine the status and potential for pumped storage hydropower development in 24 Pacific Rim economies (the 21 member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation plus Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar). We show that there is 195 times the pumped storage hydropower potential in the 24 target economies as would be required to support 100% renewables-based electricity grids. Further to the electrical energy storage potential, we show that pumped storage hydropower is a low-cost, low-greenhouse-gas-emitting electrical energy storage technology that can be sited and designed to have minimal negative (or in some cases positive) social impacts (e.g., requirements for re-settlement as well as impacts on farming and livelihood practices) and environmental impacts (e.g., impacts on water quality and biodiversity). Because of the high potential for pumped storage hydropower-based electrical energy storage, only sites with low negative (or positive) social and environmental impacts such as brownfield sites and closed-loop PSH developments (where water is moved back and forth between two reservoirs, thus minimally disturbing natural hydrology) need be developed to support the transition to zero or low-carbon electricity grids. In this way, the advantages of well-designed and -sited pumped storage hydropower can effectively address ongoing conflict around the social and environmental impacts of conventional hydropower developments. Noting the International Hydropower Association advocacy for pumped storage hydropower, we make recommendations for how pumped storage hydropower can sustainably reduce electricity-sector greenhouse gas emissions, including through market reforms to encourage investment and the application of standards to avoid and mitigate environmental and social impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Water-Energy Nexus: The Transition to Sustainable Energy Ⅱ)

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24 pages, 5196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Hydrodynamic and Energy Production Models for Salinity Gradient Energy Assessment in a Salt-Wedge Estuary (Strymon River, Northern Greece)

by Konstantinos Zachopoulos, Nikolaos Kokkos, Costas Elmasides and Georgios Sylaios

Energies 2022, 15(9), 2970; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15092970 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2392

Abstract

Salinity gradient energy (SGE) plants generate power from the mixing of salt water and fresh water using advanced membrane systems. In the Strymon River, under low-flow conditions, a salt wedge is formed, developing a two-layer stratified system, which could be used to extract [...] Read more.

Salinity gradient energy (SGE) plants generate power from the mixing of salt water and fresh water using advanced membrane systems. In the Strymon River, under low-flow conditions, a salt wedge is formed, developing a two-layer stratified system, which could be used to extract SGE. In this paper, a novel study was implemented by coupling a 3D hydrodynamic model simulating the salt wedge flow, with the SGE model which assesses the net energy produced by a 1 MW SGE plant. Two scenarios were followed: (a) the optimal scenario, operating throughout the year by mixing salt water from the sea (38.1 g/L) and fresh water (0.1 g/L) from the river to produce 4.15 GWh/yr, and (b) the seasonal scenario, utilizing the salinity difference of the salt wedge. Results show that the daily net SGE production varies between 0.30 and 10.90 MWh/day, in accordance with the salinity difference (ΔS_sw ~15–30 g/L). Additionally, a retrospective assessment (from 1981 to 2010) of the annual and seasonal net energy production was conducted. This analysis illustrates that the salt-wedge formation (spring to late summer) coincides with the period of increased regional electricity demand. In the future, the emerging SGE could serve as a decentralized renewable energy source, enhancing energy security in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Water-Energy Nexus: The Transition to Sustainable Energy Ⅱ)

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Review

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18 pages, 3937 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cooling Water for Electricity Production in Poland: Assessment and New Perspectives

by Mariola Kędra

Energies 2023, 16(6), 2822; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062822 - 17 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1602

Abstract

Sustainable development requires a holistic approach to natural resources and ecosystems to avoid their degradation. Cooling water—water used for cooling in industrial or manufacturing processes and then returned at elevated temperature to a local river or lake—is a common cause of thermal pollution. [...] Read more.

Sustainable development requires a holistic approach to natural resources and ecosystems to avoid their degradation. Cooling water—water used for cooling in industrial or manufacturing processes and then returned at elevated temperature to a local river or lake—is a common cause of thermal pollution. The purpose of the analysis was to assess how much cooling water is currently abstracted to generate electricity in Poland, what the dynamics of this abstraction in the last 20 years (2000–2019) were, and to what extent this abstraction affects the available freshwater resources in the country and in individual river basins. Moreover, the latest plans for the development of the electricity sector in Poland were analyzed to determine how the implementation of these plans may affect cooling water abstractions and the condition of Poland’s freshwater resources. Trend analysis was performed in order to assess the strength of linear trends in the studied time series. The results show that in Poland from 2000–2019, nearly 75% of water abstracted from surface resources was cooling water used to produce electricity. The dynamics of cooling water abstraction show a clear downward trend of 54.5 million m³ annually, despite a significant increase in electricity production. This decline is likely to continue over the next 20 years, with the major unknown being the planned introduction of nuclear power as an energy source. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Water-Energy Nexus: The Transition to Sustainable Energy Ⅱ)

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31 pages, 3301 KiB

Open AccessReview

Water Energy Nexus and Energy Transition—A Review

by Elena Helerea, Marius D. Calin and Cristian Musuroi

Energies 2023, 16(4), 1879; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041879 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3833

Abstract

The new perspectives of the water–energy nexus, water-for-energy and energy-for-water, emphasize the current and future need to find ways to produce as much energy with as low an amount of water as possible and to obtain as much water with as little energy [...] Read more.

The new perspectives of the water–energy nexus, water-for-energy and energy-for-water, emphasize the current and future need to find ways to produce as much energy with as low an amount of water as possible and to obtain as much water with as little energy as possible. In order to promote and implement the concept of sustainable development, the understanding of the dynamic and complex relationship between water and energy is crucial, especially in the context of energy transition. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the recent approaches regarding water and energy and the interlink during implementation, operation and servicing of various water and energy production systems. This endeavor is placed in the context of current energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. A qualitative and quantitative analysis is performed with various literature solutions from water-for-energy and energy-for-water perspectives for a broader view of the impact of implementing novel technologies in terms of resource use. Technological and managerial innovations are discussed and placed in a transdisciplinary context with a focus on establishing key approaches for achieving sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Water-Energy Nexus: The Transition to Sustainable Energy Ⅱ)

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13 pages, 9670 KiB

Open AccessReview

Status of Micro-Hydrokinetic River Technology Turbines Application for Rural Electrification in Africa

by Willis Awandu, Robin Ruff, Jens-Uwe Wiesemann and Boris Lehmann

Energies 2022, 15(23), 9004; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15239004 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1863

Abstract

Energy accessibility, reliability and availability are key components of improved quality of life and human development in all spheres. As the United Nations’ SDG 7 calls for access to electricity for all by 2030, Africa still has a wide gap to fill as [...] Read more.

Energy accessibility, reliability and availability are key components of improved quality of life and human development in all spheres. As the United Nations’ SDG 7 calls for access to electricity for all by 2030, Africa still has a wide gap to fill as the statistics show that 85% of the population that will not have access to electricity is in Africa. As the world tries to wean itself off non-renewable energy and transition to green through use of renewable energy sources, hydropower energy remains at the heart of Africa for this venture. With majority of the rural population in Africa lacking electricity, there is need for a low-tech system that utilizes river flow to generate just enough energy for normal operation in these regions. Micro-hydrokinetic river turbine technology (µ-HRT), which offers less intermittency, can potentially contribute to sustainably electrifying Africa rural areas. The technology has been adopted by few countries worldwide, with limited comprehensive study in Africa even though the technology seems viable for use in African rivers. This paper reviewed the status of the µ-HRT applications in Africa and some of the barriers to its development. The study found out that the technology has not been vastly developed in Africa. Despite numerous barriers, the technology is simply a low-tech technology that requires the use of local resources and capacity building for its sustainability in terms of construction, operation and maintenance requirements. It is therefore recommended that R&D and field trials be conducted for its possible adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Water-Energy Nexus: The Transition to Sustainable Energy Ⅱ)

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