Hydroelectric generator used by treatment plant

Journal Article · · BioCycle; (United States)

OSTI ID:5330648

Teittinen, E

A wastewater treatment plant was designed to be located 60 feet above the Merrimack River to treat 52 million gallons/day. This location necessitated the construction of a $5.4 million pump station and an energy dissipating structure at the outfall. The energy dissipator extracted the fifty feet of available energy in the treated wastewater so it wouldn't scour the river bed when discharged. After the facility was in operation, a study determined the feasibility of using the energy for the generation of electricity. A hydroelectric generator was put on-line on the plant's outfall in 1983. Hydroelectric power generation at the wastewater treatment facility has helped offset the high cost of energy. The determination of the hydroelectric potential is fairly straight-forward using expertise that is not normally found in wastewater treatment and a consultant should be used. The economics are enhanced if hydro is considered during initial construction rather than retrofitting a turbine to an existing facility. 2 figures, 1 table.

• OSTI ID: 5330648
• Journal Information: BioCycle; (United States), Journal Name: BioCycle; (United States) Vol. 25:5; ISSN BCYCD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130300* -- Hydro Energy-- Plant Design & Operation
520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DESIGN
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
LOW-HEAD HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
MANAGEMENT
PLANNING
POWER PLANTS
PROCESSING
SEWAGE
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES