Modelling Of Thermal Energy Balance In Sewer Systems

Conference paper (2014)

Authors

J.A.M.H. Hofman KWR Water Research Institute, Sanitary Engineering - CEG
J.M. Bloemendal KWR Water Research Institute
Bas Wols KWR Water Research Institute
Claudia Agudelo-Vera KWR Water Research Institute
J.A. Elias Maxil Sanitary Engineering - CEG
P. Boderie Deltares
M. Nijman Waternet
J.P. van der Hoek Waternet, Sanitary Engineering - CEG
Research Group
Sanitary Engineering (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2014 J.A.M.H. Hofman, Martin Bloemendal, Bas Wols, Claudia Agudelo-Vera, J.A. Elias Maxil, P. Boderie, M. Nijman, J.P. van der Hoek
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Published Date

2014

Language

English

Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Water Management

Research Group

Sanitary Engineering

Abstract

Recent studies have indicated that wastewater contains relatively large amounts of thermal energy. Recovering this thermal energy can be used to decrease the CO2 footprint of the water cycle. This paper describes the development of a model to simulate the heat balance and predict the temperature in a sewer system. The model can be used to estimate the recoverable thermal energy and its dynamics. The model was verified with field data. It was concluded that the model is a powerful and accurate tool to simulate the heat balance of a sewer system at the urban district level. It was found that the recoverable heat show highly dynamic patterns, directly related to water consumption patterns. The recoverable heat depends on technical aspects as well as regulations for maximum acceptable temperature differences due to heat abstraction.