Energy Flexibility Chances for the Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Benchmark Simulation Model 1


Energy Flexibility Chances for the Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Benchmark Simulation Model 1

Parra Ramirez, M. A.; Reinecke, S.; Skouteris, G.; Hampel, U.

Future energy systems must mainly generate electricity from renewable resources. To
deal with the fluctuating availability of wind and solar power, new versatile electricity markets and
sustainable solutions concentrating on energy flexibility are needed. In this research, we investigated
the potential of energy flexibility achieved through demand-side response for the wastewater treat-
ment plant of the Benchmark Simulation Model 1. First, seven control strategies were simulated and
assessed. Next, the flexibility calls were identified, two energy flexibility scenarios were defined and
incorporated into the model, and the control strategies were evaluated anew. In this research, the
effluent ammonia concentration needed to be maintained within the limits for as long as possible.
Strategy 5, which controlled ammonia in Tank 5 at a low value and did not control any nitrate
in Tank 2, of Scenario 1, which was characterized by an undetermined on/off aeration cycle, was
then found to be the best. Although this control strategy led to high total energy consumption,
the percentage of time during which aeration was nearly suspended was one of the highest. This
work proposes a methodology that will be useful to plant operators who should soon reduce energy
consumption during spikes in electricity prices.

Keywords: Energy flexibility; Wastewater treatment plant; Benchmark Simulation Model 1; Control strategies; Aeration; Water quality

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Publ.-Id: 33277