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TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY APPLICATIONS IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Citation:
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY APPLICATIONS IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-82/006.
Description:
Three major areas were identified for which solar thermal energy usage has potential applicability in Publicly Owned Treatment Works. These areas include space and domestic water heating, anaerobic digester heating, and sludge drying. The report contains a detailed analysis of solar heating of anaerobic digesters utilizing an active solar energy (flat-plate collector) system. A present worth cost-effectiveness analysis was performed whereby the present worth of the anaerobic digester gas conserved was compared to the present worth of the solar energy collection system. Based on the analysis, solar-aided anaerobic digester heating proved uneconomical at all locations within the United States. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine which variable had the greatest effect on the cost analysis. Variables considered included collector system price per unit area, annual operations and maintenance cost, fuel escalation cost factor, and percent solids in digester feed. The analysis indicated that the collector system cost was the most sensitive item.