A life cycle assessment of energy harvesters in pre-existing European water distribution networks
A significant characteristic of the current global context is the green energy transition. Accordingly, novel sustainable generation techniques such as energy harvesting from kinetic energy are becoming increasingly important. This work, as part of the H-Hope Project, addresses this interest by presenting an environmental assessment of the current state of vortex-induced vibration energy harvesters. These harvesters are designed to be installed in piping networks, open streams like wastewater and irrigation canals, and open channels like river or lagoon flow. The objective of this research is to characterize the energy potential of energy harvesting in existing fluid flow by performing an environmental assessment of the technology alongside ongoing technical feasibility assessments. Therefore, the structure of this study compares the environmental impacts of five different scenarios of H-Hope energy harvesters, specifically i) a piping harvester in a drinking water distribution network in Spain, ii) a piping harvester in a district heating network in Iceland, iii) an open-stream harvester in a wastewater outlet channel in Italy, iv) an open-stream DIY-style harvester in a natural stream in Slovenia, and v) an open-channel harvester in a natural lagoon in Italy. The primary methodology for this study is life cycle assessment utilizing ReCiPe methodology and LCA for Experts software. Data for each scenario is based on a case study location specified by the H-Hopeproject and includes site-specific values. Pre-processing of the data was performed using SQL database management systems and RStudio analysis and visualization tools. The results of this research will address a knowledge gap concerning the environmental effects of energy harvesters in existing water distribution networks. Results reveal that piping harvesters that experience high velocity (> 1m/s) have the lowest environmental impact due to their limited material use and high output. Additionally, results reveal that — even assuming a longer lifetime stainless steel harvesters produce higher impacts at the midpoint level than high-density polyethylene harvesters due to their significantly higher mass and therefore material usage. However, when calculated at endpoint level, larger polyethylene harvesters display higher impact due to their drain on fossil resources.
Verkfræði, Orkuverkfræði, Orkuskipti, Orkuframleiðsla, Umhverfismat, Engineering, Energy engineering, Energy exchange, Energy production, Environmental assessment
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