Recovery and Valorisation of Energy from Wastewater Using a Water Source Heat Pump at the Glasgow Subway: Potential for Similar Underground Environments

Konstantinos Ninikas, Nicholas Hytiris, Rohinton Emmanuel and Bjorn Aaen
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Konstantinos Ninikas: School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road Glasgow, Scotland G4 0BA, UK
Nicholas Hytiris: School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road Glasgow, Scotland G4 0BA, UK
Rohinton Emmanuel: School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road Glasgow, Scotland G4 0BA, UK
Bjorn Aaen: School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road Glasgow, Scotland G4 0BA, UK

Resources, 2019, vol. 8, issue 4, 1-10

Abstract: An installation of a Water Source Heat Hump (WSHP) at Glasgow’s Underground Station, has been using the subsurface wastewater ingress to heat the office at St. George’s Cross station. The performance of the Glasgow Subway’s new heating system was observed for a few months. The energy output readings are being presented. An average coefficient of performance (CoP) of 2.5 and a 60% energy input reduction for the heating system based on the old heating system’s energy demand indicates the actual system’s performance. The purpose of this research is to detect the likelihood of implementing the same setup in similar underground environments where the excess wastewater may support a viable and eco-friendly heating system. Fifteen cities across Europe have been identified and presented, with the adequate water quantities, where similar heating systems may be applied. The output of this study indicates not only the financial benefit but also the energy and carbon reduction of this trial. It highlights main subjects which were encountered in such a challenging subway system. Future steps to commercialize the excess heat energy output are explored together with opportunities to promote the same setup in similar cases.

Keywords: wastewater management; environmental sustainability; waste resources; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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