Rigid Versus Variable Energy Sources in Water-Pressurized Systems: An Economic and Environmental Analysis

Elena Gómez Sellés (), Andrei Briones-Hidrovo (), Roberto del Teso March (), Francisco Javier Uche Marcuello () and Enrique Cabrera Marcet
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Elena Gómez Sellés: Universitat Politècnica de València
Andrei Briones-Hidrovo: CIRCE, University of Zaragoza
Roberto del Teso March: Universitat Politècnica de València
Francisco Javier Uche Marcuello: CIRCE, University of Zaragoza
Enrique Cabrera Marcet: Universitat Politècnica de València

Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), 2021, vol. 35, issue 10, No 9, 3203-3220

Abstract: Abstract The layouts of most urban water systems are known. A head tank with an appropriate elevation is used to supply water through the network at a pressure equal (or higher) to that set by the relevant standards. Furthermore, equalization, fire and emergency storage are important benefits of tank use, as is the possibility of avoiding peak rate electricity fares. However, at the end of the last century, some tanks were reported to have a negative impact the quality of water, and recommendations were made to limit their volume and revise their geometry. Recently, alternative options have been considered. Equalization can be achieved with pumps with variable-frequency drivers, emergency situations can be avoided with electric oil generators and solar plants can be used to offset other generation types and reduce energy costs. Therefore, this article analyses the performance of tanks as an energy source, and tank and pump supply methods are directly compared; overall, direct supply through pumps is cheaper, more energy efficient and more environmentally convenient. Therefore, in the context of climate change, it seems reasonable to avoid water tanks as energy sources.

Keywords: Water distribution systems; Energy efficiency; Water tank; Life cycle cost (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s11269-021-02885-5

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