Optimising the use and production of electrical energy within the water industry through improved utilisation of process control and automation

Currently Thames Water reports an approximate renewable energy capability of 156GWh, utilising 151GWh of this energy by feeding it back into the processes associated with water treatment. The remaining 5GWh is exported to the national grid which alleviates demands from other users. Renewables play a key role in achieving a more attractive energy model within the utilities, however, there will require a revised approach to the way in which the existing assets utilise this energy. The answer is not simply just to generate more, by using ‘greener’ methods, there must be an emphasis on how the existing demand can better controlled. Successful investments in energy reduction methods will reduce risk of exposure to volatile power prices and potentially return large savings by responding to markets as effective virtual electrical generators. This proposal will explore the potential of optimising the existing asset base within a UK water utility. It will set out to utilise the existing assets in a more intelligent and controlled manor and optimise the use of energy both for environmental and economic benefits.

People

	Name	Telephone	Email	Office
	Dr Ioana Pisica Reader in Power Systems (Principal investigator) T: +44 (0)1895 265726 E: ioana.pisica@brunel.ac.uk	+44 (0)1895 265726	ioana.pisica@brunel.ac.uk	Howell Building 219