Hydropower energy recovery (HyPER) from water-flow systems in Vietnam

Abstract

In this paper we focus on two types of hydropower sources that offer the greatest potential for harvesting or scavenging the unused energy, namely, energy from urban water treatment and water supply systems, and energy from freeflowing waterways where there is existing infrastructure. The continuous flow of water in urban wastewater treatment and water supply systems provides an uninterrupted source for energy recovery. Large water towers and tanks provide sufficient pressure-head to operate generators to produce electricity. Sewage water treatment facilities continuously produce disinfected effluent that is discharged in to natural water streams. Where there are existing infrastructures such as in irrigation canals and other waterways, there are strong possibilities for harvesting the unused kinetic and potential energy. This can vastly improve the electric power infrastructure and provide greater reliability of electric power service to the society.