Using stormwater detention tanks as storage system for sustainable energy management in a smart city framework

Abstract

This paper proposes an innovative management strategy for a stormwater detention tank, whose main function is to prevent the risk of flooding in urban environment due to intense rainfall events. In the moments when the tank is not required to carry out its main function, the proposed use involves the operation of the tank as energy storage system, thanks to the introduction of a pump/turbine group, whose operation will be regulated by electrical market prices. The paper presents the management model implemented in Matlab/Simulink environment, showing how the operation as storage system is well coordinate with eventual renewable generation systems.