Zero Net Energy at Treatment Facilities in Massachusetts

Title:  Reaching Zero Net Energy at Treatment Facilities in Massachuetts

Sudent Team:  Calvin Nguyen, Kai Tang, and Yechan Won

Project duration: August, 2013 – March, 2014

Sponsor/Collaborator: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Project Overview:

Due to the high energy consumption at water and wastewater treatment facilities, it is crucial to reduce energy consumption and possibly achieve energy independence at these facilities. This project was completed to develop a methodology to achieve energy independence at three selected water and wastewater treatment facilities located in Pepperell, Southbridge, and Millis in Massachusetts. The methodology included site screening, energy audit analysis, renewable energy assessment, and economic analysis. Results showed that Southbridge could reduce energy costs, and facilities in Pepperell and Millis could achieve zero-net energy demand. The approach serves as a template that can be applied for analysis of other water and wastewater facilities.

Final results and presentations:

Presentation for sponsor MA DEP, utilities, and other interested stakeholders on March 27, 2014

Poster presentation at the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) Conference in Worcester, MA on April 2, 2014

Final report available at: http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-030714-121445/unrestricted/Zero_Net_Energy_IQP_Report.pdf