Innovative approach for achieving sustainable urban water supply system by using solar photovoltaic energy

Abstract

This paper describes and analyses new and innovative concepts for possible integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in urban water supply system (UWSS). The proposed system consists of PV generator and invertor, pump station and water reservoir. The system is sized in such a manner that every part of it is sized separately and then, integrated into a whole. This integration is desirable for several reasons; the most important is the success of the objectives of sustainable living in urban areas i.e., achieving of sustainable urban water supply system. The biggest technological challenge associated with the use of solar, wind and other intermittent renewable energy sources RES is the realization of economically and environmentally friendly electric energy storage (EES). The paper elaborates the use of water reservoires in UWSS as EES. The proposed solution is still more expensive than the traditional and, is economically acceptable today in the cases of isolated urban water system and special situations. Wider application will depend on the future trends of energy prices, construction costs of PV generators and needs for CO2 reduction by urban water infrastructure.