Reduction of wastewater pollution using the technologies for heat recovery from wastewater in buildings – a review of available cases

Abstract

The rise in living standard and the rapid development of the economy have led to an increase in the daily production of domestic wastewater. Environmental policies aim to reduce pollution, and appropriate technologies in the field of wastewater heat recovery could contribute to this goal. Technologies such are heat pumps and heat exchangers enable wastewater heat recovery and contribute to reduction of wastewater thermal pollution at the source. Also, using the recovered heat can meet some of the energy needs of buildings and reduce CO2 emissions. This paper reviews the literature on wastewater heat recovery in buildings and the opportunities to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through the use of wastewater heat recovery technologies. Also, the paper presents the methodology for evaluating the effects of the potential of wastewater heat recovery in buildings, and gives an analysis of the key factors affecting the wastewater heat recovery potential. Given the constant potential of heat recovery and its widespread availability at the source, this study concludes that future strategies for creating more sustainable societies will rely more heavily on heat recovery from wastewater.