Hydropower generated from wastewater flow of sewage system in mountain cities: Taif city as a case study

Abstract

A Hydro-Power potential (HPP) is defined by the head profile and the value of discharge. However, the absence of information on aspects such as discharge data, elevation, and head along sewers installed in the hilly and mountainous city is a significant barrier to effective design and implementation of a suitable HPP. In this research, GIS approach within new methodology is used to determine potential sites for installation of HPPs by analyzing spatial data. Head calculation was conducted using neighborhood statistical method with topography data from the municipality of Taif while sewage discharge was approached using the theory of simplifying sewage system. Findings indicated that Taif city has a total of 37 potential HPP sites with power outputs ranging from 8.83kW to 3.7MW. However, this approach is only effective in the determination of potential sites rather than the actual implementation of HPP systems. The present study finds that prospects of HP generation from wastewater flows in Taif City are feasible, hence deeper research into an actual implementation plan is recommended.