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dc.contributorDepartment of Building Environment and Energy Engineeringen_US
dc.contributor.advisorYang, Hongxing (BEEE)en_US
dc.creatorWang, Dongshun-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13310-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleInvestigation and economic modeling on hydropower generation in residential buildings water supply and drainage systemen_US
dcterms.abstractHydropower generation, a renewable and clean method, utilizes the kinetic energy of water, through turbines and generators, for electricity production. While traditionally associated with rivers and waterfalls, the potential for hydropower in building water supply and drainage systems, though smaller, is significant. In buildings, water must be pressurized for distribution, with pressure meticulously reduced before entering households to protect appliances, often through relief valves that waste potential energy. Additionally, grey water from non-toilet sources, discharged from upper floors, presents an untapped resource for power generation. Studies have demonstrated the feasibility of in-pipe hydropower generation within these systems, with power outputs ranging from a few to hundreds of watts, depending on hydraulic conditions. Proposals include replacing pressure reducing valves with hydroelectric generators and designing drainage systems with storage tanks and generators to utilize grey water. Despite promising results, research gaps remain, particularly in practical application and community-wide implementation. This study aims to address these gaps by monitoring water use in a Chinese residential community, assessing the hydropower potential, and evaluating the economic feasibility of such systems, offering guidance for future engineering and policy decisions.en_US
dcterms.abstractThis research presents three power generation strategies for the water supply and drainage system in the designated community. Subsequently, power generation capacity calculations and economic modeling are conducted for each scheme. Scheme A proposes the utilization of hydroelectric power generation equipment to maximize the potential energy of the municipal water inlet pipe. Scheme B suggests the substitution of the pressure reducing valve in the floor water meter well with hydroelectric power generation equipment. Lastly, Scheme C involves the collection of gray water from upper floors and the utilization of its gravitational potential energy for electricity generation.en_US
dcterms.abstractThe measurement of power generation capacity entails on-site data collection, data processing, and theoretical calculations. Ultimately, with a community occupancy rate of 88%, the annual power generation capacities for scheme A, B, and C amount to 733.18kWh, 168.52kWh, and 2211.74kWh, respectively.en_US
dcterms.abstractThe subsequent economic modeling conducted in this study employed the Payback Period (PBP) and Net Present Value (NPV) evaluation methods to assess the financial viability of different schemes. The findings revealed that only Scheme A had the potential to generate a positive cash return within its service life. On the other hand, Schemes B and C exhibited a deviation from positive NPV over time due to their annual savings being lower than their annual operation and maintenance (O&M) costs.en_US
dcterms.abstractUnder standard scenarios, Scheme A's PBP was estimated to be 11.37 years. However, it is worth noting that this duration could be shortened by increasing occupancy rates, reducing installation costs, and experiencing a rise in electricity prices. Particularly, the PBP of Scheme A was found to be significantly influenced by market electricity prices, as a 10% increase in prices could potentially reduce the PBP to 7.02 years. These conditions indicate that Scheme A demonstrates a high level of economic feasibility.en_US
dcterms.abstractIn contrast, Scheme B, despite its substantial initial investment and limited power generation capacity, exhibited a remarkably low NPV of -500,000 yuan over a 20-year period under standard scenarios. Even when the equipment was installed only at the most power-generating locations, Scheme B failed to generate a positive return. Similarly, Scheme C, although more powerful than Scheme B, faced challenges due to its high annual O&M costs and also failed to yield a positive return within its service life.en_US
dcterms.extentxi, 75 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2024en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelM.Eng.en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Masteren_US
dcterms.LCSHWater-poweren_US
dcterms.LCSHPlumbingen_US
dcterms.LCSHDrainage, Houseen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13310