Modernisation of electricity, heat and biogas management in the Płaszów Sewage Treatment Plant in Kraków at ul. Kosiarzy 3

Description

Why is the project needed? Which situation or problem does the project aim to address? (provide reference to evidence, include reference to the relevant laws or policies, where relevant) (max 500 characters) 

The main goal of the project is to improve air quality by increasing the production of energy from renewable sources (biogas). This project is compatible, inter alia, with the following strategic EU, national and local documents, as it promotes the use of renewable energy sources (biogas): - the Clean Energy package of the European Commission - Polish energy policy until 2040 - development strategy for the fuel and energy sector - a project of the Małopolska Program for Air

How will the project address these challenges? (please summarize the main activities and deliverables plannedto address these challenges) (max 500 characters)

Thanks to the project, heating system will become an "effective system", in acc. with Dir. 2012/27/EU at least 50% of energy from renewable sources and waste heat will be used to produce heat (100% heat from cogeneration). Main activities: - supplying existing and planned cogener. modules through the use of spherical tanks - addition of 2 cogeneration modules with a capacity of approx. 800kWel - expansion of the low-parameter heat network covering the planned use of cogeneration to heat building

Summary of project results

As part of the project, significant problems related to the operation of the Płaszów sewage treatment plant were solved:

1. Sufficient thermal capacity of biogas-fired heat sources was secured
   Biogas-fired heating systems were upgraded, thus reaching their full efficiency even at low outdoor temperatures falling below -5°C. The heating system no longer has to be supplied from additional natural-gas-fired sources which raises the efficiency of renewable energy consumption.
2. Biogas storage capacity was improved
   The biogas storage system was expanded and upgraded. By raising the working capacity of tanks, stored fuel management has become more flexible and effective.
3. The growing demand for electricity was met
   As the sewage treatment plant was gradually expanded by adding new process systems, the power engineering systems were adapted to allow the electrical and thermal energy generated to be used fully for technological processes.

As a result of these activities, the Płaszów sewage treatment plant improved its energy efficiency, reduced its dependence on external energy sources and met the challenges resulting from infrastructure development.

 

Goals achieved as part of the project and activities completed

The energy management project at the Płaszów sewage treatment plant was completed comprehensively and covered all key aspects of producing, storing and managing biogas as well as generating electricity and heat.

Main goals achieved:

1. Municipal heating grid energy efficiency improvement
   The operation of heating systems was improved, enabling them to achieve the “efficient system” status in accordance with Directive 2012/27/EU.
2. Low-stack emission reduction
   Heating system upgrades reduced the atmospheric emission of pollutants, in particular nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Activities completed and solutions provided:

1. The biogas storage system was converted
   Cylindrical tanks were replaced with spherical tanks of larger capacity, allowing biogas composition to be averaged and the operation to be adjusted over a wider range.
2. The cogeneration system was expanded
   Two new cogeneration modules approximately 800 kW in capacity each were installed and equipped with low-emission engines fired with biogas, emitting around 250 mg/Nm³ of NOx in exhaust gases.
3. DH grid was modernised
   • The low-parameter heating grid was expanded and supplied with heat from cogeneration to heat buildings and the sludge receiving station.
   • Connection substations in the employee welfare and the workshop buildings were converted to heat domestic water.
   • Pre-insulated steel pipes with a PEHD casing were laid underground to distribute heat from the cogeneration plant.
   • The new heating grid was connected to the existing systems in the boiler room and the sludge receiving station.
4. Waste heat was utilized
   Waste heat from the sludge incinerator, which was previously radiated into the atmosphere, was used for heating.
5. Biogas supply system was installed
   A new gas system was installed to feed the cogeneration modules.
6. The electric power wiring was upgraded
   The sewage treatment plant’s power supply wiring was upgraded to handle the increased generation and consumption of electricity.
    

The implementation of the project made the Płaszów sewage treatment plant achieve higher energy efficiency, reduce pollutant emissions and use renewable energy sources better in its technological processes.

Results achieved by the project and their beneficiaries

Project implementation produced a number of tangible results contributing to improved environmental protection.

Results achieved:

1. Increased electricity generation from biogas
   The deployment of new cogeneration modules significantly boosted the generation of electricity from biogas, thus reducing biogas firing in boilers to the absolute minimum.
2. Reduction of lubricating oil consumption
   The deployment of new generation units approximately halved the consumption of lubricating oil by engines.
3. Pollutant emission reduction
   The use of a biogas engine system with NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions of 250 mg/Nm³ led to a 49.5% reduction of emissions compared to the previous state.
4. Thermal energy supply to the sewage treatment plant
   Heat recovery from the cooling unit of the Sludge-to-Heat Station and the operation of cogeneration modules now fully covers process and employee welfare needs of the sewage treatment plant, namely central heating and domestic hot water.

Project beneficiaries:

Krakow Water (Wodociągi Miasta Krakowa S.A.)
Increased electricity and heat generation from biogas significantly boosted the energy efficiency of the sewage treatment plant, benefiting the direct beneficiary – Krakow Water.

Krakow and suburban communities
Reduced emission of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, improved air quality, benefiting all residents of the city and its region.

By completing the project, the Płaszów sewage treatment plant not only boosted its energy efficiency, but also contributed to improving the quality of life of the local community and protecting the environment.