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Feasibility study of producing green electrical energy from free-falling sewage water through vertical stack pipes in skyscrapers

Author

Listed:
  • Alnaab, Ismaeil R.
  • Homod, Raad Z.
  • Mohammed, Hayder I.
  • Hashim, Khalid

Abstract

Approximately 80 % of wastewater is discharged into the environment without treatment, equating to billions of gallons of sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff contaminating rivers, lakes, and oceans every day. Utilizing sewage through innovative technology of generating electricity from falling wastewater in vertical stack pipes within skyscrapers presents a sustainable and efficient method to harness renewable energy. By installing turbines in these sewage systems, the kinetic energy of wastewater flow is converted into electrical power, offering significant cost savings and reducing reliance on grid electricity. The current renewable energy source aligns with sustainability objectives, diminishes carbon footprints of about 767,319 Tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, and improves sewage system efficiency by decreasing overflows and obstructions. An empirical analysis illustrates the practicality of the system, considering a daily water usage of 218,400 L, a wastewater density of 1006 kg/m3, and a maximum descent velocity of 29.1451 m/s. Utilizing a Permanent Magnet DC (PMDC) generator enables the production of 260 V DC, hence allowing the system to create a significant amount of electrical power to fulfill the energy requirements of a structure. The amount of electricity generated, which is equal to 220 kWh, substantially affects operating expenses and environmental advantages due to a total electrical power usage of 3 MWh. This research has taken into account the limitations and implications related to the practicality and dependability of the proposed system in real-world scenarios, with the development of a prototype design serving as an initial step. This technique signifies a noteworthy advancement in urban sustainability and energy efficiency, providing a pragmatic answer for contemporary towns to diminish their environmental footprint.

Suggested Citation

  • Alnaab, Ismaeil R. & Homod, Raad Z. & Mohammed, Hayder I. & Hashim, Khalid, 2025. "Feasibility study of producing green electrical energy from free-falling sewage water through vertical stack pipes in skyscrapers," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:255:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125014752
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123811
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    References listed on IDEAS

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