Recovery and valorisation of energy from wastewater using a water source heat pump at the Glasgow Subway: potential for similar underground environments

Konstantinos Ninikas*, Nicholas Hytiris, Rohinton Emmanuel, Bjorn Aaen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)
151 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

An installation of a Water Source Heat Hump (WSHP) at Glasgow’s Underground Station, has been using the subsurface wastewater ingress to heat the office at St. George’s Cross station. The performance of the Glasgow Subway’s new heating system was observed for a few months. The energy output readings are being presented. An average coefficient of performance (CoP) of 2.5 and a 60% energy input reduction for the heating system based on the old heating system’s energy demand indicates the actual system’s performance. The purpose of this research is to detect the likelihood of implementing the same setup in similar underground environments where the excess wastewater may support a viable and eco-friendly heating system. Fifteen cities across Europe have been identified and presented, with the adequate water quantities, where similar heating systems may be applied. The output of this study indicates not only the financial benefit but also the energy and carbon reduction of this trial. It highlights main subjects which were encountered in such a challenging subway system. Future steps to commercialize the excess heat energy output are explored together with opportunities to promote the same setup in similar cases.
Original languageEnglish
Article number169
Number of pages10
JournalResources
Volume8
Issue number4
Early online date30 Oct 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2019

Keywords

  • wastewater management
  • environmental sustainability
  • waste resources
  • renewable energy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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