Advanced Energy Perspectives

Waste-to-energy (WTE) is the process of generating electricity and/ or heat by combusting municipal solid waste (MSW). The most common form of WTE is mass-burn combustion, in which MSW is burned “as is” to produce steam that spins a turbine attached to an electric generator.

Drinking water treatment systems and wastewater treatment plants account for approximately 3% of electricity use in the United States, or 100 billion kWh annually — enough to power over 9 million homes. These facilities have several options to reduce their electricity use, with potential savings estimated at 15% to 30% nationally. In water treatment systems, approximately 80% of electricity is used for pumping, so savings come mostly from pumps, motors, and variable-frequency drives. By allowing motors to adjust to fluctuating pumping needs, variable-frequency drives can reduce electricity use by up to 50% while also extending motor life.

Image courtesy of AEE member General Electric.

In recent years, the transmission system in many places has been upgraded with new sensors and automated control equipment, allowing for more data collection and efficient control. The distribution system, however, is further behind in deploying similar technologies, which could improve system operations. Distribution automation technologies include a combination of line sensors, control equipment, and software tools that constantly optimize distribution equipment, such as transformers, capacitor banks, and reclosers. Together, these tools and technologies improve reliability and efficiency.

This post is one in a series featuring the complete slate of advanced energy technologies outlined in the report This Is Advanced Energy. 

Image courtesy of AEE member Landis+Gyr.

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers. While traditional meters that are read monthly, smart meters record electricity in intervals of an hour or less (typically 15 minutes), and transmit this information along with data on power outages and power quality to utilities for monitoring and billing purposes, usually over a secure communication network. Two-way communication with smart meters allows utilities to relay detailed energy usage and pricing information back to the customer, enabling active energy management. AMI is part of the broader “smart grid” that is enabling more efficient and reliable operation of the grid and facilitating the deployment of new products and services such as smart appliances and thermostats, in-home displays, and energy management systems.