Browsing by Subject "Reclaimed water"

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Climate action strategies for the University of Texas at Austin
(2010-05) Hernandez, Marinoelle; Eaton, David J.; Walker, Jim H.
This report analyzes the current greenhouse gas emissions inventory for The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin), reviews the carbon reduction strategies being implemented at UT-Austin and other peer institutions, and offers recommendations for strategies that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions at UT-Austin in the future.
Science and Technology Studies in the energy-water nexus : a naturalistic inquiry of reclaimed water use in thermoelectric power plants
(2019-05) Tajchman, Kristina Lynn; Moore, Steven A., 1945-; Lieberknecht, Katherine E.; Sletto, Bjorn; Webber, Michael
Energy is necessary to transport, treat, pump, convey, cool, and heat water such that it is available at the appropriate time, place, temperature and salinity for an array of human uses. Water is required to produce and extract fuel sources such as oil and gas, and it is used in the cooling systems of power plant operations as they generate electricity. This dissertation examines the interrelationships between these resources, also known as the Energy-Water Nexus, and the associated actors, technologies, environments, and policies that affect them. While there are many interrelated system boundaries to this relationship that are critical to society—such as food, sanitation, and carbon footprint—I focus on large-scale solutions that can make a significant difference in efficient use of energy and water. Specifically, this study is focused on the use of water in thermoelectric power plants and investigates which factors lead decision-makers toward using reclaimed water rather than the traditionally used freshwater. Important quantitative studies have addressed feasibility, costs, logistics, and policy developments related to the use of reclaimed water for cooling, but these studies leave a substantial gap in qualitative understanding of the sociopolitical influences on this transition. To support a growing understanding of using reclaimed water as an alternative, this research design is guided by methods developed in Science and Technology Studies (STS), a field of study that recognizes the complicated and continuously evolving nature of energy and water use. The research began with an Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA) of utility company relationships within the ecosociotechnical infrastructure in the state of Texas. This method was followed by and completed with Naturalistic Inquiry, which is well-suited for this research because of the complex and dynamic nature of the topic under study. This approach is especially important to the energy-water nexus as the units of analysis include not only policies, climates, and social pressures, but also the changing relationships between them. Where possible, diagrams have been created to visually aid interpretation and indicate connections between scenarios and solutions. The goal of this research was to: (1) understand the variables that influence the decision-makers in the process of shifting to reclaimed water use, (2) understand how these variables relate to each other, and (3) use that understanding to articulate how to support a dynamic and adaptive framework for continual evaluation of electricity generation and water resource alternatives, and to identify the factors that influence both theory and practice in energy and water planning.
Water impacts on thermoelectric power generation
(2013-05) Stillwell, Ashlynn Suzanne; Webber, Michael E., 1971-
The energy-water nexus represents a complex system of correlated resources, with particular relevance to thermoelectric power plants. Since thermoelectric power plants typically depend on water for cooling, these facilities are prone to water-related challenges. At the same time, large water withdrawals for power plants can adversely impact other water users in a watershed. This work aims to evaluate water impacts on Texas power plant operations and the associated effects these power plants have on water availability. An evaluation of the water impacts on power generation in Texas was completed through four analyses: 1) water availability effects of changing cooling technologies, 2) economic value of drought resiliency through use of alternative cooling technologies, 3) dynamic impacts of reservoir storage on power generation operations, and 4) potential for reclaimed water as a cooling source. Based on the results of these analyses, the following general conclusions were drawn [bulleted list]: [bullet] Use of alternative cooling technologies decreases water withdrawals at the expense of additional energy and water consumption. However, the reduced withdrawals for power plants leaves more water in the stream for other water users, including instream flows. [bullet] Alternative cooling technologies incur additional capital costs, but gain value from reduced water withdrawals. The lower withdrawal requirements make such facilities more resilient to drought, which can have economic value from additional generation during possible drought-related curtailment or suspension. [bullet] Changing surface water reservoir storage at power plants has dynamic impacts on power generation operations, as well as other users in a river basin. Generally, decreasing power plant reservoir storage benefits other users in the basin. Instances arise where both beneficial and detrimental impacts are also observed. [bullet] Reclaimed water can be a technologically and economically feasible cooling source for many existing power plants. The future suitability of using reclaimed water for power plant cooling depends on water pipeline construction costs, reclaimed water flow, and water stress [end of bulleted list]. These general conclusions, along with further details, provide insight into the relationship between water resources and thermoelectric power plants. As resources become increasingly strained, understanding and responding to tradeoffs within the energy-water nexus, through such analyses, might become imperative for sustainable resource management.