Energy Price as an Input to Fuzzy Wastewater Level Control in Pump Storage Operation

Abstract

This paper presents a novel control strategy for pumps in storage tanks that accounts for fluctuations in energy prices. Storage tanks are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications to store and transport large quantities of liquids or gases. The energy consumed by pumping systems can contribute up to 20% of the total electricity usage in industrialized countries. Recent spikes in energy prices have had a detrimental impact on industries reliant on pumping systems, but the growing adoption of renewable energy sources presents new opportunities for energy demand response strategies to balance supply and demand. This study proposes a control strategy that incorporates energy price fluctuations, liquid level, input flow rate, and storm forecasting as input variables. The controller adjusts the pump flow rate every five minutes based on all four inputs. Additionally, this study highlights the environmental advantages of shifting energy usage to maximize renewable energy consumption. The simulation results on a sewer system model demonstrate a 40% reduction in wastewater volume overflow and a 15.5% reduction in energy costs compared to the results of traditional control strategies.

Keywords

• Fuzzy control
• pumps
• storage tanks
• sewer system
• energy price