An exergoeconomic analysis of a wastewater treatment plant: investigation and optimization of sludge drying—a case study

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dc.contributor.authorDağcı, Oğuzhan
dc.contributor.authorTozlu, Alperen
dc.contributor.authorBerber, Adnan
dc.date.accessioned2026-02-28T12:08:57Z
dc.date.available2026-02-28T12:08:57Z
dc.date.issued2026
dc.departmentBayburt Üniversitesi
dc.description.abstractThe primary parameters in wastewater treatment plant applications are pollutant removal in compliance with standards and energy costs. This study conducts exergy, exergoeconomic, and optimization analyses on the Konya Wastewater Treatment Plant to enhance its energy efficiency. All assessments of the plant were based on actual operational data. Numerical calculations were executed using Engineering Equation Solver software. Exergoeconomic analyses were performed using the Specific Cost Method, while optimization calculations employed the Net Present Value approach. Thermodynamic calculations revealed that the exergy efficiency of the biogas engine was 30.8%, which increased to 39.8% when integrated into a cogeneration system. The overall exergy efficiency of the plant was calculated to be 35.3%, which rose to 58.6% when stabilized sludge was utilized as fuel. During the optimization phase, various drying systems were evaluated, and a hybrid greenhouse-solar-panel drying system was identified as the optimal model. The analyses indicated that the total cost was minimized at the maximum dryness value (70%), suggesting that the greenhouse-type drying system could achieve regional conditions. Compared to thermal and solar energy systems, hybrid systems have been observed to offer significant advantages in first-year costs. Optimization studies reveal that hybrid systems provide 41% greater cost savings in initial investment and operational expenses compared to thermal systems, and 29% greater savings compared to solar energy systems. Meeting the system's energy demand with fossil fuels results in annual emissions of 76,850 tons of CO? and 1500 tons of harmful pollutants, equivalent to removing 19,000 cars from traffic or preserving 7300 hectares of forest. Significant soil and ecosystem degradation also occurs. The use of solar energy substantially reduces these environmental impacts, improving air quality and conserving natural resources. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Iranian Society of Environmentalists (IRSEN) and Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University 2025.
dc.identifier.doi10.1007/s42108-025-00458-5
dc.identifier.issn25383604
dc.identifier.issue1
dc.identifier.scopus2-s2.0-105023577539
dc.identifier.scopusqualityQ2
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-025-00458-5
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12403/5740
dc.identifier.volume10
dc.indekslendigikaynakScopus
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSpringer
dc.relation.ispartofInternational Journal of Energy and Water Resources
dc.relation.publicationcategoryMakale - Uluslararası Hakemli Dergi - Kurum Öğretim Elemanı
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.snmzKA_Scopus_20260218
dc.subjectExergoeconomic analysis
dc.subjectExergy
dc.subjectOptimization
dc.subjectSludge drying
dc.titleAn exergoeconomic analysis of a wastewater treatment plant: investigation and optimization of sludge drying—a case study
dc.typeArticle

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