Heat Balance Study of San Jose / Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant

The San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant (city) in San Jose, CA, has an extensive cogeneration system that supplies electricity, heat, and process air for the plant. In recent months, the city has been facing challenges in balancing the heat demand with available supply. Due to the complexity of the system and interdependency with other processes and equipment, the city was interested in modeling the system to help manage the supply and demand of heat in a sustainable manner. An energy model was developed as part of the study to investigate the impacts of variations in supply with demand as well as the economics of operation. This paper discusses the study approach, methodology and key components of the heat balance model. The results were used as the basis of the study recommendations. The city continues to use this model to make informed operational decision.