Methodology

Literature Review – A comprehensive review of several peer reviewed documents was completed early in the project lifecycle, to allow a greater understanding of several project elements. These included papers on renewable energy generation, battery storage, water utilities works and the UK energy market. 

Meetings with Industry – Several meetings were conducted with professionals from the water utility industry to review their sites, energy demands and potential for generation. These meetings allowed for further informing gathering and created topical and informative discussions around key areas for the project which finally led to the selection of an appropriate site for the case study.  

Energy Market Analysis – A thorough market analysis was completed on the UK energy market to understand and examine energy tariffs for domestic and commercial consumption and generation. This led to better understanding of the best and average rates expected at different points throughout the year for consumers. 

Renewables Project Analysis - Expected costs for installation of renewables on the chosen site area were calculated through analysis for renewable energy projects market and previous projects of a similar size. These were then used to assist in creating a financial tool for confirming economic viability of the works. 

Software Research – To ensure the best software package was chosen to achieve the desired objectives, multiple modelling tools were downloaded and trialled using all information available about the chosen site including expected area and energy generation and consumption details. The figures produced by each were then examined and the software producing the best results required to attain the project aims was selected. 

Battery Storage Selection – Information was gathered on all available energy storage batteries with key features being highlighted and ranked based on importance in the selection process. These features were compiled in a matrix with a weighted value added to each. The battery selection was then made based on the matrix output values.  

Economic Viability Calculations – A financial modelling tool was created in Microsoft Excel which allowed the generation and consumption figures to be analysed in correlation with expected project OPEX and CAPEX. This calculated the project income, NPV and cash flow over the renewables system lifetime.