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Solar Mixers
In an effort to reduce SRCSD’s carbon footprint, SRWTP staff began an 8-month-long side-by-side study in 2006 to determine if new solar-powered aerators could provide the same level of service as the existing 25-15Hp brush aerators, which are currently being used to promote algae-growth and distribute sludge in the Solids Storage Basins (SSBs).
The new mixers are solar powered, relying on natural sunlight to power a high torque DC motor to drive an impeller that extends two feet below the pond surface. The floating solar-powered circulators draw up water from below the surface of the pond and discharge it across the pond in a radial fashion for continuous water cap re-circulation. As the water is re-circulated, more oxygen and sunlight are introduced that help accelerate the growth of healthy algae that improves the overall treatment efficiency of the ponds.
The pilot study found that the solar mixers offer a new "green" technology that will provide the same or better level of service than the existing brush aerators. The solar mixers provide a clean, safe and environmentally friendly alternative to the current brush aerator mixers that consume grid power. The potential energy savings can reduce the carbon footprint of the SSB process, resulting in an equivalent reduction in car emissions and/or homes powered. Upon full implementation of the new mixers, it is estimated that the District would essentially remove 2,500 cars from the road, or power an additional 5,000 households in equivalent CO2 emissions over the next 20 years.1
1 The total amount of equivalent CO2 emissions were calculated based on Sacramento County green house standards.