Towards Water and Energy Self-Sufficiency: a Closed-Loop, Solar-Driven, Low-Tech Laundry Pilot Facility (LaundReCycle) for the Reuse of Laundry Wastewater

Abstract In the scope of this study, a pilot facility for recycling laundry effluent was developed and tested. With aim to enable nearly complete energy water self-sufficiency, system is powered by photovoltaic plant with second-life batteries, treats wastewater within unit constantly reuses treated washing in closed cycle. The technology treatment based on low-tech approach consisting physical/mechanical pre-treatment biological trickling filter columns. process operated batch mode capacity five cycles per day. During weeks operation quality, consumption production, losses performance were monitored. recovered 69% used machine while treating necessary quality levels. average COD removal rate cycle 92%. Energy analysis modelled data monitored consumption. current set-up, an internal 80% self-sufficiency 30% modelled. Future developments at increasing optimizing efficiency.