Attila Kálmán
58162139900
Publications - 10
Multi-purpose Utilization of Rainwater in a Hilly Settlement Near Lake Velence
Publication Name: Mechanisms and Machine Science
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 174 MMS
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 910-920
Description:
The global and local environments are experiencing profound transformations in the 21st century, primarily due to the adverse impacts of climate change. Increasing temperatures and shifts in precipitation patterns present challenges to the natural world and human-made structures. Countries and settlements strive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through the broader use of renewable energy sources. Adaptation to changing conditions is highly emphasized. These circumstances can be improved by more efficient and multipurpose uses of existing infrastructures or with small-scale expansions and broader, more complex use of renewable resources. A small settlement at Lake Velence, Nadap, has the highest ratio of solar panels in Hungary. It can be achieved by combining this advantage with its hilly location, sustainable energy security, and economic benefits. This paper develops a theoretical methodology for how rainwater and gravity energy storage can be utilized using the geographical characteristics of the settlement and its existing solar panel capacities. The methodology uses rainwater budget modeling, local solar-cell capacity calculation, and the selection of state-of-the-art mechanical gravity energy storage systems based on a literature review. Additionally, this paper aims to develop a rainwater management system that optimizes crop irrigation and maximizes energy storage in hilly settlements, with the cooperation of stakeholders, in a multidisciplinary approach.
Open Access: Yes
Optimizing Inter-Basin Water Transfer for Sustainable Energy Management and Multipurpose Water Utilization
Publication Name: Advances in Science and Technology
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 165 AST
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 297-309
Description:
Climate change has further exacerbated long-standing water use conflicts in the Lake Velence catchment area in Hungary. The lake is the ecological, social and economic central element of the area, with water scarcity as water levels having fallen to record lows in recent years due to severe summer droughts. As a result of infrastructure developments in the 20th century and the significant waves of immigrants in recent decades, the lake and its surroundings have been heavily modified, transformed into an artificial waterbody, while land and water use has significantly altered. Besides these negative effects on water resources and the lake’s water level, settlements in the catchment area have become the top solar energy producers per housing in Hungary in recent years. The aim of this research is to identify and develop a possible inter-basin water recharge solution that meets societal needs based on the suggested development ideas formulated in questionnaire responses. A sustainable alternative of these solutions is pumping from a nearby catchment, that was evaluated in detail. Based on ecological considerations, a multi-criteria analysis summarizing nearly 100 water quality and quantity parameters was developed to ensure that water supply meets qualitative requirements. To ensure economically sustainable operating costs, the nearby solar capacities were used for pumps operation and energy storage. For energy demand and carbon emissions reduction, the uphill pumping was complemented with a downhill turbine hydropower recovery system. Several scenarios of the pumped water recharge system were considered and hydrodynamically optimized in Matlab. The return on investment of the inter-basin pumped water replenishment systems were evaluated as well as the carbon emissions to assure additional economic benefits and low carbon-footprint. A bottom-up methodology with large scale stakeholder involvement that assesses social needs and applies well-balanced the three pillars of sustainable development, can achieve a Pareto effective displacement even during the development of a water replacement system at the catchment level and beyond, on an inter-basin level. With a comprehensive methodology developed for pumped water recharge from an external catchment using existing renewable energy sources, the deteriorating social atmosphere and ecological conditions caused by climate and land use changes may be improved. In the meantime, even economic benefits can be increased, all with a low energy demand and carbon footprint, in a sustainable way.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.4028/p-jaWpD3
Local and catchment-scale effects of water retention measures at Lake Velence
Publication Name: Pollack Periodica
Publication Date: 2024-10-16
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Page Range: 74-80
Description:
Climate change manifested its adverse impacts last year, with an extreme drought leading to a drastically low water level in Lake Velence, Hungary. Nature-based solutions have the potential to alleviate these impacts locally. While a few initiatives have been implemented in Hungary, widespread adoption of these solutions is expected to be a goal for the more distant future. This research focuses on one catchment at Lake Velence to evaluate decision-maker's readiness and urban water management infrastructure for broadly implementing nature-based solutions. Methods include delineating the stormwater system and creating a numerical model to evaluate rainfall-runoff processes and the possible impacts of nature-based retentions. Surveys among local mayors were conducted to assess their perception of existing water infrastructures and implementations of nature-based solutions. Its widespread use may become significant, but its effect on the lake's water level remains negligible.
Open Access: Yes
Prioritising water-related regional development project ideas based on stakeholder involvement activities: A case study from Szigetköz, Hungary
Publication Name: Environmental Challenges
Publication Date: 2024-08-01
Volume: 16
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Szigetköz—a large island of the Danube in Hungary—is attracting a new wave of interest in water-related regional development projects from the public and private sectors alike. The revived interest in the Szigetköz floodplain area, which has historically endured the adverse effects of large-scale water management initiatives, draws attention to the necessity for careful consideration and the active involvement of local stakeholders in the decision-making process. In our research, we conducted various stakeholder engagement activities, including interviews, questionnaires, and workshops. These activities helped define the problems and objectives of each stakeholder group. Through collaborative consultations, we gathered over 100 proposed water related development project ideas. Additionally, to address key issues in project development and selection, we evaluated the integrative potential of each proposed project, considering the number of distinct water management issues it addressed. We also assigned an attitude score to each project, derived from the diverse objectives of various stakeholder groups, and analysed these quantities using a multiple-criteria analysis. This paper details a novel approach to assess and rank the proposed water-related regional development project ideas based on the calculated integrative potential and attitude scores. The goal was to prioritise and further develop these proposed projects to benefit Szigetköz and its surrounding areas. Main results of the study have shown the average project scored between 0.33–0.50 in integrative potential out of a maximum of 1.00 For positive attitude score the average was between 0.28–0.43, out of a maximum of 1.00 while for the negative attitude score the average project scored between -0.14–0.00 out of a minimum of -1.00. The ranking of projects that was based on these scores, highlighted three types of proposed projects that need to be further developed in different ways. The top-ranked positive attitude integrative projects need cost-benefit calculations involving all ecosystem services to justify their economic sustainability. Top-ranked opposing attitude integrative projects need conflict resolution to be socially sustainable. Finally, project ideas that scored low on integrative potential need to be developed to make use of blue-green infrastructure, and circular economical advancements to foster their environmental sustainability.
Open Access: Yes
Enhancing Stormwater Management in Érd, Hungary, through Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainability and Resilience
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 114
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 1027-1032
Description:
Traditionally, stormwater management strategies were designed to evacuate water swiftly and efficiently to mitigate flood risks. However, water conservation has become a crucial concern with growing environmental awareness, raising damage costs due to climate change and sustainability goals. Urban stormwater capture and utilization are essential for maintaining soil moisture levels, irrigating green spaces, reducing urban heat islands, supporting diverse wildlife, fostering ecological balance, and improving living conditions. This study focuses on a dynamically growing Hungarian city, Érd, with rapidly changing land use and utilizes the numerical Storm Water Management Model to simulate various water resources management scenarios. The simulations revealed multiple vulnerabilities in the channel network, leading to a comprehensive reevaluation and redesign. This redesign integrates nature-based solutions, enhancing the system's effectiveness and climate resilience with limited territorial possibilities. By comparing various design approaches, this research demonstrates that incorporating nature-based infrastructure at residential and subwatershed levels substantially improves flood mitigation and increases precipitation retention capabilities, making traditional infrastructure developments unnecessary. The findings underscore the need for innovative, adaptive infrastructure solutions. Implementing nature-based solutions mitigates flooding and contributes to resilient, sustainable urban water management systems that are better prepared to handle the challenges of a changing climate. This study underscores the critical importance of innovative infrastructure solutions and the positive benefits of nature-based solutions in fostering resilient and climate-adaptive urban water management systems in cities with small open spaces, rapid population growth, and scarce financial resources.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET24114172
Optimized Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Economic Benefits in a Watershed with Water Deficit – a Case Study in Hilly Settlements of Lake Velence
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2023-01-01
Volume: 107
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 265-270
Description:
The adverse effects of climate change on water resources have been demonstrated recently. The shallow surface and groundwater levels throughout Europe in 2022 have not been restored, even during the winter-spring recharge period. Water scarcity causes economic damage and may lead to food supply shortages and social tension. For Lake Velence, extreme drought caused damage throughout the watershed. The record low water levels kept away tourists and reduced the revenues. Stakeholder cooperation on sustainable water-related developments is essential to overcome the water deficit in the area. Surveys among local mayors confirmed that there is an affinity and possibility to sustainably utilize rainwater with the application of nature-based solutions. These infrastructures have low impacts on the lake’s water level while noticeably improving plant and agricultural irrigation, though the benefits are mostly unknown among stakeholders. Consequently, profitability per area unit for agricultural and farming activities can be increased. The research quantifies the possible positive effects of economic incentives used to implement nature-based solutions in the hilly settlements of Lake Velence; they sustainably increase the yield of agricultural production and food security and economically beneficial tools for mayors to optimize placement of nature-based solutions within the catchment to achieve adequate soil quality and additional social benefits.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET23107045
Sustainable Water and Energy Management Through a Solar-Hydrodynamic System in a Lake Velence Settlement, Hungary
Publication Name: Infrastructures
Publication Date: 2025-10-01
Volume: 10
Issue: 10
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The Lake Velence watershed faces increasing challenges driven by local and global factors, including the impacts of climate change, energy resource limitations, and greenhouse gas emissions. These issues, particularly acute in water management, are exacerbated by prolonged droughts, growing population pressures, and shifting land use patterns. Such dynamics strain the region’s scarce water resources, negatively affecting the environment, tourism, recreation, agriculture, and economic prospects. Nadap, a hilly settlement within the watershed, experiences frequent flooding and poor water retention, yet it also boasts the highest solar panel capacity per property in Hungary. This research addresses these interconnected challenges by designing a solar-hydrodynamic network comprising four multi-purpose water reservoirs. By leveraging the settlement’s solar capacity and geographical features, the reservoirs provide numerous benefits to local stakeholders and extend their impact far beyond their borders. These include stormwater management with flash flood mitigation, seasonal green energy storage, water security for agriculture and irrigation, wildlife conservation, recreational opportunities, carbon-smart winery developments, and the creation of sustainable blue-green settlements. Reservoir locations and dimensions were determined by analyzing geographical characteristics, stormwater volume, energy demand, solar panel performance, and rainfall data. The hydrodynamic system, modeled in Matlab, was optimized to ensure efficient water usage for irrigation, animal hydration, and other needs while minimizing evaporation losses and carbon emissions. This research presents a design framework for low-carbon and cost-effective solutions that address water management and energy storage, promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The multi-purpose use of retained rainwater solves various existing problems/challenges, strengthens a community’s self-sustainability, and fosters regional growth. This integrated approach can serve as a model for other municipalities and for developing cost-effective inter-settlement and cross-catchment solutions, with a short payback period, facing similar challenges.
Open Access: Yes
Implementing Nature-Based Solutions for Treatment of Winery's Wastewater and Sustainable Carbon-Footprint Reduction
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 121
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 19-24
Description:
Nature-based solutions can reduce the negative effects of climate change by mitigating the risk of droughts with water retention, increasing infiltration, controlling stormwater runoff and by decreasing atmospheric greenhouse gas emission. The carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants is significant; the processes are energy-intensive and thus high CO2 emitters. The technology of wine making creates wastewater with extremely high organic content and is coupled with high carbon footprint. Its treatment poses challenges for wastewater plants. This study focuses on the wastewater of winemaking process and its negative effects on carbon-footprint and the wastewater management opportunities of the Csengőd wastewater treatment plant in Hungary. The traditional wastewater treatment and the potential implementation of a poplar plantation were assessed economically and environmentally. The energy consumption and the carbon footprint reduction were compared in the two cases to evaluate their sustainability. Significant energy savings and economic benefits can be achieved by the trade-off between traditional treatment and the use of nature-based solutions. The assessment is novel, because it evaluates all three sustainability pillars, considering: benefits with pay-off through technological processes, environmental aspects and additionally the interests of stakeholders. A poplar plantation can be used to pre-treat wastewater of a winery and thus effectively reduce the high organic concentration – thereby protecting the sensitive technologies of traditional wastewater plants. The trade-off results in annual energy savings of 61,823 kWh and CO2 emission reduction of 16,692 kg, which means financial savings. The direct sustainable benefits are € 287,824 over the 50-year life cycle in a small wastewater plant.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET25121004
Combining interbasin water replenishment and solar capacities for sustainable energy and water management in the catchment of Lake Velence
Publication Name: Advances in Geosciences
Publication Date: 2026-01-22
Volume: 67
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 129-136
Description:
Climate change exerts substantial adverse effects on water resources within the catchment area of Lake Velence in Hungary, intensifying conflicts among stakeholders and diverse water users. This region, characterized by rapid urbanization and economic expansion, also exhibits ecological heterogeneity, including significant wetland areas, some designated as Ramsar sites. At the same time, population growth and modern real estate development have led to a high density of solar panel installations, resulting in above-average per-property renewable energy production capacity across the country. This study proposes an inter-basin water transfer system to mitigate the hydrological impacts of climate change, leveraging the area’s topography and solar energy production potential by integrating pumped hydro storage reservoirs and surplus solar energy to transfer water from the adjacent Váli-víz watershed is considered. The ecological flow requirements of the donor area are also considered to protect its ecosystem. The objective is to design a sustainable, low-carbon water replenishment system that addresses the region’s economic, social, and ecological requirements. By synchronizing excess solar energy production with pumped hydro storage systems, the approach ensures dual functionality: renewable energy storage and strategic water supply enhancement for Lake Velence, thus increasing the system and the area’s resilience under climate stress.
Open Access: Yes
Evaluating the role of blue-green infrastructures in mitigating climate change: a case study of the Hungarian “Green City” program
Publication Name: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy
Publication Date: 2026-05-01
Volume: 28
Issue: 5
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Urban environments are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with extreme weather events expected to become more frequent and severe. This paper addresses sustainable urban development and the importance of stormwater retention, integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies. It evaluates the publicly funded Hungarian “Green City” program’s water management, focusing on blue-green infrastructures. The 198 implemented projects in the program were assessed for green credentials, vegetation concepts, and rainwater retention using public databases of real municipal data and Google Earth spatial analyses rather than hypothetical scenarios. A lifetime climate change impact assessment with sensitivity analysis was conducted using two case studies from the “Green City” program, highlighting the benefits of prioritizing rainwater over tap water for irrigation. The study proposes a three-pillar—environmental as operational carbon footprint, economic as extended net present value (NPV), and social as accessibility and recreational benefit—evaluation method for urban blue-green developments. It found that many projects rely on tap water irrigation, thus resulting in higher lifetime carbon emissions. The financial assessment of carbon footprint within the extended NPV method emphasizes the need for improved green area irrigation strategies. By modernizing irrigation practices and implementing effective rainwater retention measures, blue-green infrastructures can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions while improving long-term economic performance and social benefits through improved usability. The research offers valuable insights into the role of blue-green infrastructures in urban development to combat climate change. The combined three-pillar framework integrating LCA to assess green projects is a transferable decision-support tool that can be adapted to locally available data, advocating the use of rainwater over tap water to achieve environmental, social, and economic benefits. Unlike earlier studies that used hypothetical scenarios, this research relies on the implemented projects of the “Green City” development program with their observed designs and available real data, thus providing a framework for urban blue-green implementations to integrate sustainable practices and effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.
Open Access: Yes
