This paper presents the development of an ongoing research project aiming at setting-up an innovative mathematical model platform for the design and management of WWTPs. The final goal of the project by means of this platform is to minimize the environmental impact of WWTPs through their optimization in terms of energy consumptions and emissions, which can be regarded as discharged pollutants, sludge and GHGs.
Resource Type: Open source
Energy Efficiency Drivers in Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Double Bootstrap DEA Analysis
The results show that the variables with a significant influence on efficiency are the chemical oxygen demand concentration; plant capacity; rate of used capacity, which positively affects efficiency; weight of industrial customers, which exerts a negative impact; and aeration system, with a negative impact for turbines. This article suggests the adoption of an effective control tool to monitor the costs, drivers and energy expenditure of water utilities.
Study of published WWTP energy data – more than 500 WWPTs
In this report representative energy data from several countries was
gathered by a team to create a reference database. Best practises and
best-case scenarios for benchmarking were identified. The information was
retrieved from several sources such as journals, reports, direct communication
with the stakeholders, mandatory EU registers etc. The team was able to
gather energy data from 588 wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs).
Carbon extraction for energy recovery – Compendium of best practices for advanced primary treatment
In this report the results of literature research and comparison
with data of case studies of full scale enhanced primary treatment units
are shown and compared to each other. Specific indicators for
the comparison are defined followed by identification of available
alternative technologies for primary treatment at municipal
wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
Future-oriented Technologies and Concepts for an Energy-efficient and Resource-saving Water Management
This brochure gives an overview on joint research projects of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which initiated the funding measure “Future-oriented Technologies
and Concepts for an Energy-efficient and Resource-saving Water Management” in 2012. Results show that the water-energy-nexus gives the crucial incentive for new energy and resource efficient solutions.
Guia para la optimización energética en sistemas de tratamiento de agua (Guideline for energy optimization in water treatment systems)
The document is a guideline and tool for water utilities to evaluate, identify and implement measures for reducing the energy consumption in their treatment systems.
Recycling and Reuse of Treated Wastewater in Urban India
The document focuses on identifying the economic, financial and environmental benefits of wastewater recycling from the perspective of public spending. Also provides information on the evolution and current practices of wastewater recycling internationally and the international and national regulatory and policy frameworks that guide wastewater recycling. It presents possible strategies for city and state planners and policy makers to initiate the discourse on wastewater recycling and reuse.
Factsheet: Municipal Wastewater Methane: Reducing Emissions, Advancing Recovery and Use Opportunities
This factsheet provides a concise reference describing the sources of methane emissions in WW plants, and opportunities for methane recover and utlization. Additional two case studies are included describing recovery and use of methane within WWTPs globally.
Greenhouse Gases Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Plants: Minimization, Treatment, and Prevention
This article reviews three different ways to reduce GHG emission in wastewater treatment plants: (1) Minimization through change in operational parameters, (2) Treatment of the gaseous streams, and (3) Prevention by applying new configurations and processes to reduce both pollutants and GHG emissions.
Biogas valorization and efficient energy management – Best practices for improved sludge digestion
This review covers state-of-the-art technologies for advanced anaerobic digestion of municipal sewage sludge. It is based on an extensive review of literature and available data, focussing on processes which have been realized in full-scale plants. The review includes information on single-stage mesophilic digestion, thermophilic digestion, temperature-phased digestion, high-load digestion and other process modifications, as well as mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological disintegration methods. All processes are described with a set of key performance indicators such as degradation rate of volatile solids, biogas yield, return load, effects on dewatering, and capital costs.