Challenge
A water authority wanted to achieve a structural reduction in emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas, at its waste water treatment plants. At the same time, treatment performance had to be maintained at least at the current level and, where possible, the energy consumption of the aeration process had to be reduced.
Solution
MANiQ has developed an algorithm that continuously analyses process data and determines the optimal aeration strategy. By precisely tailoring the aeration to the current process conditions, circumstances that lead to increased N₂O formation are prevented as far as possible. For this application a fully integrated feedback loop with the control system was established, so the aeration is adjusted automatically through an interface with the PLC. As an option, the algorithm can instead provide the operator with a setpoint guideline.
Result
- Reduced N₂O emissions and associated CO₂ footprint
- A concrete step towards the emission neutral and energy neutral operation set out in government targets
- Lower energy consumption for aeration
- A more stable biological treatment process
- Scalable to multiple waste water treatment plants