Deliverables

Take a look at the deliverables expected from the ACET project:

1. Our first deliverable is entitled Scope and Development of Adaptive Aeration Methodology

The purpose is to outline the framework for the novel adaptive control methodology and framework (ACET). This first deliverable will involve a comprehensive literature review, focusing on the latest developments, to synthesise a relevant global understanding of the activated sludge process from equipment, control, biochemical, fluid dynamics, and energy perspective relative to the goals of the methodology. The review will also gather baseline data sets for specific energy consumption of the activated sludge process around the world. To further close the gap between theory and practice, a detailed stakeholder interview will be undertaken with directors, designer, operators, and asset managers from design-build operator firms, water utilities, and private industry wastewater treatment plants in the first deliverable. Based on new literature and industry insights, the team will design a roadmap for how to practically develop a ruleset and framework for integration of the Adaptive Control methodology.

2. Our second deliverable is the Baselining of Wastwater Treatment Plants

The team will construct a baseline study on the demonstrator WWTPs. The team aims to quantify the performance of the targeted WWTPs to create a report that will allow operators to see where their WWTPs stand in terms of energy efficiency compared to (1) international plants and (2) optimally operating plants. It will also enable the team to optimise the application of ACET while ensuring a common framework to enable widespread deployment. In this section, the demonstrator sites will be supplemented with further sampling as required (this will enable a more complete understanding of energy consumption and also discharges from the WWTP and the links between these factors). The sites will include various aeration equipment and levels of existing control systems in both municipal and industrial settings. 

3.  The third deliverable in this project is Adaptive Control Design

Following a review of baseline results of the first deliverable, activated sludge facilities will be selected to implement ACET. This will involve a complete design of adaptive control measures for each facility through the identification of equipment and sensors for the facility to enable more efficient aeration or to extend data insights through particular sensors (e.g. NH4-N). Scientifically driven process design will be carried out in parallel in this deliverable by activated sludge modeling and tending of detailed data sets. Based on the requirements of each site, an Adaptive Control Philosophy will be developed for implementation following installation. Following the agreement of design and proposed control philosophy with industry stakeholders, the relevant equipment and material for the infrastructure to be installed will be procured. 

4.  Implementation,  Monitoring, and Analysis

This will focus on the implementation of Adaption Control measures designed in deliverable 3 and evaluate the impact of these. The first objective will be to develop a plan and schedule to deploy and assess the performance of the aeration assets with adaptive control. This will also involve leveraging project collaborators. The infrastructure will be retrofitted with the adaptive control system. Data collection and monitoring will involve site visits to collect samples from the influent and effluent periodically to determine pollutant removal rates. All other data will be monitored in real-time including but not limited to energy, dissolved oxygen, NH4-N, ORP, temperature, pH, etc. 

5.  Project Management and Dissemination

This will involve project management and oversight and ensure coordination amongst each work package leader. Weekly meetings will include progress tracking to ensure the successful execution of the project. Work package 5 will track the development of relevant milestones and timely delivery of reports. This will track the progress of data collection, analysis, and scientific findings for dissemination to the academic and industrial community in Ireland and internationally through conferences, journal papers, and industry seminars. A well-thought-out dissemination plan will be developed early in the project to ensure impact. The work package will focus on outreach to educate the community through open days, site visits, etc. The team also intends to participate in knowledge transfer of findings with developing countries through current relationships (for example, India, Africa, etc) to effect elements of SDG6.