Framework for energy management in small size, decentralized wastewater treatment plants

Abstract

Wastewater treatment approaches vary from conventional centralized infrastructures to decentralized systems, which collect, treat and reuse/dispose the wastewater at or near its generation point. The small size and the dispersion across the territory have led to a largely unattended operation of many of the decentralized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), with periodic visits of operators for treatment process control. It is thus important to address decentralized WWTP effective management and operation issues resulting from remote location. In parallel, energy use is a growing concern at wastewater treatment facilities. It is crucial to identify the main uses of energy in WWTPs and to develop guidance and strategies to increase the energy efficiency of these infrastructures. This communication presents an expedite framework to guide decision-making for energy management, which integrates the use of tools, such as performance assessment system (involving the use of performance indicators and indices) and mathematical modelling. The framework architecture and metrics are applicable to all WWTPs (small and large), but the treatment systems addressed and reference values and the benchmarks are size-scale specific"