Optimal Operation of Urban Environmental Systems (project one)
A joint Danish-Swedish research project on optimal operation of urban environmental systems, such as wastewater treatment plants. The long term goal of the project is to integrate the mass, energy and information flow in urban environmental systems, in order to optimise the operation of urban water systems and organic waste streams for a cleaner environment and a better economy.
A network has been established, consisting of academic institutions, industries for environmental products and designs, as well as public utilities researchers, public facilities and private business. This network facilitates projects within the wastewater and solid waste areas, where very favourable conditions for cooperation between Denmark and Sweden are evident.
Two research projects have been established and funded within the network, namely:
- Integrated IT control of wastewater operation.
- Optimisation of organic solid waste handling.
The aim of project one is to investigate how the wastewater treatment plant performances can be optimised. One remarkable result of the project will be a new module for the control of biological phosphorous removal, which will ensure process stability and cause significant savings in precipitation chemicals.
In project one, a module for the calculation of key indicators is also under development. One feature is online estimation of nitrification and denitrification rates that can be used for early warnings of malfunctions or toxic events.
Parameters showing inapt use of process time are also being developed. The major processes can be monitored closely by looking at the indicators, which makes it possible to react in time on major process upsets.
The main idea of project two is to estimate both the amount as well as the potential of bio-gasification of the enormous amounts of solid waste that is being generated in urban areas. Solid waste includes waste from households, institutions and industry as well as organic waste disposed of in the sewer. Recycling and energy use of these waters can be dramatically improved, e.g. by anaerobic digestion, which converts the waste into energy in form of biogas and into fertiliser in form of a nutrient-rich residue.
The project will deliver a compilation of mass flow of organic solid waste in the region.
Primary project participants:
- Krüger, Waste Water Control and Spildevandscenter Avedøre.
- Copenhagen municipal, Lund University and the city of Malmö.
Related strategic areas and projects:
Advanced Urban Wastewater Treatment (course)
Øresund Environment has facilitated and financed the creation of the network. Øresund Environment has been responsible the co-ordination of the financing of the project and the dissemination of results.
