Cost-efficient control of wastewater treatment plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract

This research investigates the potential of improved wastewater treatment plant control for the cost-efficient reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, providing a detailed exploration of the decision variable search space. Key operational parameters identified using global sensitivity analysis are sampled to provide sets of values for testing in two pre-defined control strategies. It is shown that significant reductions in emissions and costs can be realized by improved selection of parameter values. The importance of considering GHGs when selecting a control strategy is also highlighted, as the two strategies tested are shown to produce effluent of a similar quality but with significantly different emissions and operating costs.