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Published on: November 13, 2017
A benchmark study of controlled emptying of equalization basins
1Department of Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation, Lund University, Sweden. jon.bolmstedt@iea.lth.se
Summary
Equalization basins in wastewater treatment can reduce overflows and improve effluent quality. Optimal control requires predicting rainfall, as a long prediction horizon is not always best for nitrogen removal plants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Process Control
Background:
- Storm tanks (equalization basins) are established components in wastewater systems.
- Their primary role is mitigating combined sewer overflows.
- Optimizing their function for enhanced effluent quality is an ongoing challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate systematic control strategies for equalization basins.
- To improve effluent quality, specifically nitrogen removal.
- To analyze the impact of predictive control on hydraulic load and water quality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Benchmark Simulation Model 1 (BSM1) in MATLAB/Simulink.
- Implemented systematic control of an equalization basin.
- Extended the model with systematic rainfall generation for performance evaluation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that equalization basins can dampen hydraulic load and improve effluent nitrogen concentration.
- Identified effluent ammonia concentration as a critical parameter for control.
- Showcased that predictive control is necessary for optimal basin operation before rainfall events.
Conclusions:
- Systematic control of equalization basins offers dual benefits: hydraulic load reduction and improved effluent quality in nitrogen removal.
- Effluent ammonia concentration is a key performance indicator for control strategies.
- The optimal prediction time for rainfall is non-trivial; longer prediction horizons are not universally advantageous.
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