Optimal Operational Strategies for Energy Savings at a 5 MGD Full Scale Sequencing Batch Reactor Wastewater Treatment Plant

Energy and solids processing account for 40% of the total operation and maintenance costs in wastewater treatment facilities. High volatility in energy prices, rising concerns for greenhouse gas emissions, and budget constraints on municipalities make energy reduction a main priority at most wastewater treatment facilities. Energy reduction through process optimization is a viable option, particularly for under loaded wastewater treatment plants. In this study, a suitable operational strategy to reduce energy consumption was developed for an 836 m3/h (5.3 MGD) full-scale SBR wastewater treatment plant through process simulations. The developed operational strategy takes into account the current influent flow conditions and operational practices and intends not to make major, drastic modifications. The results revealed that the implementation of the operational strategy could produce energy savings of 610 per reactor per year for reducing 5 minutes of aerated react time in a cycle with a potential for total energy savings up to a maximum of 26,352 per year for four reactors at the plant.