Artificial Intelligence reduces energy consumption up to 20% in wastewater treatment plants
11th May 2020
According to the Águas de Portugal Group, energy consumption represents approximately 1.4% of the total electricity consumption in Portugal. In this sector, said consumption represents significant operational costs to companies. In the specific case of sanitation, it can reach close to 60% of operational costs, without considering the expenditure on human resources. The wastewater lift station systems represent a significant part of said costs, making it necessary to adequately manage their operation and minimise the energy used.
The new technology ePredator - Method and device for controlling a wastewater tank pumping system, aims to maximise energy sustainability in the water sector, through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques. Thanks to e-Predator, it will be possible to reduce the consumption of electricity in wastewater treatment plants by 15% to 20%.
"ePredator is a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) software that addresses the need for the development of advanced techniques to manage the operation of water pumps, in order to minimise the consumption of electricity. Currently, most wastewater lift stations are operated using fixed-level control rules, in order to regulate the water level in the pumping tanks. Although said approach is the most common and easiest to control, it can be more expensive", said Rita Alves, Head of the Research, Development and Innovation at Águas do Tejo Atlântico.
The AI software automatically controls the pumping systems, leading to cost savings for wastewater treatment plants. This software will also improve the operational safety of the plants, with a reduction of overflow alarms up to 90% and a new function that avoids scenarios leading to high energy consumption. In addition, and unlike other technologies resorting to physical models, the ePredator automatically takes into account events such as pump maintenance, breakdowns or pipes' clogging in its forecasts and actions.
"This AI method can reduce energy consumption by 15% to 20%; help controlling the pumps' operation time; anticipate periods of high inflow of wastewater; include different levels of pump deterioration and take into account maintenance periods and equipment out of service. Moreover, it is easy to implement and replicate in other systems", adds Ricardo Bessa, assistant coordinator of the Centre for Power and Energy Systems at INESC TEC.
The technology was demonstrated in a real environment at the Fábrica de Água de Alcântara, a test that confirmed the potential of this solution. The solution was developed within the scope of the European Project InteGrid - Demonstration of Intelligent grid technologies for renewables Integration and Interactive consumer participation enabling Interoperable market solutions and Interconnected stakeholders, coordinated by EDP Distribuição and funded by the Horizon 2020 - The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, under the agreement number 731218.
The ePredator software is the result of a joint effort by INESC TEC and Águas do Tejo Atlântico, with a European patent application in April 2019 and an international patent application in 2020.
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For further inquiries:
Eunice Oliveira
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INESC TEC
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Rua Dr Roberto Frias
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P +351 22 209 4118
M +351 934 224 331
Porto, May 12 2020