Stochastic Model Predictive Control of Phosphorus Concentration for Smart Power, Cost-Effective Municipal Wastewater Treatment

This study is a proof-of-concept of a stochastic Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy for effluent phosphorus concentration in municipal wastewater treatment. Firstly, a simple data-driven model providing adequate predictions of phosphorus was created and demonstrated. Secondly, the model was used to find the optimal aeration control upholding legal requirements within a fixed amount of computation time.

The optimal control is here considered the cheapest control in terms of electricity costs with variable electricity prices and effluent taxes on phosphorus. Results showed significant reductions (~ 45 %) in operational costs compared with a rule-based control.