Integration and Optimization for Small Commnity Water Treatment

Integration and Optimization for Small Commnity Water Treatment

As the world population increases at a rapid rate, many smaller communities in developing countries have limited resources and capital to implement waste water treatment systems. Making water cheaper to produce and more widely available is essential. Many methods of affordable water treatment exist, but there is a lack of methodology to determine which system or combination of systems will work best for any individual community. This research aims to develop a methodology to determine how and what waste water systems should be implemented in small communities using process optimization and process integration methods.

This principal investigator will design an optimization problem that includes the variables of interest such as energy supply, energy conservation, changes in seasonal operation and demand, and limits on funding. The problem will be solved to determine the optimal layout and operating conditions for the energy distribution system. A case study will be evaluated to show the merit of the optimization method.

The proposed work will produce a methodology to implement waste water systems in developing countries. This will save the community cost in time and maintenance. Making existing water treatment systems more economical and viable will benefit the communities that use the water and save operational costs for those who install the systems.