Evaluation of economic and environmental performances of an air storage based electricity system coupled with an activated sludge process for waste water treatment

Type: Master project / internship

Context of the work:
This master project will be part of a global project consisting in developing a state-of-the-art
library of mathematical models for the simulation and optimization of Waste Water Treatment
plants under the gPROMS platform (see http://www.psenterprise.com/)
The master project will be coordinated by the start-up BlueWatt Engineering, an EPFL spinoff
currently located at the Scientific Park, close to EPFL (see http://bluewatt-eng.com/). The
start-up is active in the field of rational use of energy in WWTP, and provides model-based
software tools to plant operators and engineering offices.

Project objectives and planning:
The objective of the project is to develop a model of an electricity storage system using
compressed air and to couple it with an Activated Sludge model. The full system will then be
studied by means of numerical simulations and/or optimizations.
BlueWatt Engineering will provide the Activated Sludge model under the gPROMS platform
and the assistance to develop the electricity storage system model.
The project will be divided in three major steps:
– Electricity storage model development and validation
– Coupling with the Activated Sludge system
– Full system analysis

Knowledge required:
A good knowledge of mechanical units modelling (thermodynamics) and related mathematics
is necessary. Programming skills are also recommended. The student should demonstrate an
interest for numerical simulations, modelling and system analysis. Advanced knowledge
concerning biological treatment and associated bio-chemistry is not mandatory for this
project.

IP and internship gratification:
Some confidentiality agreement between the student and the start-up will be signed to
preserve Intellectual Property of the start-up. If relevant, scientific publication could be
written.
A financial gratification will be proposed for the internship.

Contacts:
BlueWatt Engineering
Dr. Descoins Nicolas
[email protected], [email protected]

IPESE/EPFL
Pr. François Maréchal
francois.maré[email protected]