Identifiying cost savings through energy conservation measures in mechanically aerated activated sludge treatment processes in southeast Florida

This thesis presents a model which estimates energy and cost savings that can be realized by implementing Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) at mechanically aerated wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in southeast Florida. Historical plant monitoring data is used to estimate savings achieved by implementing innovative aeration technologies which include : 1) Fine Bubble DIffusers ; 2) Single-Stage Turbo Blowers ; 3) Automatic Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Control. Key assumptions for modeling performance of each technology are researched and discussed, such as trends in the future cost of electricity, efficiency of blowers, and practical average DO levels for each scenario. Capital cost estimates and operation maintenance (O&M) costs are estimated to complete life-cycle cost and payback analyses. The benefits are quantified on an individual and cumulative basis, to identify which technologies are cost-beneficial. The results demonstrate that levels of payback of 20 years or less are available at the three WWTPs studied.