An innovative technology platform for the enhanced treatment of industrial wastewaters achieving cost reductions, electricity generation and enabling water reuse for non-potable applications
An innovative technology platform for the enhanced.. (AquaCell)
An innovative technology platform for the enhanced treatment of industrial wastewaters achieving cost reductions, electricity generation and enabling water reuse for non-potable applications
(AquaCell)
Start date: Dec 1, 2010,
End date: Nov 30, 2012
PROJECT
FINISHED
Major water using and discharging industries are of significant European economic importance, generating >€1500 billion turnover and employing >7.5 million people in 220,000 companies (90% SMEs). With continued European growth in demand for water, finite reservoirs of readily-treatable water, rising energy costs and increased environmental legislation, EU industry is experiencing significant competitive threats with regard to cost-efficient supply and treatment of water.Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) utilise electrochemically-active microbes to convert the inherent energy of organic chemical bonds to electrical energy. MFCs encompass unique features that offer advantages for the treatment of wastewater, including: efficient electricity generation; minimal sludge formation; operation at low temperature; and modular cell design, enabling operation at small scale and customisation to specific end-user requirements.A core group of SMEs have identified a unique opportunity to advance MFC technology for industrial wastewater treatment, thereby generating sustainable and competitive business growth. Key innovations include MFC integration with photocatalytic advanced oxidation and a membraneless MFC air cathode design; and a scalable cost-efficient MFC and architecture design incorporating innovative process monitoring & control strategies. System features and benefits include:- Capital cost equivalence with existing aerobic treatment solutions- Significant operational cost savings, realised through:- Recovery of organic content as electrical energy & achieving system sustainability (self-powering);- Enhanced treatment efficiency enabling water reuse for on-site non-potable applications;- Significant cost reductions for sludge disposal and treated wastewater discharge to sewer- Flexible design and operation customised to specific end-user (sector) requirements and enabling treatment of wastewaters of varying composition and containing hazardous micropollutantsThe project will result in a pilot-scale MFC system demonstrated for a target industrial wastewater. AquaCell will generate ~€40 million business growth for its SMEs within a 3-year period creating 94 jobs; and has the potential to benefit >29,700 major water using SMEs within the wider European manufacturing sector.
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