An application of predictive control to the Viikinmäki wastewater treatment plant

Abstract This paper deals with the development of a multivariable predictive control structure for improving the nitrogen removal of a biological wastewater treatment plant while reducing the operational costs. A simple dynamic matrix control algorithm is utilised as predictive controller and applied to a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant for controlling nitrogen concentrations at the end of the biological process. The complex calibrated model of the process is implemented in a commercial simulator that acts as a real-time testing platform for the proposed control structure, and allows the identification of the multivariable input-output model for the predictive control. Simulation results show the potentialities of the chosen predictive control, which allows the reduction of ammonia peaks in the effluent and at the same time permits a reduction of the energy consumption costs.