Projects

Summary

The DARROW project, coordinated by Ceit, aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based solution that enables wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to become more autonomous and energy-efficient, transforming them into Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs).

The project focuses on the creation of digital twins—virtual models that accurately replicate physical systems—to recommend the most efficient plant management strategies to operators. This solution will be implemented at the Tilburg wastewater treatment plant (The Netherlands), optimizing secondary treatment and anaerobic digestion, while ensuring overall plant efficiency.

The implementation of the system is expected to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, improve treated water quality by 5%, and increase phosphorus recovery through biological means by 50%.

Objectives

Develop a reliable and explainable AI solution that optimizes the recovery of resources from wastewater.

Implement digital twins that reproduce plant behaviour and recommend optimal operating strategies in real time.

Transform traditional WWTPs into Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs), optimizing both critical local units and the global performance of the plant.

Improve energy efficiency and sustainability through reduced emissions and increased nutrient recovery, including phosphorus.

Engage plant operators in the development and validation of the system to ensure a user-centred solution.

Ceit’s role

Ceit coordinates the project and leads the development of digital twins specifically designed for treatment plants, integrating AI-based control models and process optimization strategies. It also ensures that the solution is reliable, explainable, and adaptable to different treatment plants internationally.