The targets and objectives of the project are implemented through ten Work Packages (WP) as described in brief:
1)In WP2: a) the identification of the basic water streams for each case study was performed, b) the potentials for water preservation were explored, c) an in-depth physicochemical characterization of the process streams d) the key quality parameters, units’ performance indexes and sensors’ requirements were specified and finally e) the inputs -outputs parameters / values of the Machine Learning system were defined.
2)In WP3: a) lab scale units were constructed for all intelWATT’s processes (UltraFiltration, NanoFiltration, Reverse Osmosis, Reverse ElectroDialysis and Membrane Distillation). Additionally the smart monitoring concept was implemented and optimized in a large scale format.
3)In WP4: a) Graphene based ion exchange membranes, Artificial Water Channels NF and RO membranes, Hollow Fibers NF membranes, PVDF based MD membranes and UF-Membranes for pre-treatment were developed, upscaled and characterized and b) new hollow fibers MD and UF modules were designed and constructed.
4)In WP5(CS1) following the detailed P&ID phase, the pilot construction was initiated and completed within the specifications described in the DoA. The pilot was design and constructed by NI and NCSRD and commissioned in the premises of PPC’s power plant. Evaluation results of the pilot operation confirmed that the concept of >99% recovery of the CTBD is feasible within the set energy consumption threshold of 5 KWhe/m3. AI assisted pilot operation was also established while real time monitoring and remote control was available to the operators of the unit.
5) WP6 (CS2) pilot plant focuses on the integration of UF, RED and solar assisted MD. As conclusions, UF proved to be an effective pretreatment method for removing turbidity and particles achieving all the estimated KPIs. RED briefly achieved the target to produce 3MJ of renewable energy per m3 of brine, reaching its most important project objective. The objective of MD for production of 1m3/h of distilled water is achievable under certain circumstances related to the feed salinity and availability of thermal energy. Moreover, the quality of permeate remained excellent below 1 μS cm even at high salinity feeds.
6) WP7 (CS3) The system assessment focused on the recirculation of the regenerate and the evaluation of the relevant parameters. The analyses of the influencing factors resulted in recovery rates for water of between 70.6 % and 88.1 %. The system was thus able to successfully recover the components and regenerate a permeate that can be reused as rinsing water. For the recirculation of the regenerate, 10% and 30% of the recovered concentrate were added to the Cr(III) electrolyte. Results showed that a ratio of 10% concentrate to 90% electrolyte can be used without reducing product quality. Overall, this case study was very successful and the technology can be fully industrialized.
7)In WP8: advanced development and integration of the Artificial Intelligence system like the dashboard, the data lake, the AI algorithms, the sensors ingestion mechanism and the communication protocols were established and tested for the interconnectivity, smart monitoring and optimization of energy consumption and water production of the demo units.
8)In WP9: a) the Life Cycle Assessment Analysis referring to all CS was completed. A study focusing on industrial wastewater processing in water stressed areas proved the replicability of the proposed technologies. Finally, a health and safety assessment were conducted ensuring the harm-free nature of the intelWATT approaches for both humans and environment.
9) WP10 included: a) the set-up and constant update of project’s website and social media platforms, b) the preparation of the exploitation and dissemination registries, c) the preparation of the Plan for the Exploitation and Dissemination of the project’s results and d) networking and clustering actions, strong presence in workshops, conferences and trades as well as 20 journal publications. The exploitation potential of the R&I advancements during the project’s duration is strongly reflected in the Innovation Radar initiative where seven technologies are included, with two considered as market ready.
10)The development of a Quality assurance plan for the management and control of projects’ administrative and financial aspects as well as a constantly updated Data Management strategy. A risk monitoring registry has been the cornerstone for the progress monitoring and mitigation actions ensuring the best possible implementation of the project’s technical timeframe.
