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MESSAI.iO

Multi-Objective Pareto Optimization

Multi-objective optimizationWater treatment efficiencyEnergy-treatment trade-offsSystem integrationEconomic optimization

Explore Saikaly's Multi-Objective Framework

Energy Focus

Maximize net energy production

  • • High organic loading (2.0-2.5 kg COD/m³/day)
  • • Shorter HRT (6-10 hours)
  • • Carbon brush anodes
  • • May compromise treatment quality

Treatment Focus

Maximize COD removal efficiency

  • • Longer HRT (18-24 hours)
  • • Moderate loading (1.0-1.5 kg COD/m³/day)
  • • Optimal pH and temperature
  • • Lower energy production

Economic Focus

Maximize economic value

  • • Balance energy and treatment
  • • Cost-effective materials
  • • Optimal throughput (HRT: 10-14h)
  • • Consider regional energy prices

Pareto Frontier Concept

Points on the Pareto frontier represent optimal trade-offs where improving one objective requires sacrificing another. Use the tool to discover these optimal configurations for your constraints.

Real-World Application

Municipal utilities prioritize treatment efficiency, while industrial applications may favor energy production. The tool helps identify optimal configurations for your specific priorities.

Research Challenge: Try the three optimization buttons (Energy, Treatment, Economic) and compare the resulting configurations. Notice how the trade-offs align with Saikaly's published results. Which configuration would work best for YOUR application?

Multi-Objective System Parameters

Reactor Configuration

Operating Conditions

Materials

Current Performance vs Pareto Optimal

89.5%
COD Removal
Target: >85%
0.250
Net Energy (kWh/m³)
Energy Positive
$0.59
Economic Value ($/m³)
Profitable
89.5%
Treatment Efficiency
Overall effectiveness

Pareto Optimal Configurations

Max Energy Production
COD: 79.0%Energy: 0.310 kWh/m³Value: $0.52/m³
HRT: 8h • Loading: 2.5 kg COD/m³/day • T: 30°C •carbon brush anode
Max COD Removal
COD: 95.0%Energy: 0.220 kWh/m³Value: $0.63/m³
HRT: 24h • Loading: 1 kg COD/m³/day • T: 35°C •carbon brush anode
Balanced Performance
COD: 89.5%Energy: 0.268 kWh/m³Value: $0.60/m³
HRT: 12h • Loading: 1.8 kg COD/m³/day • T: 28°C •carbon brush anode
Economic Optimum
COD: 83.0%Energy: 0.230 kWh/m³Value: $0.54/m³
HRT: 10h • Loading: 2 kg COD/m³/day • T: 25°C •graphite anode
High-Rate Treatment
COD: 73.5%Energy: 0.340 kWh/m³Value: $0.48/m³
HRT: 6h • Loading: 3 kg COD/m³/day • T: 32°C •carbon brush anode

Saikaly's Trade-off Insights

Energy vs Treatment Trade-off

Higher organic loading increases energy production but may reduce treatment efficiency. Optimal balance occurs at 1.8-2.2 kg COD/m³/day for most systems.

HRT Optimization

Longer HRT improves treatment but reduces throughput. Economic optimum typically occurs at 10-14 hours for municipal wastewater.

Material Selection Impact

Carbon brush anodes increase performance by 20-30% but double material costs. Platinum cathodes offer highest efficiency but may not be economically viable at scale.