Final Report Summary - AQUACONSERVER (A Novel and combined domestic grey water treatment and heat recovery system suitable for cost effective installation in 90% of European households) Executive Summary:Across the EU27, water is an increasingly scarce resource. In many member states, restrictions on water use are now commonplace (for example, in 2006 there was less water per capita in the South-East of England than in the desert states of Syria and Sudan). With warmer climate models predicted for Europe and decreases in groundwater and river flow rates, the shortage of water for Europe’s growing population must be addressed. Economic impacts of droughts on the tourism, energy production and agriculture industries have already cost the European economy €100 billion over the past 30 years. If nothing is done consumption by the public, industry and agriculture will likely increase by at least 16% to 2030, which will put more pressure on our water supply infrastructure. AquaConserver concept addresses the twin problems of energy and water conservation faced by all citizens of the EU27 and offers us, Europe’s leading Plumbing SME Associations, at this specific time, an opportunity to bring a new demand-led, offering to our customers, requiring high levels of expertise and training to install correctly and efficiently. The concept involves the development of a low cost, retro-fittable to 90% of domestic dwellings, water recycling system that is capable of the re-use of showering and bathing water thereby saving up to 50% of personal washing water usage and >50% of the associated heating energy usage AND that is capable of re-using filtered grey water from bathing/showering for toilet flushing thereby saving up to 35% of overall household water usage’.The AquaConserver project has developed 3 prototypes (AquaConserver system) for domestic water recycling and heat recovery system that is capable of achieving water standards in real-time whilst minimizing maintenance requirements and power consumption. The system is retro-fittable and can be assembled and installed in a variety of ways to meet different end-user requirements.Project Context and Objectives:Across the EU27, water is an increasingly scarce resource. In many member states, restrictions on water use are now commonplace (for example, in 2006 there was less water per capita in the South-East of England than in the desert states of Syria and Sudan). With warmer climate models predicted for Europe and decreases in groundwater and river flow rates, the shortage of water for Europe’s growing population must be addressed. Economic impacts of droughts on the tourism, energy production and agriculture industries have already cost the European economy €100 billion over the past 30 years. If nothing is done consumption by the public, industry and agriculture will likely increase by at least 16% to 2030, which will put more pressure on our water supply infrastructure.AquaConserver concept addresses the twin problems of energy and water conservation faced by all citizens of the EU27 and offers us, Europe’s leading Plumbing SME Associations, at this specific time, an opportunity to bring a new demand-led, offering to our customers, requiring high levels of expertise and training to install correctly and efficiently. The concept involves the development of a low cost, retro-fittable to 90% of domestic dwellings, water recycling system that is capable of the re-use of showering and bathing water thereby saving up to 50% of personal washing water usage and >50% of the associated heating energy usage AND that is capable of re-using filtered grey water from bathing/showering for toilet flushing thereby saving up to 35% of overall household water usage’.Grey water (i.e. discharges from shower, hand basin, bath, laundry and kitchen) accounts for up to 75% of the wastewater produced in households. It contains organic compounds (expressed in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD)), nutrients and pathogens. Therefore, it makes sense to collect grey water, treat it separately and re-use it for non-potable applications. Currently, most grey water treatment systems installed are based on septic tanks in combination with constructed wetlands, sand filtration or compact aerobic systems such as membrane bioreactors, bio-rotors and bio-filters. These current systems cannot easily be installed in modern houses because of the large footprint and extensive infrastructure and plumbing modifications required. Moreover, these systems are not known to include treatment units for the recovery of heat energy from grey water. In this project the consortium has developed 3 prototypes (AquaConserver system) for domestic water recycling and heat recovery system that is capable of achieving water standards in real-time whilst minimizing maintenance requirements and power consumption. The fully functional prototypes of the AquaConserver system include heat exchanger, shower tray unit, modular design unit, storage tanks, filter modules, pimps, valves, sensors, pipework, control unit and the associated plumbing infrastructure.The AquaConserver TechnologyThe AquaConserver technology has been developed and tested to the stage where a full scale prototype has been proven to work to the target specification. Energy recovery• The heat exchanger is 96% efficient in transferring heat to the incoming mains water• Of the thermal energy which is available in the warm shower water, 52% of it is transferred.These figures mean that almost none of the heat that is transferred is lost to pipework or the environment, but, given the flow rate of the outgoing water and the surface area available in the heat exchanger for heat to be transferred, the heat transfer delivered by the prototype system is 278 Watts per °C. A transfer of 20°C therefore and saves 5,560W or 5.56 kW. A shower of 5 minutes saves 463Wh (0.47kWh). A household of 2 or 3 people taking say 600 showers a year would save 278 kWh a year.Greywater CleansingFollowing heat exchange, the used shower water passes through three filters, arranged compactly to minimise use of available space, to remove successively smaller particles, and is then dosed with an anti-microbial agent to eliminate microbial activity before going to a 60 litre storage tank integrated into the assembly of the AquaConserver product. The chemical requires replenishing on continuous basis to give concentration of 0.1 mL/L of greywater. The filters are cleared using a back flushing system.In the prototype system, these cleansing components all performed as designed, meeting water quality targets. Removing up to 100% of pathogenic bacteria commonly found in domestic grey water, making the recovered water safe for use in non-drinking domestic applications such as pre-heating cold water and toilet flushing. They meet a number of different standards including UK,EU(76/160/ECC), and German,(Urban Water vol 1:275-284(1999). The AquaConserver project has developed 3 prototypes (AquaConserver system) for domestic water recycling and heat recovery system that is capable of achieving water standards in real-time whilst minimizing maintenance requirements and power consumption. The system is retro-fittable and can be assembled and installed in a variety of ways to meet different end-user requirements.Project Results:The twin problems of energy and water conservation faced by all citizens of the EU27 offer us, Europe’s leading Plumbing SME Associations, at this specific time, an opportunity to bring a new demand-led, offering to our customers, requiring high levels of expertise and training to install correctly and efficiently. Our concept involves the development of a low cost, retro-fittable to 90% of domestic dwellings, bathroom water recycling system that is capable of the re-use of showering and bathing water thereby saving up to 50% of personal washing water usage and >50% of the associated heating energy usage AND that is capable of re-using filtered grey water from bathing/showering for toilet flushing thereby saving up to 35% of overall household water usage for a target installed price of €1,500’.Technological Objectives: Development of a grey-water re-cycling system that can be connected to the shower or bath drain. Grey water will be filtered and stored in a storage tank for re-use in toilets or garden applications. • Development of an antimicrobial water purification system to eradicate 99.9% of bacteria sized 0.2 μm or greater contained in domestic waste showering and bathing machine water using <0.00025kWh per litre.• Development of self-cleaning low-maintenance filtration membranes that can remove particulates in the order of 100μm. Cleaning will be achieved by back flushing into a trap. • Water quality sensors that can detect the concentration of particulate matter in the grey-water stream at flow rates of at least 12 litres per minute.• A microcontroller that is capable of receiving input from the sensors to effectively operate the grey-water system and solar power and battery storage system whilst minimizing water usage and energy input.• Development of a low cost heat exchanger to harvest waste heat energy and pre-heat the cold inlets to the shower or bath to achieve a 35% reduction in energy to heat the shower or bath water. Scientific objectives: In order for such a system to be acceptable to both the general public and the associated regulatory authorities, we require the outlet water from the AquaConserver system to meet the purity levels required for flushing toilets or for garden applications. • Scientific investigation of the bacterial and chemical contamination of domestic showering water.• Determine the efficiency of microfiltration and antimicrobial membranes used to remove large dirt particles (100μm) and bacteria and protozoa (>0.2μm). • Investigate the rapid and accurate detection of suspended particulate matter in domestic showering water using an optical sensor.Societal ObjectivesThe scientific and technical research is aimed to meet the following societal objectives:• To treat bathroom grey water to a level that is to within 95% of potable standards and therefore risk free for toilet flushing and critically will not foul or clog the system making it virtually maintenance free.• To be able to recover 50% of bathroom waste water heat recovery and store this for up to 48 hours to enable it to be transferred to preheat cold water mains supplies to showers, bath or sinks.• To be able to installed on 90% of household dwellings on an outside wall, taking into account existing plumbing systems, air conditioning systems, thus having variable fixings and plumbing connections.• To be capable of withstanding extremes of external temperatures -30 to +50oC.• To be self-powered as far as possibleo Constructed of low cost, insulated and robust materials and methods of construction to ensure 25+ years design life and have an installed cost of €1,500, which will require that the AquaConserver Unit target manufactured cost will be €700 (2010 prices).The overall objectives of the WP1 were scientific investigation of the bacterial and chemical contamination of domestic showering water, determine the efficiency of microfiltration and antimicrobial membranes used to remove large dirt particles (100μm) and bacteria and protozoa (>0.2μm) and investigate the rapid and accurate detection of suspended particulate matter in domestic showering water using an optical sensor.In WP1 we have focused on the scientific knowledge advancements required to enable us to undertake the technological development proposed in WP2-4. This included enhancing the scientific understanding of the bacterial and chemical contamination of domestic waste water streams, investigating a range of membrane materials and the effects of flushing techniques to minimise or eliminate fouling due to deposits from bath and shower waste water streams, investigating the accuracy of sensors to determine turbidity, and conductivity in waste water streams. We have investigated the accuracy requirements of optical turbidity, conductivity, absorption sensors in domestic waste water streams. This involved correlating the turbidity of the water with the suspended particles concentration AquaConserver device space envelopes, capacities and flow rates were also confirmed and validated by a survey of IAG members and members of the public. Significant Results in Work Package 1 included• Microbial and chemical characterisation of showering water;• Development of a protocol for preparation of a model grey showering water• The tested microfiltration membrane filter sets showed that flow rate decreases with increase in filter usage; the decrease in flow rate was attributed to the transportation of suspended solids to the membrane leading to clogging of membrane pores or formation of deposit layers.• Power consumption increased with decrease in flow rates, which demonstrated that fouling increases the hydraulic resistance of the membrane, thereby increasing the energy demand for membrane permeation.• The removal of microorganisms was considerably high (87 – 99 %). The results showed that microbial removal increased with increase in filter set usage. Removal of total suspended solids was very effective (> 90%), but the removal efficiency decreased with filter set usage. The decrease in TSS removal with increase in filter set usage was attributed to possible preferential removal of solid particles at low flow rates.• Back-flushing trials show that back-flushing can be used as a technique for cleaning and maintaining the robustness of the microfiltration membrane filters in the AquaConserver project.• Developed survey questions and prepared 2 online surveys in English & Turkish.• Considering shower water alone, waste water is generated by 80% of people between 4 – 18 times a week equating to between 196L/week – 1638L/week. Therefore storage size for waste shower water alone should be between 28L and 234L, which would be used each day for toilet flushing. • Typical toilet flushing requirements for 75% of the surveyed people need to have between 24L per day and 72L per day.• A full and consortium approved process functional description specification of the Aquaconserver design concept through detailed process description document has been written. Logical operational process flow has been written and 5 major modules of the system identified.• Full P&ID drawings have been developed and used as the basis for prototype developments, and development of further sub systems.The overall objectives of the WP2 were development of self-cleaning low-maintenance filtration membranes that can remove particulates in the order of 100μm. Cleaning will be achieved by back flushing into a trap.Work in WP2 has been related to the development and design of the low cost, virtually maintenance free microfiltration module removing particulates and other coarse particles from the waste water. Significant Achievements in Work Package 2 included:• Range of filter membranes designed and microfiltration material identified to capture the range of suspended solids that are contained within the sample (bath or shower) water; Range selected are: 0.9m ceramic, 1m PP, 5m PP, 20m PP, 50m PP, 75m PP • Early stage elimination of large pore filters (such as stainless steel mesh types >100micron).• Ceramic filters and potential use of biocide additive to Logrotex materials identified which will remove harmful bacteria to >99.99% and utilised in WP3• A sheet material design to aid SME partner develop a depth cartridge (rolled material with mesh support,)• The results obtained with the filters tested gave consistent reduction of turbidity, which increases from filters with larger pores to filters with tighter pore dimensions.• All samples were analysed microbiologically in terms of CFU (Colony Forming Units). The result suggests that it will always be necessary for a final tighter filter in the system to assure an adequate reduction of the microbial load in the treated water.The overall objectives of the WP3 were development of an antimicrobial water purification system to eradicate 99.9% of bacteria sized 0.2 μm or greater contained in domestic waste showering and bathing machine water using <0.00025kWh per litre. Water quality sensors that can detect the concentration of particulate matter in the grey-water stream at flow rates of at least 12 litres per minute:Work carried out in WP3 related to development of water quality sensor module and antimicrobial water purification system, which has to be stored for a determined period of time (48h and longer) for use in defined applications (toilet flushing, gardening).Significant Achievements in Work Package 3 included:• Water quality sensor infrastructure designed including turbidity temperature conductivity and ORP sensors• Designed an electronic circuit board to adjust measurement signals, control and power supply• Measuring unit prototype produced that is capable of testing the selected sensors and assessing the best ones that could be more suitable for the project purposes.• Extensive experimental testing showed that turbidity was very much influenced by temperature variation and content of the suspended materials. The system is designed to remove suspended materials through filtration therefore any failure of the filtration process could easily be identified by use of the Turbidity sensor. This was the prime function of the Turbidity sensor that we have installed.• The study on conductive sensors was intended to identify the application of a conductive sensor to measure water quality in terms of inorganic materials contamination. However because the levels of inorganic materials was low, the sensor was not sensitive enough and therefore not implemented in the final prototype.• Different types of commercially available sensors investigated allowed for a comprehensive process and water quality monitoring system. However, the final selection was based on the most cost effective solution that provided us with relevant information about the process and water quality (Temperature Sensor, Turbidity sensor and pressure sensor), as well as to allow good take up of the technology. • Use of open filters (5-20µm pore size) gave a good performance in the reduction of the chemical compounds that were present in the model grey water, with reductions around 56% of the COD levels, 21% of the TOC levels (the removal of COD and TOC is mainly due to the adsorption of the organic compounds to the external and intra-pore surface of the filters) and a reduction of 80% in the turbidity values.• Combination of Logrotex pre-filter and use of chemical agents, gave a 100% inactivation of microorganisms.The objective of WP4 was development of a microcontroller that is capable of receiving input from the sensors to effectively operate the grey-water system and solar power and battery storage system whilst minimizing water usage and energy inputWork carried out in WP4 related to development of an embedded control system and the power storage system to meet the requirements of the optimal operation of the AquaConserver system.Significant Achievements in Work Package 4 included:• Power supply system designed and prototype assembled• Designed printed circuit board (PCB) with module that is the basis for power management• Control and monitoring requirements defined• Selected and developed appropriate microcontroller hardware and preliminary testing completed• Control flow diagrams, Firmware for initializing and initial testing completed• Manufacture of the test bed for validation and subsequent validation has started• The final version of the control system includes devices to control and monitor; influent and effluent of cold and hot water; the antimicrobial dosing device; grey water supply unit; and filter self-cleaning mechanism. The system operates automatically without any user intervention and has been implemented into the three prototypes.The overall objectives of the Work package 5 were development of AquaConserver prototype system containing heat exchanger, water storage tanks and plumbing infrastructure to be able to recover 50% of bathroom waste water heat recovery and store this for up to 48 hours to enable it to be transferred to preheat cold water mains supplies to showers, bath or sinks.In WP5 we have to focussed on development, manufacture and assembly of the AquaConserver structure, incorporating the heat exchanger, storage tanks and plumbing infrastructure and undertake lab scale tests of the systemSignificant Achievements in Work Package 5 included;• Three Aquaconserver designs were identified and selected for further development, based on the descriptive functionality from T1.5 namely: ‘Shower tray’, ‘Under bath’ & ‘Under counter’ and concept drawings have been produced for all 3 designs.• Detailed design on the ‘Shower Tray’ concept has been completed, to be used as field trial test prototype.• P& ID diagrams completed for total system including sub-systems.• The AquaConserver system incorporating heat exchanger, water storage tanks & plumbing infrastructure has been built and fully tested and validated. • The pluming infrastructure has been built to the Process and Instrumentation Diagram prepared during the definition of the project.• The lab scale testing of the AquaConserver system has verified theoretical calculations which allow for reliable predictive development. They have demonstrated the heat exchanger to have an efficiency of approximately 100%; effectiveness of approximately 50% and overall heat transfer coefficient of 415 W/m2.K• Prototype AquaConserver system (incorporating heat exchanger, water storage tanks and plumbing infrastructure) manufactured and validation tests conductedThe overall objectives of the Work package 6 were to Integrate AquaConserver modules into a fully functional prototype.WP6 allowed integration of the AquaConserver modules into a fully functional prototype and validate the integrated system in lab situation. This allowed us to develop and fully evaluate the installation methodology and performance. The work was then extended to assemble 3 fully functional prototypes (2 modular design (MDU) and 1 shower tray unit (STU)),Significant Achievements in Work Package 6 included;• AquaConserver structure, microfiltration and water purification modules and control system integrated• 3 full scale AquaConserver prototype systems produced and performance validated under laboratory conditions • Installation methodology for the AquaConserver prototype system developed which can be modified to suit different types of infrastructure including creation of complete installation methodology document• The results showed that the combination of microfiltration and dosage of anti-microbial agent completely removed microorganisms from the treated grey water.• Based on the UK and Germany regulations for reuse of domestic grey water, the complete removal of microorganisms certifies that the AquaConserver system is capable of recovering water that can be used for toilet flushing and other applications not involving direct consumption by humansThe overall objectives of the Work package 7 were in-field testing of 2 full scale prototypes including validation of installation methodology and validation of prototype systemsWork in WP7 has allowed installation and trial of the two AquaConserver prototype systems in domestic homes: Turkey and Portugal. The access to prototype was controlled making it possible to monitor of all trials in real-time and collecting samples for chemical and microbial analysis when required. The work also validated the methodology created in WP6 and evaluation trials completed to assess the performance results in real field situation.Significant Achievements in Work Package 7 included;• Two in-field installations were achieved in Portugal and Turkey where the AquaConserver prototype systems were easily installed in the bathroom environments under the specified time of 4 hours. The third additional installation is scheduled to take place in Poland as part of the commercialisation programme.• Validation of the installation methodology and prototype performance in real in-field trails has been carried out.• The prototype system, performed as designed, meeting water quality targets. Removing up to 100% of pathogenic bacteria commonly found in domestic grey water, making the recovered water safe for use in non-drinking domestic applications such as pre-heating cold water and toilet flushing. They meet a number of different standards including UK, EU(76/160/ECC), and German,(Urban Water vol 1:275-284(1999).• Results for the energy recovery assessment confirm that the heat exchanger is 96% efficient in transferring heat to the incoming mains water and of the thermal energy which is available in the warm shower water, 52% of it is transferredThe overall objectives of the Work Package 8 were to Train the trainers – RTD providers train the SME AG’s and SME in the underlying principles of the technology. Transfer technology and knowledge to SME AG’s and SME supply chain.Work in WP8 has allowed the SME AGs (TTMD, SGGik, Tecniberia and EASCA) to gain knowledge to enable them to carry out seminars and installation workshops as well as gaining knowledge about the technology and installation methodologySignificant Achievements in Work Package 8 included;• RTD performers trained the SME AGs the underlying principles of the technology and maintenance requirements; including briefing the SME supply chain on the technical details of the technology and its individual components to ensure smooth integration; • RTDs provided all relevant materials, including installation methodology and installation procedures, to the SME AGs, which they can use to educate and train other European SME AGs or potential supply chain partners; and • AquaConserver technology launched to the SME IAG members, and the wider community.• SME-AGs trained the SME AGs and supply chain on the technology and installation methodology• Seminar and installation workshops held (continue to be held post project) in Turkey, Poland, Spain, R. Ireland and UK.Potential Impact:The project has resulted in a low cost, retro-fittable, bathroom water recycling system that is capable of the re-use of showering and bathing water thereby saving up to 50% of personal washing water usage and >50% of the associated heating energy usage and that is capable of re-using filtered grey water from bathing/showering for toilet flushing thereby saving up to 35% of overall household water usage for a target installed price of €1,500’. Furthermore AquaConserver product is superior to existing domestic grey water recycling systems, both in terms of savings and water quality. AquaConserver system will therefore compete in both the grey-water systems market and the shower systems market. The potential European market for AquaConserver is ~2 million units per annum with an average growth rate of 5%. Based on latest cost models we expect to be able to manufacture and install the AquaConserver system for an average price of €580 (ex. VAT). However, it is very likely that the system will be sold in combination with a new shower or shower cubicle which will increase the overall revenues to AquaConserver members. Therefore, the AquaConserver system has the potential to result in additional sales to European plumbers of over €216.8 (installation and maintenance) and additional added value for European manufacturers is expected to be €121 million over the same period. Simultaneously, AquaConserver has the potential to cut household water bills by over €27.8million and household energy bills by up to €18 million. The grand total of financial benefits to Europe will therefore be ~€384 million which excludes savings to water treatment companies and the cost of CO2 emissions. If we conservatively assume that 50% of this total replaces import or is new business the additional value to Europe will be over €192 million over 10 yearsThe public website created during Period 1 has continued to be updated on regular basis. The website serves for both as a Promotion and dissemination through the website’s public area, where non-confidential information can be viewed in order to disseminate the projects objectives ahead of formal dissemination events, and for partners to be able to view in a private area documentation created as a result of any research, meetings, presentations and disseminations events. The AquaConserver Project ‘Image’ created during Period 1 and registered as a Trade Mark, has been used on all project materials. The final Exploitation Strategy has been undertaken and was discussed at the concluding meeting and findings included in the Deliverable 9.5 - Final Plan for the Use and Dissemination of the Knowledge. It also included the Publishable Project materials that allowed effective technology transfer, dissemination and project promotion activities by the project partners. The standard promotion materials including Project Banner, as detailed in Deliverable 9.3 Project Flyer and Project Poster continued to be used during period 2 and ensured appropriate look and feel, with the correct Project AquaConserver image. Work was also completed on plans for assigning and Protection of Foreground as detailed in Deliverable D9.1 and potential Future funding & Investment Plan as detailed in Deliverable 9.4 to ensure AquaConserver could "get to market" quickly.Main Dissemination Activities: The AquaConserver project website has been active since the end of December 2011 and contains non-confidential information relating to the AquaConserver project as well as a private area for consortium members. The project website is located at http://www.aquaconserver.eu/Trade Shows and Conferences. Members of the AquaConserver team have attended and will continue to attend trade shows and conferences where the AquaConserver project was discussed as appropriate and in some cases the partners have or are planning to present a paper as detailed in D9.5This includes the technical papers presented and or to be presented at:o Water, environment and Leisure, Madrid Spain June 11 2014o Self Build Show, Dublin, Ireland 13 September 2014 o 8th European Waste Water Management Conference and Exhibition 7 October 2014.Publishable Materials – Brochures, Flyers, Case Study and Exhibition Banner: A range of collateral material have been prepared and produced for the AquaConserver project which has and will be continued to be used to generate interest in and knowledge of the project within the Water Sector at a range of trade shows and industry events as well as in targeted mail-shots as appropriate.PATENT APPLICATION - The detailed IPR strategy developed to ensure that we can effectively exploit project foreground on a pan-European scale has been covered in detail and includes a planned relevant patent applications after a full evaluation of patented competitive technologies and ensuring all novelties are captured. Twelve month post project Impact StudyDuring the first 12 month period post project, SGGIK and HERI will monitor the progress of dissemination and the impact this has on the take up of the technology in terms of product ionisation by the consortium, sales and market development through the IAG members and from the wider community. At M42 (twelve months post project), a meeting will be held amongst the consortium to review the impact of the uptake of the technology and to review and revise (if necessary) the project dissemination and exploitation plans.Description of Significant Results Obtained:• The AquaConserver Web Portal for partner and public use http://www.aquaconserver.eu has continued to be updated • Project Image and banner created to allow technology transfer and dissemination to target and wider markets.• Positive technical results have been demonstrated in line with the original DOW objectives• An ‘Exploitation Path’ has been produced and finalised at the exploitation meeting during the final project meeting.• A proposed Supply Chain has also been confirmed • The concept has been demonstrated to partners satisfaction and technical papers are in process of submission• Suitable patents have been identified for taking forward for registration and filing• Funding options for exploitation have been identified to ensure AquaConserver can quickly "get to market".• Technical papers have been or will be presented at a number of future conferences including paper titled “ Development of a Novel System for Heat and Water Recovery from Domestic Wastewaters at the European Waste Water management Conference and Exhibition on 7th October 2014.• Over 20 training and technology launch activities held or to be held at various events.• AQUACONSERVER VIDEO CLIP created http://youtube/f_RKM3C4Ct4.• AQUACONSERVER LAUNCH EVENT June 2014 with over 90 attendees.List of Websites:The address of the web-site is: http://www.aquaconserver.eu On accessing the website, the website’s public area pages containing non-confidential information can be viewed.
