Utility Collaboration: Speeding Up the Adoption of Innovation in the Water Sector

Transcription

1 Utility Collaboration: Speeding Up the Adoption of Innovation in the Water Sector CA-NV AWWA 2015 Cristina Ahmadpour, MELP Consulting Manager North America Isle, Inc. (p): +1 (760) (e): Bringing a new energy and momentum to the water industry

2 Introduction to Isle Utilities and TAG Accelerating the up-take of emerging technologies Bringing a new energy and momentum to the water industry

3 What is the Technology Approval Group? Innovation forum of the world s leading water utilities Brings new technologies to market by engaging end users Industry collaboration Connects technology companies with investors

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5 TAG USA 2014/15 Summary 43 Subscribing Members April 30 th 2015) 24 Meetings Held (May 1 st 2014 April 30 th 2015) US Water TAG: 4 US Wastewater TAG: 4 US NorCal TAG: 4 US North East TAG: 4 US South East TAG: 4 US Ohio Valley TAG: 4 73 Technology Presentations Water and Wastewater Treatment Asset Renewals, Assessment & Management Condition Assessment & Leakage Energy Generation & Efficiency Water Quality and Monitoring Operations (MES) Sludge Management Water Resources Management Intelligent Networks Customer Management 9

6 What Stage of Technology Development Does TAG Serve?

7 Positive Correlation with TRL and Interest The higher the TRL, the interactions per exposure are increased, on average.

8 Industry Collaboration Water Agencies Utility Collaboration Research Groups Investment $$$$ Accelerators, Clusters, Incubators Policy can drive change. Collaboration accelerates innovation

9 Collaboration Between Utilities Technology trials and innovation initiatives Bringing a new energy and momentum to the water industry

10 NeoTech Aqua Solutions Installation site: East Bay Municipal Utility District Walnut Creek Water Treatment Plant in Walnut Creek, California Application: inactivation of microorganisms in drinking water treatment plant Duration: Originally 27 months; revised to 20 months after Magnum removed from scope Scope: NeoTech D438 reactor Expected Results: We expect to achieve a better understanding of the performance, reliability, and maintenance costs and requirements of the NeoTech D438 reactor in an actual treatment plant, as well as a realistic comparison of its overall effectiveness and energy requirements with respect to other UV systems currently in use for the deactivation of microorganisms.

11 NeoTech Aqua Solutions Role and Responsibilities of those involved: WRF- project management/coordination between utilities, vendor, contractor Engineer- Andy Salveson, Carollo Engineers, Inc. Technology company- NeoTech Aqua End user if applicable- East Bay MUD, in particular Biggest challenge and what would be your message to the industry to make these collaborative trials more successful/available for emerging technologies and end users alike? There were two major hurdles in this project one financial, one technical. From the financial perspective, it can be difficult for a smaller or newer technology company to provide the funding necessary to participate in the project. While a company may be solvent and successful, cash flow having the necessary funds at the right time can be a problem, especially while developing a new product. From a technical standpoint, it is best if the technology is ready for demonstration. In this case, we were testing two units, the NeoTech D438 reactor and the NeoTech Magnum reactor. The Magnum was not quite ready for testing, so we had to pull it from the project. sent to Orange County Water.

12 LG Sonic- Masterbuoy Installation Site: Canoe Brook Reservoir #1 in Short Hills, NJ Application: To assess the impact of the system for controlling algae and cyanobacteria in the reservoir Duration: Five months in the spring/summer Scope: 4 buoys Expected Results: Reduced potential of algal blooms Role and Responsibilities of those involved: American Water- Set up and administer test LG Sonic- support technology requirements during trial Background: Moderate-high levels of nutrients seasonally severe algal blooms. Previously, treated with copper sulfate. In the past, the reservoirs were treated with copper sulfate to eliminate the algae.

13 LG Sonic- Masterbuoy Biggest challenge and what would be your message to the industry to make these collaborative trials more successful/available for emerging technologies and end users alike? Getting appropriate resources (primarily labor) committed to perform a viable trial Agreement upon both the technical and financial success criteria. Third party support or roadmap that serves as a tool for technology validations sent to Orange County Water.

14 Emerging Technology Acceleration How can we speed up the adoption of innovation in the water sector? Bringing a new energy and momentum to the water industry

15 Summary Feedback on Collaboration Common Hurdles Lack of internal resources to support projects from coordination to field demonstration Lack of funding Agency approval and procurement process Finding a site and getting all to agree on the methodology What s Working Increase collaboration between utilities across regions, countries, the globe Shared investment-cost and risk Increase funding for technology companies to further R&D, support demonstrations, and full scale pilots Action Increase Innovation Portfolio goals Share resources and best practices, domestically and globally Reduce procurement/financing barriers for internal/external investment Increase engagement of qualified emerging technologies to end users

16 Open Discussion/Feedback Do YOU have any experiences or insight that you would like to share? Bringing a new energy and momentum to the water industry