Aeration tanks are the workhorses of wastewater treatment. But they also account for many operational energy costs—often up to 60% of total plant electricity usage. For wastewater facilities across British Columbia, the push for cost reduction and sustainability makes it critical to optimize these systems for energy efficiency.
If you’re a plant operator, engineer, or manager looking to tighten up operations and reduce overhead, there are smarter ways to run your aeration system without sacrificing performance. In this article, we’ll break down the most effective strategies and technologies for improving aeration tank energy efficiency.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Wastewater Treatment
The price of energy isn’t getting any cheaper, and municipalities and industrial operations in B.C. are under pressure to keep budgets lean. Improving energy efficiency in your wastewater process not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also directly cuts utility bills.
With advancements in monitoring and automation, there’s no need to choose between efficiency and treatment quality. A few system upgrades and smarter control methods can lead to long-term wastewater treatment cost reduction and a smaller environmental footprint.
Upgrade to High-Efficiency Blowers
Blowers are the backbone of your aeration system—and one of the biggest energy draws. Upgrading to high-efficiency turbo or screw blowers can drastically reduce power consumption. These newer technologies adapt to fluctuating demand and run more efficiently at part load.
Blower optimization is essential. Oversized or underperforming blowers waste energy and reduce process stability. Conducting a blower performance assessment can help you select the right size and type for your plant’s actual needs.
Implement Smart DO Control
Dissolved oxygen (DO) control is one of the most effective strategies for reducing energy waste. When aeration is left running without proper DO monitoring, you’re essentially blowing air (and money) down the drain.
Installing sensors and automated DO control systems allows your facility to maintain optimal oxygen levels based on real-time conditions. This prevents over-aeration and ensures your blowers only work as hard as they need to.
In British Columbia’s varied climate, seasonal shifts in load and temperature can affect oxygen demand. Automated systems adapt faster than manual control, providing consistent performance year-round.
Read More: Troubleshooting Common Aeration Tank Problems
Fine-Tune Your Aeration Strategy
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to aeration. Different zones of your tank may require different levels of oxygen, and uniform aeration can lead to inefficiencies.
Consider strategies like:
- Zone-specific control: Adjust airflow based on actual oxygen demand in each part of the tank.
- Intermittent aeration: Alternate between aerated and anoxic periods to save energy while maintaining biological performance.
- Flow-paced aeration: Match airflow to incoming wastewater volume and load.
These approaches reduce unnecessary energy use while maintaining compliance with discharge limits.
Improve Mixing Efficiency
Good mixing is critical to oxygen transfer efficiency, but poor mixing can lead to dead zones and uneven treatment. Upgrading to energy-efficient mixers or optimizing placement can enhance circulation while reducing power consumption.
In some cases, switching to low-speed surface aerators or submersible mixers can offer both mixing and oxygen transfer in a more energy-conscious setup.
Perform Routine Maintenance and Monitoring
You can’t optimize what you don’t measure. Regular inspections of your aeration tank equipment—diffusers, blowers, sensors, and mixers—are key to keeping your system efficient.
Simple issues like clogged diffusers or misaligned blower belts can drive up energy use without warning. Scheduling proactive maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and avoids costly downtime.
Digital tools like SCADA systems or cloud-based dashboards can make it easier to spot trends and identify inefficiencies early on.
Consider Retrofitting and Automation
Retrofitting your existing system may seem like a big investment, but in many cases, it’s more cost-effective than operating an outdated or oversized aeration system. Modern control systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and sensor arrays pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills and reduced manual intervention.
Automation helps operators make smarter, data-driven decisions and reduces the risk of human error. Facilities that invest in digital upgrades often see improved performance and measurable cost savings within months.
Built for Efficiency: Trust Dennerik Engineering with Your Aeration Tank Design
Energy-saving in wastewater isn’t just about tweaking controls—it often starts with the tank itself. Whether you need a new build or an upgrade to an existing unit, Dennerik Engineering specializes in the custom design and manufacturing of aeration tanks built for optimal energy performance.
Serving municipalities and industrial operations throughout British Columbia, we deliver engineered tank systems that support smarter airflow, better mixing, and long-term durability. Our in-house team works closely with your plant to design aeration solutions that meet your operational goals and budget.
Ready to upgrade your aeration system with purpose-built performance? Contact Dennerik Engineering today to discuss your next aeration tank project.