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Description
As stated in IPPCs report in 2019, the appearance of harmful algae in waters is increasing, both in quantity and frequency. The researchers assume the higher algae level relates to higher water temperatures due to climate change as well as nutrients in waters from human pollution.
The aim of EMVIS’ project iMAq is to minimize the proliferation of fouling species promptly by improving operational intelligence of seawater desalination industry with a satellite-assisted forecasting service line for coastal waters. The project will develop a satellite-assisted, short-term operational forecasting system for harmful algal blooms in coastal waters, and an operational decision support system for seawater desalination plants, integrated in a web-based operational forecasting platform to enable proactive decision making in desalination operations. This system will enable to answer two critical questions in real time: 1) what will be the water quality characteristics of seawater, and 2) how can we transform these forecasts into specific operational decisions that will optimize the performance of the desalination plant.
EMVIS will collaborate with Norges Teknisk-Vitenskapelige Universitet (NTNU) and SYCHEM. NTNU is responsible for the scientific evaluation and quality assurance of the project. In addition, they are contributing to the development of a forecasting service due to their scientific expertise in areas that align with the projects. SYCHEM S.A. is a local partner and engineering company who manufactures specialized water desalination units in Greece. In the project, they are responsible for identification of end-user requirements for the operational service as well as industry-driven evaluation of the service.
The project will result in increased revenues and competitiveness of EMVIS and gaining of competence through bilateral cooperation.
Summary of project results
The project result was achieved, i.e. one new solution was developed: forecasting system + the DSS tailor-made tool based on the forecast. EMVIS has a new project approved under the 3rd Call for Proposals and has again partnered with NTNU and SINTEF.
Summary of bilateral results
The contribution of NTNU to the project was very important as it provided the scientific validation of the system.