Abstract
In this work, two machine learning techniques, specifically decision trees (DTs) and support vector machines (SVMs), were applied to optimize the performance of a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant with a capacity of 100 m3 per day. The input variables to the system were seawater pH, seawater conductivity, and three requirements: permeate flow rate, permeate conductivity, and total energy consumed by the desalination plant. These requirements were decided based on a cost function that prioritizes the water needs in a vessel and the maximum possible energy savings. The intelligent system modifies the actuators of the plant: feed flow rate control and high-pressure pump (HPP) operating pressure. This tool is proposed for the optimal use of desalination plants in marine vessels. Although both machine learning techniques output satisfactory results, it was concluded that the DTs technique (HPP pressure: root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.0104; feed flow rate: RMSE = 0.0196) is more accurate than SVMs (HPP pressure: RMSE = 0.0918; feed flow rate: RMSE = 0.0198) based on the metrics used. The final objective of the paper is to extrapolate the implementation of this smart system to other shipboard desalination plants and optimize their performance.
Highlights
IntroductionApart from energy, one of the pressing needs in a marine vessel is the water supply [1]
Apart from energy, one of the pressing needs in a marine vessel is the water supply [1].There are two main ways to obtain fresh water on the high seas: producing water through seawater desalination, and water bunkering in ports
The results obtained from comparing the two machine learning (ML) techniques are presented and discussed to clarify which is the most appropriate to simulate the performance of the seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant
Summary
Apart from energy, one of the pressing needs in a marine vessel is the water supply [1]. There are two main ways to obtain fresh water on the high seas: producing water through seawater desalination, and water bunkering in ports. Related to the first solution, certain variables have to be identified to operate a desalination plant in a way that provides the needs of a ship. The quality and quantity of daily water are important requirements to supply the needs of the crew and passengers of a marine vessel. The amount of energy consumed by a possible on-board desalination plant is an important and essential consideration as far as ships are concerned. Regarding the quality of the water used in marine vessels, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Guidelines for drinking-water quality (GDWQ) [2] have been followed
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