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Multi-origin water resource optimisation framework for industrial purposes

Pothoulakis Angelos

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Summary

The global climate crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of water resources, leading to increased droughts, depletion of water reserves, and increased demand for water, especially in the Mediterranean region. Industries heavily reliant on water, such as breweries, face significant threats from droughts and potential water scarcity. This study aims to optimise the intake from alternative water sources to minimise reliance on municipal water. Conducted in Crete, Greece, the research explores the utilisation of four alternate water sources. A Linear Programming (LP) model is developed to distribute water resources effectively, minimising costs and environmental consequences while respecting the capacity limitations of each water source. A newly created algorithm is used to address this issue, with datasets covering 365 days, resulting in daily and yearly solutions. The algorithm has been proved very reliable in locating the global optimum, requiring reasonable computational effort. The outcomes of the study proved that the levelised cost of water can be reduced by more than 10%, by also concurrently diminishing the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by more than 25%. The optimal solution suggests a system that restricts municipal water intake by maximising the contribution of the ground water resources and the river ones, as well. This research leads to promising results and practical solutions to water-intensive industries, emphasising the urgent need for adaptive strategies in the face of a changing climate. This study stands as a critical reference point for industries aiming to achieve sustainable and cost-effective water resource management amidst the burgeoning climate crisis.

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