Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB 
Project goals
The main innovation and objective of the proposed project is the development of a platform for robust real-time drinking water operation optimization, based on a digital twin of the drinking water network, a forecasting toolbox and optimization tools.
The operation of drinking water infrastructures can be optimized with regard to various objectives. As part of this project, the innovative digital platform will be applied and evaluated using two use cases as examples:
▪ Use Case 1: Energy optimization as a contribution to climate neutrality: maximized use of regeneratively generated electricity
▪ Use Case 2: Optimization of drinking water production and treatment (water softening): On-demand water treatment and thus minimizing the use of chemicals.
These use cases are to be implemented as prototypes using the drinking water infrastructure of Bühl (Baden) and investigated in practical use. In addition, a study will be carried out at the Thuringia district water supply company to investigate the potential of using the innovative platform for Use Case 1 there (optimization of pump use using renewable electricity).