Abstract: For controlling energy transfer (Q) of a thermal energy exchanger of an HVAC system, a control system determines flow-dependent model parameters (M) for modelling performance of the thermal energy exchanger, using a plurality of measurement data sets, each measurement data set including for a respective measurement time a value of a measured flow of fluid (?act), a value of a measured supply temperature (Tsup) of the fluid, and a value of the measured return temperature (Tret) of the fluid. The control system calculates an estimated energy transfer (Qest) of the thermal energy exchanger, using the flow-dependent model parameters (M), and controls (S4) the energy transfer (Q) of the thermal energy exchanger by regulating (S5) the flow of fluid (?) through the thermal energy exchanger, using the estimated energy transfer (Qest).

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell having a pathway for passage of effluent from the anode to the cathode is provided, in addition to an ion exchange membrane between the chambers. Effluent may also pass from cathode to anode forming a continuous loop. Oxidation of effluent at the anode creates ammonium ions and produces electrons for an external circuit. The ammonium ions undergo nitrification at the cathode. Alternatively a nitrification reactor may be provided in the effluent pathway. Electrons are received by the cathode from the external circuit to reduce nitrate ions created by the nitrification process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor system for producing polycarbonate. The reactor system has one or more reactant vessels, an oligomerization reactor, a first pressure control device, a preheater, a second pressure control device, a distributor, and a flash tank. The one or more reactant vessels contain reactants contain a melt transesterification catalyst, a dihydroxy compound, and an activated diaryl carbonate. The reactor system is connected in the following configuration: (i) the one or more reactant vessels connected to the oligomerization reactor, (ii) the first pressure control device disposed between and connecting the outlet of the oligomerization reactor and the inlet of the preheater; (iii) the second pressure control device disposed between and connecting the outlet of the preheater and the distributor; and (iv) the distributor disposed at the inlet to the flash tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nitrification of wastewater and identification of microorganisms capable of participating in this process. Specifically, the invention provides a consortium of microorganisms capable of nitrite oxidation in wastewater, which consortium is enriched in members of the Nitrospira phylum. The invention also provides oligonucleotide primers and probes for the amplification or detection of Nitrospira DNA, kits comprising the primers and probes, and methods of detection and quantitating Nitrospira species in a sample.

Abstract: A method of operating a sequencing batch reactor having a cycle consisting of FILL, REACT, SETTLE and DRAW periods and optionally an IDLE period, wherein supply of feed to the sequencing batch reactor comprises distributing the feed into settled sludge in the bottom part of the reactor. Also provided is a method of operating a sequencing batch reactor having the foregoing cycle, wherein the FILL and REACT periods include at least one non-mixed period.