Appearance
Calculation Modes
ErgoPlanner supports two calculation modes for each process unit, allowing users to choose the appropriate level of complexity for their needs.
Overview
| Mode | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Fixed-efficiency calculations | Preliminary design, rapid iteration |
| Advanced | Mechanistic biokinetic models | Detailed simulation, optimization |
Basic Mode
Basic mode uses simplified efficiency-based calculations:
- Fixed removal efficiencies - TSS, BOD, COD removal percentages
- Simple hydraulics - Flow balance and HRT calculations
- Quick computation - Instant results for design iterations
- Backward compatible - Default mode for all units
When to Use Basic Mode
- Preliminary sizing and layout
- Conceptual design studies
- Initial parameter estimation
- Educational purposes
- Quick what-if scenarios
Advanced Mode
Advanced mode uses full mechanistic models:
- Biokinetic models - ASM1, ASM2d, ASM3 for activated sludge
- ADM1 - Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 for digesters
- State variables - Full 8-24 state variable tracking
- Kinetic parameters - Temperature-dependent reaction rates
- Dynamic simulation - Time-varying conditions
When to Use Advanced Mode
- Detailed design verification
- Process optimization studies
- Troubleshooting existing plants
- Research and development
- Regulatory compliance demonstration
Switching Modes
In the Properties Panel
- Select a process unit on the canvas
- In the Properties Panel, locate the Calculation Mode toggle
- Click Basic or Advanced to switch modes
- Advanced mode shows additional kinetic parameters
Via Template Defaults
Templates can specify default modes:
- Standard templates use Basic mode (backward compatible)
- Advanced templates (e.g.,
nr-mle-advanced) use Advanced mode - Per-node overrides are supported
Parameter Differences
CSTR Example
| Parameter | Basic Mode | Advanced Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Yes | Yes |
| DO Setpoint | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Yield (Y_H) | No | Yes |
| Max Growth Rate (μmax) | No | Yes |
| Half-saturation (K_S) | No | Yes |
| Decay Rate (b_H) | No | Yes |
| SRT | Calculated | State variable |
Secondary Clarifier Example
| Parameter | Basic Mode | Advanced Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Yes | Yes |
| Depth | Yes | Yes |
| RAS Ratio | Yes | Yes |
| WAS Flow | Yes | Yes |
| Settling Velocity (v_0) | No | Yes |
| Hindered Parameter (r_H) | No | Yes |
| Compression Parameter (r_P) | No | Yes |
| Discrete Layers | No | Yes (10+) |
Supported Advanced Models
Biological Treatment
| Unit Type | Advanced Model |
|---|---|
| CSTR | ASM1, ASM2d, ASM3 |
| PFR | ASM1, ASM2d, ASM3 |
| SBR | ASM1 with cycle phases |
| MBBR | Two-phase biofilm model |
| MBR | ASM + membrane flux model |
| Oxidation Ditch | ASM with carousel zones |
Anaerobic Treatment
| Unit Type | Advanced Model |
|---|---|
| Anaerobic Digester | ADM1 (24 state variables) |
| Acid-Phase Digester | ADM1 acidogenesis focus |
| Gas-Phase Digester | ADM1 methanogenesis focus |
| UASB | ADM1 + upflow hydraulics |
Clarification
| Unit Type | Advanced Model |
|---|---|
| Primary Clarifier | Stokes settling, particle distribution |
| Secondary Clarifier | Takács double-exponential |
| DAF | Flotation + white water recycle |
Preserving Parameters
When switching between modes:
- Basic → Advanced: Default kinetic parameters are loaded
- Advanced → Basic: Advanced parameters are cached
- Basic → Advanced (again): Previously cached parameters are restored
This allows experimentation without losing carefully tuned values.
Best Practices
- Start with Basic - Get your layout and flows correct first
- Switch key units to Advanced - Focus on critical process units
- Use templates - Advanced templates have pre-calibrated kinetics
- Validate against data - Compare with plant performance data
- Document assumptions - Note which units use which mode
Technical Details
Implementation (Task 153)
CalculationModetype:'basic' | 'advanced'IAdvancedProcessUnitinterface for advanced modelsModelModeServicefor state management- UI toggle in
SimulationPropertiesPanel - Template support via
templateParameterService
State Variables (Advanced Mode)
ASM1 state variables tracked:
- S_S - Readily biodegradable substrate
- X_BH - Active heterotrophic biomass
- X_BA - Active autotrophic biomass
- X_S - Slowly biodegradable substrate
- X_P - Particulate products
- S_O - Dissolved oxygen
- S_NO - Nitrate nitrogen
- S_NH - Ammonia nitrogen
See also: Biokinetic Models, Process Units