Impact of Cool‐Season Wastewater Temperature on SBR Design and Operation: Sensitivity and Performance Analyses

Abstract This study examines how cold‐season wastewater temperatures affect the design and operation of sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). Wastewater temperatures of 10°C–20°C, representative of winter conditions in Iranian cities, were analyzed using kinetic models combined with blower performance data. Two approaches were applied: (i) a seasonal analysis for Abadan, Iran, to identify the critical design season, and (ii) a generalized sensitivity analysis across the 10–20°C range. Results showed that winter is the most critical period, requiring ∼18% higher airflow than summer. Elevated temperatures improved microbial activity by up to 97%, reduced sludge generation by ∼6%, and shortened aeration time by ∼30%. Comparative evaluation indicated that a 12‐blower configuration best balanced capital cost, energy efficiency, and redundancy, lowering annual CO 2 emissions to 6487 tons. These findings emphasize that cold‐season wastewater temperature should guide aeration system design. The proposed framework also provides practical guidance for extending sensitivity analyses to other influent and operational parameters.