Scientific background of adaptive map control (IAT, University of Bremen)
Research and scientific background
The doctoral thesis behind the method
The method behind the adaptive map controller is fully documented and peer-reviewed. It is based on the doctoral thesis of our managing director, Dr.-Ing. Tim Hogeback, submitted at the Institute of Automation of the University of Bremen. It is openly accessible and permanently citable via a DOI:
Hogeback, T. (2026): Energieoptimale Regelung der biologischen Reinigungsstufe von Kläranlagen mit einem adaptiven Kennfeldregler [Energy-optimal control of the biological treatment stage of wastewater treatment plants using an adaptive map controller]. Doctoral thesis, University of Bremen, Faculty 01 – Physics/Electrical Engineering, Institute of Automation. Reviewers: Kai Michels, Rüdiger Kutzner. DOI: 10.26092/elib/6002
For operators and consulting engineers this means the controller's behaviour can be verified independently, without having to rely on manufacturer claims.
Further publications and talks
The method has been presented and discussed within the professional community since 2022:
Michels, K.; Hogeback, T. (2025): Einsatz eines adaptiven Kennfeldreglers auf kommunalen Kläranlagen [Use of an adaptive map controller at municipal wastewater treatment plants]. Talk at the BWK federal congress, September 2025. Published in: Wasser und Abfall 09/2025.
Hogeback, T.; Sander, M.; Michels, K.; Nölker, C. (2022): Adaptiver Kennfeldregler für eine optimale Sollwertvorgabe [Adaptive map controller for optimal setpoint control]. In: wwt wasserwirtschaft wassertechnik, vol. 71, special issue “Energiewende in der Wasserwirtschaft”, pp. 34–36. DOI: 10.51202/1438-5716-2022-Modernisierungsreport-034
Research background
The adaptive map controller was developed through a research collaboration between industry and university. The underlying algorithms are based on work from the Institute of Automation (IAT) at the University of Bremen.
The IAT has been researching the optimization of process engineering plants for many years and has extensive experience working with industrial partners such as RWE, Siemens, Stadtwerke München, Vattenfall, and ArcelorMittal.
How the method is implemented technically is shown under technology of the map controller; the effect it achieves in plant operation is documented by the measured results from Oldenburg and Bremen-Seehausen.
University of Bremen
Institute of Automation (IAT)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kai Michels has led the IAT since 2010 and supports the further development of the map controller with control engineering expertise.
From research to practice
BLUE GREEN Systems GmbH brings modern control technology from research into real plant operation.
Research at the University of Bremen
Development of adaptive control concepts for process engineering plants at the IAT.
Founding of BLUE GREEN Systems
Transfer of research results into a market-ready product for the wastewater industry.
First installations
Successful deployments at large wastewater treatment plants in Oldenburg and Bremen.
Continuous development
Close collaboration between industry and university for continuous improvement.
Questions about the technology?
We're happy to explain the scientific foundations of the map controller.