Abstract
This paper presents the advanced control theory’s original utilisation to realise a system that controls the fermentation process in batch bioreactors. Proper fermentation control is essential for quality fermentation products and the economical operation of bioreactors. Batch bioreactors are very popular due to their simple construction. However, this simplicity presents limitations in implementing control systems that would ensure a controlled fermentation process. Batch bioreactors do not allow the inflow/outflow of substances during operation. Therefore, we have developed a control system based on a stirrer drive instead of material flow. The newly developed control system ensures tracking of the fermentation product time course to the reference trajectory by changing the stirrer’s speed. Firstly, the paper presents the derivation of the enhanced mathematical model suitable for developing a control system. A linearisation and eigenvalue analysis of this model were made. Due to the time-consuming determination of the fermentation model and the variation of the controlled plant during operation, the use of adaptive control is advantageous. Secondly, a comparison of different adaptive approaches was made. The model reference adaptive control was selected on this basis. The control theory is presented, and the control realisation described. Experimental results obtained with the laboratory batch bioreactor confirm the advantages of the proposed adaptive approach compared to the conventional PI-control.
Highlights
There has been an explosive growth in the research, development, and sales of new products based on Bioprocess Engineering
The proposed adaptive control was used for the described laboratory batch bioreactor and milk fermentation with kefir grains
The main contribution of this work in bioprocess engineering is the development of a control system that enables control of a time course of a fermentation process in batch bioreactors
Summary
There has been an explosive growth in the research, development, and sales of new products based on Bioprocess Engineering. Bioprocess operations make use of microbial, animal and plant cells and components of cells such as enzymes to manufacture new products and destroy harmful waste [1]. Market competitiveness, and environmental concerns, a real need has appeared for high-quality products, low cost, and low emission of pollutants. This is the main reason for the recent advance in the research of new methodologies and conceptions about bioprocess development and bioprocess control in all areas
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