Nonlinear Adaptive Control of a Bioprocess Model with Unknown Kinetics

Abstract

In this paper we consider a nonlinear model of an anaerobic wastewater treatment process, in which biodegradable organic is decomposed to produce methane. The model, described by a four-dimensional dynamic system, is known to be practically validated and reliable.We propose a feedback control law for asymptotic stabilization of the closed-loop system towards a fixed operating point. Moreover, a model-based numerical extremum seeking algorithm is applied to stabilize the control system towards an equilibrium point with maximal methane flow rate. The robustness of the feedback control is demonstrated by assuming uncertainties in the growth rate functions. Computer simulations are reported to illustrate the theoretical results.