OPTIMIZATION AND CONTROL OF A FEDBATCH FERMENTATION PROCESS

This paper describes the optimization problem of a fedbatch fermentati on process for alcohol production which initially consists of minimizi ng a time-optimal global criterion. Dynamic programming methods have p reviously allowed one to solve this global optimization problem and to deduce a local criterion to be maximized at each sampling step by usi ng non-linear programming techniques. It is then stated that under a f ew realistic constraints the optimization problem can be translated in to the regulation problem of the substrate concentration in the fermen tor. The optimal value is a function of a certain growth model. A cont rol law based on the quotient between measurement and optimal value is then implemented. Simulation results and real-life experiments valida te the problem transformation.