Optimization of feeding profile for baker's yeast production by dynamic programming

An optimal substrate feeding for an industrial scale fed-batch fermenter is determined through iterative dynamic programming in order to maximize the cell-mass production and to minimize the ethanol formation. An experimental ly validated rigorous dynamic model comprises constraints in the optimizati on problem. A new objective function is proposed to accommodate the competi ng requirements of maximum yeast production and minimum ethanol formation. The objective function is maximized with iterative dynamic programming with respect to the sugar feed rate. Results prove the effectiveness of dynamic programming for solving such high-dimensional and nonlinear optimization p roblems, and the resulting optimal policy indicates that considerable incre ase in yeast production in fed-batch fermenters can be achieved while minim izing the undesired by-product, ethanol.