Methodology of dynamic optimization and optimal control of batch electrochemical reactors

This paper presents a methodology of dynamic optimization and optimal contr ol of a batch electrochemical reactor where a series of two reactions A rev ersible arrow B reversible arrow D takes place. The optimization problem is stated as to determine the optimal profiles of the electrode potential whi ch maximize the selectivity of product B, in a given batch period and under specified constraints. The main important steps which are worth to be anal yzed prior to any on-line implementation are presented and discussed. Thus, after the formulation of the optimization problem, different dynamic optim ization methods have been used for the determination of optimal time-varyin g profiles of electrode potential. These profiles were then compared to the best uniform operations through the relative improvements of the performan ce index. The sensitivity analysis of the optimization criterion and contro l variables to the model parameters was carried out before state observatio n and implementation of optimal control profiles. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.