Development of a fed-batch-scale anaerobic co-digestion control system based on multivariable output error state space and model predictive control

Abstract

This paper describes a feeding control system for fed-batch-scale anaerobic co-digestion. The proposed system is based on the multivariable output error state space and uses model predictive control to regulate the biogas flow output of anaerobic co-digestion. This control system combines predictive modeling, receding-horizon optimization, and state feedback. An accurate linear model of anaerobic co-digestion is obtained through the multivariable output error state space method using experimental data, and the accuracy of the model is evaluated using a goodness-of-fit index and the root mean square error. After augmenting the model, a predictive control system is established. The system states are observed through a Kalman filter, and the constrained receding-horizon optimization problem is solved using quadratic programming. Finally, the stability of the control system is demonstrated from both open- and closed-loop perspectives. The control system is then constructed and used in actual experiments, with the target flow output set at 100 NmL/h. The final flow output indicates that the control system achieves good control performance. This research enables the biogas output of anaerobic co-digestion to be controlled from a linear perspective through a concise control algorithm with strong practical application prospects.

Keywords

• Anaerobic co-digestion process
• Feeding control
• System identification
• Model predictive control
• State estimation