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    Optimal Control of Biogas Plants using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control


    Gaida, Daniel and Luis, Sousa Brito Andre and Wolf, Christian and Back, Thomas and Bongards, Michael and McLoone, Sean F. (2011) Optimal Control of Biogas Plants using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control. In: ISSC 2011, June 23-24 2011, Trinity College Dublin.

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    Abstract

    Optimal control of biogas plants is a complex and challenging task due to the nonlinearity of the anaerobic digestion process involved in the conversion of biodegradable input material to biogas (a mixture of the energy carrier methane and carbon dioxide). In this paper a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) algorithm is developed to optimally control the substrate feed of the anaerobic digestion process on biogas plants. The implemented algorithm is investigated in a simulation study using a validated simulation model of a full-scale biogas plant with an electrical power of 750 kW, where the control objective is to achieve high biogas production and quality while maintaining stable plant operation. Results are presented demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach. The optimal operating state identified by the controller provides an additional return of investment of 650 €/day compared to a nominal operating state. Using the proposed algorithm it will be possible in the near future to optimize full-scale biogas plants using nonlinear model predictive control and therefore to advance the use of anaerobic digestion for eco-friendly energy production.

    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
    Keywords: anaerobic digestion; control; Nonlinear Model Predictive Control; optimization;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Electronic Engineering
    Item ID: 3648
    Depositing User: Sean McLoone
    Date Deposited: 08 May 2012 14:51
    Refereed: Yes
    URI:
      Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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