Nonlinear adaptive control for bioreactors with unknown kinetics (Q705155)

A nonlinear output feedback controller which achieves the global asymptotic stabilization of a bio-process without using any known analytical expression for the kinetic function is proposed. It is shown that the proposed adaptive control law performs exact regulation towards the set-point despite parameter uncertainties. The description of the state is based on equations of classical mass-balance-based modeling. It is assumed that the unknown reaction kinetics is nonnegative, and guarantees the Cauchy conditions for uniqueness of state trajectories. Also, it is assumed that the values of reaction kinetics are obtainable from sensors or numerical estimators. The real-life experiments performed on a pilot-scale anaerobic wastewater treatment plant show the practical relevance of the proposed design approach.