Model-Based Optimization of an Anaerobic Digestion Process

This paper deals with the optimization of an anaerobic digestion process considering aspects regarding both the economic benefit, expressed through the biogas production, as well as environmental issues, expressed through the quality of the discharged water. The adopted method involves determining the optimal regimes characteristics obtained based on a mathematical model. The optimal set point of the water quality loop, expressed by the Chemical Oxygen Demand, is computed as a function of the influent substrate concentration. The water quality loop includes a robust control solution based on the Quantitative Feedback Theory, thus incorporating the parametric uncertainties that affects this type of processes.