Integrating Predictive and Adaptive Control for Profit Maximization in Biogas Plants

Biogas plants represent one of several energy sources that can facilitate the expansion of renewable energy generation. However, the operation of a biogas plant may not yield profits without governmental support. A potential solution to this problem is to enable flexible operation of the biogas plant. This flexible approach allows for enhanced electricity sales during periods of high prices and decreased production when prices are low. However, many biogas plants typically operate constantly, mainly due to the complexities involved in modeling the process and the absence of necessary monitoring sensors. This paper presents a practical strategy for the flexible control of biogas plants. It features a combination of an economic Model Predictive Controller (MPC) and a Model Reference Adaptive Controller (MRAC). The economic MPC formulates the optimal trajectory aimed at profit maximization using the nominal model, while the MRAC addresses the uncertainties in the model, enabling the actual plant to follow the calculated optimal trajectory.     «

Biogas plants represent one of several energy sources that can facilitate the expansion of renewable energy generation. However, the operation of a biogas plant may not yield profits without governmental support. A potential solution to this problem is to enable flexible operation of the biogas plant. This flexible approach allows for enhanced electricity sales during periods of high prices and decreased production when prices are low. However, many biogas plants typically operate constantly, ma...     »