Adaptive stabilisation of ethanol production during the continuous fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Two different approaches for adaptive control design are investigated and compared from a user´s point of view. The first one is an application of the Matlab toolbox routine Designer, and the second approach is based on the commonly used adaptive linearising control (ALC) design method. The continuous aerobic fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is taken as an object for control. The control task is the stabilisation of ethanol production at a previously set low value of concentration. Simulations using a biochemical model of the process verify both algorithms. In general the obtained results for both algorithms satisfy the microbiologists´ requirements. From a user´s point of view, Designer shows more advantages then the ALC. The use of Designer seems to be promising for application in the bio-industry.