Predictive control of a nutrient removal biological plant

The aim of this work is to estimate and control a biological nitrogen and carbon removal process. The paper illustrates the use of a complex nonlinear model in the design of a software sensor and predictive control techniques. Process modeling describes the complete dynamics of autotrophic and heterotrophic biomasses, biodegradable organic and nitrogenous matters. The control approach structure is combined with the estimation algorithm, for the on-line reconstruction of unmeasured biological states and unknown parameters of the bioprocess. The efficiency of both the control and estimation schemes are demonstrated via computer simulations.