A Fuzzy Logic Control based Fed Batch Fermentation Control Scheme for Plant Culturing

Abstract

Biotechnological plants, such as Fed Batch Fermentation (FBF) systems used in plant culturing, have an abundance of uncertainty and complexity, which makes it difficult to model these systems and unsuitable to employ conventional techniques for control design. Recently, artificial intelligence and computational intelligence techniques have been employed in modelling and controlling these systems. However, most of the techniques employed are hybrid models which have high computational requirements. In this study, a conventional Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) for FBF control is presented with the aim of improving efficiency. The fermentation plant is modelled as a black box using C programming language. The FLC is designed and simulated in MATLAB and the results are compared with a nominal feeding profile. The FLC resulted in a 137 percent increase in product concentration, a 538 percent improvement in productivity, and a 14 percent increase in volume. The nominal profile, on the other hand, performed better in terms of Biomass, with the FLC providing a 70% decrease in Biomass levels of the fermentation process.