Analysis of a Class of Fermentation Models by Optimal Control Methods

Fed batch fermentation is analyzed by means of numerical optimal control. The structures of optimal controls are studied. The ceiling of performance of fed batch mode is compared with that of batch fermentation. State feedback and dynamic (extended) state feedback representations of singular optimal controls are discussed. The dependence of optimal solutions on process parameters, in particular on terminal time, is described which allows the analysis of minimum time problems. Attention is given to computational aspects.