Production-process optimization algorithm: Application to fed-batch bioprocess

This paper presents a computationally tractable algorithm focusing on overall optimization of a production process. The proposed algorithm embraces both the input profile and the state initial conditions optimization and consists of three stages: (i) optimization of the input profile with constant initial conditions, (ii) reduction of the input profile complexity and (iii) joint optimization of the input profile parameters and state initial conditions. The newly proposed algorithm is compared with several alternatives on a series of numerical experiments representing penicillin cultivation process. As a part of the evaluation, a broader range of optimization periods is considered and not only the criterion but also the complexity of the provided input profiles is inspected. The obtained encouraging results show the superiority of the newly proposed solution and demonstrate the usefulness of the joint-optimization algorithm.