Optimization of a Microalgae Growth Process in Photobioreactors

The paper proposes a control structure for the optimization of the microalgae cultivation process in photobioreactors, which uses a performance criterion that includes productivity and light use. A 16th order first principles dynamic model was used in the analysis of the control structure. The main results noted in the paper are the following: the realistic evaluation of the performances of the extremum seeking algorithm, solving the optimization problem; the analysis of two light supply control methods; and the identification of two approaches able to replace the extremum seeking optimizer with a biomass control loop that operates at an optimal setpoint determined with the mathematical model. The results were validated through numerical simulation.