Closed-loop control of the medium feeding for yeast cultures in a pilot bioreactor based on exhaust gas analysis

Abstract

In order to control one bioprocess we first need to know it, we need to be able to describe it, to anticipate what is going to happen, what is going to trigger the desired effect. But in order to do that, in order to ensure that our results are reproducible and that they are optimal, firstly, we need to determine all the parameters involved. This work proposes to study the culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a pilot bioreactor, obtaining all the required data for the construction of a mathematical model, which in turn will allow us to design a controller that ensures the maximum productivity of the yeast, all that by regulating the ethanol concentration , setting a small fix setpoint. To that end, we propose that, instead of using an expensive and unreliable ethanol probe, we should employ the analysis of the exhaust gas of the bioreactor, equipment already available most of the time and much more responsive.