Parameter adaptive control techniques for anaerobic digesters—real-life experiments

Different digital control schemes for anaerobic digesters of wastewater treatment plants are proposed. The process dynamics are briefly discussed and a simplified process model is adopted for the specific control purposes. By employing parameter adaptive control techniques, three nonlinear adaptive control algorithms are developed: substrate concentration control, methane production rate control and a strategy which is a combined method of the two previous control schemes. Extensive simulation results are presented. These algorithms are applied on a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The results obtained are discussed.