Throughput/yield optimized model predictive control

摘要

The present invention provides novel techniques for optimizing throughput and yield using model predictive control techniques. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein the trade off between yields of biofuel production and overall system throughput may be optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to any other suitable applications where a batch process of the system may affect a change in a property of the produced product, such as liquor processing.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
(a) determining a desired throughput of a continuous process of a biofuel production process; (b) determining a non-linear relationship between residence time of a batch fermentation process of the biofuel production process and a property of ethanol generated by the batch fermentation process during the residence time using model-based predictive control algorithms; (c) determining an optimal residence time of the non-linear relationship at which a ratio of the property of the ethanol generated to the residence time is maximized; (d) calculating a yield of the batch fermentation process as a function of the optimal residence time; (e) determining a desired output of the biofuel production process based on the calculated yield and the desired throughput, wherein the desired output maximizes an economic value of the continuous process throughput based on a balance between the calculated yield and the desired throughput; and (f) controlling the biofuel production process to adjust a residence time of the batch fermentation process to the optimal residence time and to adjust a continuous process throughput of the biofuel production process based on the determined desired output.