Dynamical model development and parameter identification for an anaerobic wastewater treatment process

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Biochemical Engineering
• Process Modeling

Background:

• Anaerobic digestion is a key process for wastewater treatment and biogas production.
• Accurate process models are crucial for effective monitoring and control of treatment plants.
• Incorporating electrochemical equilibria, specifically alkalinity, is vital for understanding process dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and parameterize a two-step (acidogenesis-methanization) mass-balance model for anaerobic digestion.
• To integrate electrochemical equilibria and alkalinity into the model for enhanced control strategies.
• To validate the developed model using extensive experimental data.

Main Methods:

• A two-step mass-balance model was developed, including acidogenesis and methanization phases.
• Electrochemical equilibria were incorporated to account for alkalinity's role.
• A step-by-step parameter identification procedure was employed.
• Dynamical experiments were conducted over 70 days in a 1-m³ fermenter for model validation.

Main Results:

• The developed anaerobic digestion model successfully incorporates alkalinity through electrochemical equilibria.
• A robust parameter identification procedure was established.
• The model was validated using 70 days of experimental data, demonstrating its accuracy across various operating conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides a reliable tool for monitoring and controlling anaerobic digestion processes.
• The integration of alkalinity significantly improves the model's predictive capabilities.
• This research contributes to optimizing wastewater treatment plant operations through advanced process modeling.