Implementing ADM1 for plant-wide benchmark simulations in Matlab/Simulink

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Biochemical Engineering
• Process Systems Engineering

Background:

• The IWA Anaerobic Digestion Model No.1 (ADM1) is a state-of-the-art model for anaerobic digestion processes.
• Its complexity presents challenges for implementation in dynamic simulations, especially for plant-wide or integrated systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present experiences from implementing the ADM1 model in Matlab/Simulink within the Benchmark Simulation Model 2 (BSM2).
• To discuss computational aspects crucial for successful dynamic simulations using ADM1.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of ADM1 within the extended COST/IWA Benchmark Simulation Model (BSM2) using Matlab/Simulink.
• Analysis of system stiffness, model interfacing, mass balances, acid-base equilibrium, and algebraic solvers.
• Evaluation of numerical solvers and simulation time.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of ADM1 into dynamic plant-wide simulations is demonstrated.
• Computational challenges including system stiffness and pH variable handling were addressed.
• The implementation allows for simulations including noise and discrete sub-systems.

Conclusions:

• The ADM1 can be effectively implemented for high-quality dynamic plant-wide simulations.
• Proper implementation mitigates extensive computational efforts, making ADM1 viable for complex systems.
• The study provides practical insights for researchers and engineers working with ADM1.