Optimal control strategy based on artificial intelligence applied to a continuous dark fermentation reactor for energy recovery from organic wastes

Dark fermentation process from low-cost renewable substrates for simultaneous wastewater treatment and hydrogen production (H 2 ) is suitable due to economic viability and environmental sustainability. This work explores the application of an innovative control strategy in a scale fermentation bioreactor designed for energy recovery from organic wastes. This approach not only promotes low carbon emissions but also offers significant potential for industrial application. Machine learning (ML) and optimization methods are used to model the nonlinear process and then, a neural predictive control (NPC) strategy to drive the system to its optimal operating order under varying influent conditions is developed. Predictive control uses the Newton-Raphson as the optimization algorithm and a multi-layer feedforward neural network for the state prediction. This strategy has demonstrated to be a viable algorithm for real-time control applications. First, experimental data from continuous dark fermentation are modeled using support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for response prediction and then, optimization algorithms are employed to identify the key parameters that enhance H 2 production. These optimal operating parameters are then used to create reference trajectory signals within a NPC scheme to achieve the optimal hydrogen production rate. The control strategy led to an HPR mean of 12.35 ± 1.2 NL H 2 /L-d under pseudo-steady state with hydrogen content in the gaseous phase of 63 % v/v , and a maximum COD recovery of 90% ± 2.8%. The results demonstrate that this innovative control method can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of biogas plants, showing viability for large-scale industrial implementation. • Dark fermentative (DF) H 2 production (HPR) from organic wastes using acidogenic consortia. • Optimal operation conditions are achieved by modeling and optimization approaches. • Optimal process control leads to an efficient fermentation performance for stable H 2 production. • A maximum HPR of 12.35 ± 1.2 NL H 2 /L-d and a COD recovery of 90 ± 2.8 % were accomplished. • The control strategy is proficient to optimize the HPR in presence of disturbances.