Mechanistic model-based control of biodiesel production processes: a review of needs and scopes

An overview of studies on mechanistic model-based control of biodiesel production process is presented and discussed, focusing on control strategies including, among others, plantwide control, model predictive control, and optimal control. The paper highlights past studies that used advanced control strategies to improve the economic performance of biodiesel production. Based on the outcome of the literature review, there are limited applications of advanced control strategies in the biodiesel production process, especially within the plantwide control (PWC) framework. Only a few studies addressed the optimization and control of the biodiesel process beyond the transesterification reactor. Decentralized plantwide control architecture using a heuristic-based method with simulations in Aspen Plus Dynamic is currently employed to demonstrate how to facilitate and enhance the process performance of biofuel production. The review shows a need for a simple, effective, and easily implementable plantwide design control capable of achieving optimal profitability, controllability, and safety.

Automated summary

This paper provides an overview of studies on mechanistic model-based control of biodiesel production process, focusing on control strategies such as plantwide control, model predictive control, and optimal control. It is found that there is limited application of advanced control strategies in the biodiesel production process, especially within the plantwide control framework. Decentralized plantwide control using a heuristic-based method and simulations is currently being employed to improve the performance of biofuel production. The review highlights the need for a simple, effective, and easily implementable plantwide design control for achieving optimal profitability, controllability, and safety.