Modelling and parameter identification for a nonlinear time-delay system in microbial batch fermentation

Mathematical modelling and parameter identification of a microbial batch fermentation process is considered in this paper. In view of the existence of time delays, a nonlinear time-delay system is firstly proposed to formulate the fermentation process. Some important properties are also discussed. Taking the errors between the computational values and the experimental data as the cost function, a parameter identification model subject to continuous state constraints and parameter constraints is then presented. To seek the optimal time delay and the optimal kinetic parameters, an improved differential evolution algorithm in conjunction with the constraint transcription technique is developed. Finally, numerical results show that the model can describe the batch fermentation process reasonably. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.