Extremum seeking control with applications to micro-algae cultures

Extremum seeking allows determining on-line the optimal operating conditions of a process, provided that a measurable performance index exists with some desirable properties, without requiring the explicit knowledge of a detailed process model. This technique has been the subject of intense research in the past few years and his particularly well adapted to fast electrical and mechanical systems.

We are investigating different algorithm formulations, especially the computation of the gradient of the performance index, and aim at improving the algorithm performance for slow processes, which are common in biochemical applications. In particular we conduct experimental tests and validation in connection with the cultures of microalgae in photobioreactors.