Feedforward Control of Coupled, Competing Population Systems based on Input-/Output-Models

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Oliver Sawodny
• Subject Area: Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 327834553

Based on the approach to model-based control design for an intraspecific competitive population system, the goal in this research project is to derive methods that lead to input-output models and controls based on them, for two coupled interspecific competitive population systems. Considering a single population, it has been shown that the population density, which can be controlled by the dilution rate, has an age structure fixed by the system parameters, which can only be influenced in amplitude over time. However, due to the different behaviors of the organisms depending on their age, it is desirable to influence this structure, for example, to maximize the metabolic activity of the total population at a given time. Therefore, the second grant periode will now investigate how this age structure can be influenced. It will be answered how the age structure is influenced by the coupling to a second population. The question is whether requirements can be made to the system parameters of a second species so that the age structure of the first species can be influenced in a desired way. Another option to influence the age structure, which will be investigated in this grant periode, is the recycling rate as a second control input. It will be answered how this additional dilution rate, which enters proportionally to the steady-state profile, affects the age structure.The remaining question is, in which way it is possible to extend the analytical solution methodology from the first grant period to two coupled population systems for the realization of control tasks. To what extent does the coupling influence the analytical approach to the system and which strategies can be used to find a system representation that allows the application of the methodology from the first grant period.The theoretical findings will be validated experimentally using a Permittistat-reactor. This reactor reflects a simplified realization of a variety of relevant applications such as wastewater treatment plants and bioreactors for protein synthesis. In terms of biological application, the investigation in the second grant period will allow to gain a deeper understanding of the system and to develop suitable approaches for model-based control of coupled population systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants