Evaluation of the Genericity of an Adaptive Optimal Control Approach to Optimize Membrane Filtration Systems

This study explores the application and robustness of an adaptive optimal control (AOC) strategy to optimize the operation of membrane filtration systems. The proposed control is based on a constant flux model where fouling is primarily due to cake layer formation. The algorithm dynamically finds th...

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Main Authors: Aymen Chaaben, Fatma Ellouze, Nihel Ben Amar, Alain Rapaport, Marc Heran, Jérôme Harmand
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Membranes
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/15/6/157
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author Aymen Chaaben
Fatma Ellouze
Nihel Ben Amar
Alain Rapaport
Marc Heran
Jérôme Harmand
author_facet Aymen Chaaben
Fatma Ellouze
Nihel Ben Amar
Alain Rapaport
Marc Heran
Jérôme Harmand
author_sort Aymen Chaaben
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the application and robustness of an adaptive optimal control (AOC) strategy to optimize the operation of membrane filtration systems. The proposed control is based on a constant flux model where fouling is primarily due to cake layer formation. The algorithm dynamically finds the optimal ratio between the filtration (F) and backwash (BW) time ratio in response to system disturbances, thereby adapting the operational state of the membrane in order to optimize its performance in terms of energy consumption. The strategy was successfully applied to both microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) systems and quantitatively demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and controlling fouling. It proved robust against model uncertainties and demonstrated real-time adaptability even under varying and realistic disturbance conditions. The implementation of this control strategy facilitated real-time adaptation of the filtration/backwash (F/BW) ratio in response to dynamic system disturbances. The result underlines that the control behavior is predominantly driven by fluctuations in mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSSs). Compared to conventional fixed-time modes, the AOC led to significant energy savings, ranging from 7% to 30%, and membrane lifespan extension, mainly through more efficient permeate pump usage.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2077-0375
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publishDate 2025-05-01
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series Membranes
spelling doaj-art-ca709c93930f4051bd9e3f0fd9d49cbb2025-08-20T03:27:22ZengMDPI AGMembranes2077-03752025-05-0115615710.3390/membranes15060157Evaluation of the Genericity of an Adaptive Optimal Control Approach to Optimize Membrane Filtration SystemsAymen Chaaben0Fatma Ellouze1Nihel Ben Amar2Alain Rapaport3Marc Heran4Jérôme Harmand5Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology (LBE), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, FranceNational Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT), University of Carthage, Tunis 1080, TunisiaLaboratory of Modelling for Systems Analysis and Optimization (LAMSIN), National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT), University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 2092, TunisiaMathematics, Informatics and Statistics for Environment and Agronomy (MISTEA), INRAE, University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, FranceEuropean Institute for Membranes (IEM), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, FranceLaboratory of Environmental Biotechnology (LBE), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, FranceThis study explores the application and robustness of an adaptive optimal control (AOC) strategy to optimize the operation of membrane filtration systems. The proposed control is based on a constant flux model where fouling is primarily due to cake layer formation. The algorithm dynamically finds the optimal ratio between the filtration (F) and backwash (BW) time ratio in response to system disturbances, thereby adapting the operational state of the membrane in order to optimize its performance in terms of energy consumption. The strategy was successfully applied to both microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) systems and quantitatively demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and controlling fouling. It proved robust against model uncertainties and demonstrated real-time adaptability even under varying and realistic disturbance conditions. The implementation of this control strategy facilitated real-time adaptation of the filtration/backwash (F/BW) ratio in response to dynamic system disturbances. The result underlines that the control behavior is predominantly driven by fluctuations in mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSSs). Compared to conventional fixed-time modes, the AOC led to significant energy savings, ranging from 7% to 30%, and membrane lifespan extension, mainly through more efficient permeate pump usage.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/15/6/157ultra filtrationmicro filtrationmembrane foulingmembrane process optimizationmodel-based controlenergy minimization
spellingShingle Aymen Chaaben
Fatma Ellouze
Nihel Ben Amar
Alain Rapaport
Marc Heran
Jérôme Harmand
Evaluation of the Genericity of an Adaptive Optimal Control Approach to Optimize Membrane Filtration Systems
Membranes
ultra filtration
micro filtration
membrane fouling
membrane process optimization
model-based control
energy minimization
title Evaluation of the Genericity of an Adaptive Optimal Control Approach to Optimize Membrane Filtration Systems
title_full Evaluation of the Genericity of an Adaptive Optimal Control Approach to Optimize Membrane Filtration Systems
title_fullStr Evaluation of the Genericity of an Adaptive Optimal Control Approach to Optimize Membrane Filtration Systems
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of the Genericity of an Adaptive Optimal Control Approach to Optimize Membrane Filtration Systems
title_short Evaluation of the Genericity of an Adaptive Optimal Control Approach to Optimize Membrane Filtration Systems
title_sort evaluation of the genericity of an adaptive optimal control approach to optimize membrane filtration systems
topic ultra filtration
micro filtration
membrane fouling
membrane process optimization
model-based control
energy minimization
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/15/6/157
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