Identification of Biokinetic Models Using the Concept of Extents

The
development of a wide array of process technologies to enable
the shift from conventional biological wastewater treatment processes
to resource recovery systems is matched by an increasing demand for
predictive capabilities. Mathematical models are excellent tools to
meet this demand. However, obtaining reliable and fit-for-purpose
models remains a cumbersome task due to the inherent complexity of
biological wastewater treatment processes. In this work, we present
a first study in the context of environmental biotechnology that adopts
and explores the use of extents as a way to simplify and streamline
the dynamic process modeling task. In addition, the extent-based modeling
strategy is enhanced by optimal accounting for nonlinear algebraic
equilibria and nonlinear measurement equations. Finally, a thorough
discussion of our results explains the benefits of extent-based modeling
and its potential to turn environmental process modeling into a highly
automated task.