Multi-Objective Optimization of Chemical and Biochemical Processes

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In recent years, the development of multi-objective optimization techniques to solve engineering problems has received significant interest. Optimization is concerned with decision making. Traditional optimization techniques have dealt with multiple objectives by combining them into a single objective function composed of the weighted sum of the individual objectives, or by focusing on one objective while transforming the others into constraints. Multi-objective optimization refers to the simultaneous optimization of multiple conflicting objectives, which produces a set of alternative solutions called the Pareto domain. These solutions are optimal in the sense that no solution is better than any other in the domain when compared with all objectives. Pareto-optimal solutions are then ranked based on the preferences of a decision-maker using ranking algorithms to incorporate the decision-maker's preferences.******The success of optimization strongly relies on the availability of accurate and representative process models, which in turn rely on the availability of rich process data. As a result, experimentation, modelling and optimization must be used synergistically to perform the most appropriate experiments, develop the most accurate process models, and to determine the optimal conditions under which processes must operate. The long-term objective of the research program is to improve and optimize the butanol production process, while the methodology to enhance optimization algorithms will be performed simultaneously. In particular, the application targeted for this research proposal is the optimization of the biobutanol production process where a pervaporation membrane system is integrated with the acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) continuous fermentation system. The pervaporation membrane unit is used to continuously remove a fraction of the ABE solvents produced to partly alleviating butanol inhibition. As a result, the butanol productivity, the overall butanol concentration and the substrate percentage conversion increase significantly. This is a first step necessary in moving towards an economically viable butanol production process.******The main emphasis of this research proposal is the development and optimization of process strategies for the production of biobutanol. Biobutanol has tremendous potential as a biofuel with its numerous advantages: energy density closer to gasoline, low hygroscopicity and low volatility. This research program addresses the major challenges of biobutanol production process, namely low final concentration and high cost of separation, through the synergy of multi-objective optimization, process modelling and laboratory experimentation. This research program will train numerous students on biofuel production, process modelling and multi-objective optimization.