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Technical University of Munich

KIOBio

AI-based Optimization of Biogas Production: Open Data Platform, Standardized Sensors, and Adaptive Control

Biogas production plays a crucial role in sustainable energy generation and makes a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This research project aims to develop an openly accessible biogas data platform, introduce standardized sensor technologies, and design an adaptive control system. By building a robust and interoperable database and combining advanced AI methods with control engineering, the project aims to increase the efficiency of biogas production.

The development of AI algorithms forms the core of the project. Based on standardized sensor data, models are developed to provide reliable predictions.

A key advantage of the project is the availability of process data from multiple biogas plants. This enables the evaluation of model transferability, comparison of different approaches, and the development of robust AI models based on heterogeneous data sources. In addition, models are developed to predict electricity prices for the next 72 hours, as simulations show that an adaptive control system with this prediction horizon is significantly more economical than one with only 24 hours.

Schematische Darstellung einer Biogasplattform
Schematische Darstellung einer Biogasplattform

Application Areas of AI Algorithms:

  1. Maintenance Demand Prediction: Analysis of sensor data to identify deviations from normal process behavior, indicating a deterioration in biogas production performance and the need for maintenance actions.
  2. Fault Detection: Identification of anomalies during the operation of the biogas plant.
  3. Biogas Production Forecasting (Nonlinear System Modeling): Representation of nonlinear anaerobic digestion processes using AI models to support operational planning and feed-in management.
Convolutional Neural Networks
Convolutional Neural Networks
(Source: https://zilliz.com/glossary/convolutional-neural-network)

Control System

As part of the project, an adaptive control system is further developed to enable practical optimization of plant operation in combination with AI algorithms. This control system allows demand-oriented operation and increases the profitability of the biogas plant. 

To prevent failures caused by the control system, standardized sensors are used to monitor the biogas plant. These sensors ensure continuous monitoring and feedback of process conditions, thereby maintaining system stability. 

The system is validated under real operating conditions.

Adaptive Control
Adaptive Control
(Source: https://instrumentationtools.com/what-is-adaptive-control/)

Software Package

The entire control system may be implemented as a software package. This package can then be provided to plant operators, who can download and run it locally.

In addition, the software provides an interactive graphical user interface (GUI), enabling user-friendly operation of the control system.

Contact person: Zhehao Ma

 

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