Abstract: System and method for managing batch fermentation in biofuel production. An optimizer executes a nonlinear multivariate predictive model of a batch fermentation process in accordance with an end of batch objective specifying a target end of batch biofuel concentration to determine an optimal batch trajectory over a temporal control horizon specifying a biofuel and/or sugar concentration trajectory over the batch fermentation process. A nonlinear control model for the batch fermentation process that includes the temporal control horizon driven by biofuel concentration during the batch fermentation process is executed per the determined optimal batch trajectory using received process information as input, thereby generating model output including target values for manipulated variables for the batch fermentation process, including batch fermentation temperature.

Abstract: System and method for managing a biofuel production process. An integrated dynamic multivariate predictive model is provided that includes a continuous process model representing a continuous process of the biofuel production process, a batch process model representing a batch process of the biofuel production process, and a continuous simulation framework. The batch process model interacts with the continuous process model as a nonlinear continuous process via the framework using bridging equations. An objective is received, as is constraint information specifying constraints for the biofuel production process, where the constraints are in terms of the framework, and process information related to the batch and continuous processes.

Abstract: System and method for controlling temperature of a batch fermenter in a biofuel production process. A nonlinear predictive integrating temperature model for a batch fermentation process is provided that is a function of fermenter level. An objective for the batch fermentation process specifying a target fermenter temperature for the batch fermentation process is received, as is process information for the batch fermentation process, including fermenter level and fermenter temperature. The nonlinear predictive integrating temperature model is executed in accordance with the objective using the process information as input to determine target values for manipulated variables for controlling fermenter temperature of the batch fermentation process. The fermenter temperature for the batch fermentation process is controlled in accordance with the target values to produce biofuel in accordance with the objective, to substantially optimize the end of batch biofuel yield.