Controller development of photo bioreactor for closed-loop regulation of O2 production based on ANN model reference control and computer simulation

Abstract When Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS) is used for long-term deep space exploration in the future, it is possible to perform closed-loop control on growth of microalgae to effectively regulate O 2 production process in emergencies. However, designing controller of microalgae cultivating device (MCD) by means of traditional methods is very difficult or even impossible due to its highly nonlinearity and large operation scope. In our research, the Artificial Neural Network Model Reference Control (ANN-MRC) method was therefore utilized for model identification and controller design for O 2 production process of a specific MCD prototype—photo bioreactor (PBR), based on actual experiment and computer simulation. The results demonstrated that the ANN-MRC servo controller could robustly and self-adaptively control and regulate the light intensity of PBR to make O 2 concentrations in vent pipe be in line with step reference concentrations with prescribed dynamic response performance.