Estimation of multiple specific growth rates in bioprocesses

Abstract
An on‐line estimation technique for multiple specific growth rates is proposed. Time‐varying tuning parameters are used to obtain constant estimation error dynamics in spite of strongly varying process dynamics commonly encountered in bioprocesses. This approach simplifies the tuning of the algorithm to a pole placement procedure. Application of the method is illustrated through the study of the baker's yeast fedbatch process. Guidelines for selection of measured state variables are given in relation to the performance of the estimation method.