Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Not Just Numbers: Mathematical Modelling and its Contribution to Anaerobic Digestion Processes

Version 1 : Received: 2 July 2020 / Approved: 3 July 2020 / Online: 3 July 2020 (12:20:10 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Wade, M.J. Not Just Numbers: Mathematical modelling and Its Contribution to Anaerobic Digestion Processes. Processes 2020, 8, 888. Wade, M.J. Not Just Numbers: Mathematical modelling and Its Contribution to Anaerobic Digestion Processes. Processes 2020, 8, 888.

Abstract

Mathematical modelling of bioprocesses has a long and notable history, with eminent contributions from fields including microbiology, ecology, biophysics, chemistry, statistics, control theory and mathematical theory. This richness of ideas and breadth of concepts provide great motivation for inquisitive engineers and intrepid scientists to try their hand at modelling, and this collaboration of disciplines has also delivered significant milestones in the quality and application of models for both theoretical and practical interrogation of engineered biological systems. The focus of this review is the anaerobic digestion process, which, as a technology that has come in and out of fashion, still remains a fundamental process for addressing the global climate emergency. Whether with conventional anaerobic digestion systems, biorefineries, or other anaerobic technologies, mathematical models are important tools that are used to design, monitor, control and optimise the process. Both highly structured, mechanistic models and data-driven approaches have been used extensively over half a decade, but recent advances in computational capacity, scientific understanding and diversity and quality of process data, presents an opportunity for the development of new modelling paradigms, augmentation of existing methods, or even incorporation of tools from other disciplines, to ensure that anaerobic digestion research can remain resilient and relevant in the face of emerging and future challenges.

Keywords

Mathematical modelling; Anaerobic digestion; Mechanistic models; Data-driven models; Mathematical analysis; Hybrid modelling; Thermodynamics

Subject

Engineering, Control and Systems Engineering

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