Algorithmic Synthesis and Integrated Design for Activated Sludge Processes Using Genetic Algorithms

This work presents an approach for the Synthesis and Integrated Design of an activated sludge process. The mathematical formulation translates a superstructure that contains all the design alternatives into a mixed-integer dynamical optimization problem with non-linear constraints. A real-coded genetic algorithm is proposed for the solution of such complex problem as an alternative to classical optimisation techniques. Thus, the process synthesis considering open-loop-dynamical-performance indexes and also the closed loop integrated design for the plant are carried out. The results are encouraging for future application of these techniques to solve process synthesis problems