A Fuzzy Model of the Composting Process with Simultaneous Heat Recovery and Aeration Rate Control

Composting is an effective method of managing biomass waste from agricultural crops and food processing. This exothermic reaction produces high-quality humus. Heat generated during composting can be evacuated from the compost pile and used effectively for other purposes. Effective methods are needed to control prism aeration and the evacuation of heat from the compost prism to maximize heat gain without compromising the composting process. A preliminary examination of fuzzy logic systems revealed that the terms of input and output variables and sharpening methods have to be adapted to specific compost materials. This approach also delivers immediate results without the need for lengthy research. The composting process lasts several weeks, therefore, models which illustrate the responses of control systems save time and support the selection of the optimal solutions for changing the aeration rate and heat consumption in feedstock. Fuzzy models of the control system developed in the LabVIEW programs are effective tools which can be directly implemented in a programmable logic controller (PLC).