Iterative learning model predictive control for constrained multivariable control of batch processes

In this paper, we propose a model predictive control (MPC) technique combined with iterative learning control (ILC), called the iterative learning model predictive control (ILMPC), for constrained multivariable control of batch processes. Although the general ILC makes the outputs converge to reference trajectories under model uncertainty, it uses open-loop control within a batch; thus, it cannot reject real-time disturbances. The MPC algorithm shows identical performance for all batches, and it highly depends on model quality because it does not use previous batch information. We integrate the advantages of the two algorithms. The proposed ILMPC formulation is based on general MPC and incorporates an iterative learning function into MPC. Thus, it is easy to handle various issues for which the general MPC is suitable, such as constraints, time-varying systems, disturbances, and stochastic characteristics. Simulation examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed ILMPC.     

High-order iterative learning model predictive control for batch chemical processes

In order to address two-dimensional (2D) control issue for a class of batch chemical processes, we propose a novel high-order iterative learning model predictive control (HILMPC) method in this paper. A set of local state-space models are first constructed to represent the batch chemical processes by adopting the just-in-time learning (JITL) technique. Meanwhile, a pre-clustered strategy is used to lessen the computational burden of the modelling process and improve the modelling efficiency. Then, a two-stage 2D controller is designed to achieve integrated control by combining high-order iterative learning control (HILC) on the batch domain with model predictive control (MPC) on the time domain. The resulting HILMPC controller can not only guarantee the convergence of the system on the batch domain, but also guarantee the closed-loop stability of the system on the time domain. The convergence of the HILMPC method is ensured by rigorous analysis. Two examples are presented in the end to demonstrate that the developed method provides better control performance than its previous counterpart.     

基于线性时变扰动模型的间歇过程最优迭代学习控制

A batch-to-batch optimal iterative learning control (ILC) strategy for the tracking control of product quality in batch processes is presented. The linear time-varying perturbation (LTVP) model is built for product quality around the nominal trajectories. To address problems of model-plant mismatches, model prediction errors in the previous batch run are added to the model predictions for the current batch run. Then tracking error transition models can be built, and the ILC law with direct error feedback is explicitly obtained. A rigorous theorem is proposed, to prove the convergence of tracking error under ILC. The proposed methodology is illustrated on a typical batch reactor and the results show that the performance of trajectory tracking is gradually improved by the ILC.     

一类连续/间歇过程的迭代学习模型预测控制

An iterative learning model predictive control (ILMPC) technique is applied to a class of continuous/batch processes. Such processes are characterized by the operations of batch processes generating periodic strong disturbances to the continuous processes and traditional regulatory controllers are unable to eliminate these periodic disturbances. ILMPC integrates the feature of iterative learning control (ILC) handling repetitive signal and the flexibility of model predictive control (MPC). By on-line monitoring the operation status of batch processes, an event-driven iterative learning algorithm for batch repetitive disturbances is initiated and the soft constraints are adjusted timely as the feasible region is away from the desired operating zone. The results of an industrial appli-cation show that the proposed ILMPC method is effective for a class of continuous/batch processes.     

Repetitive model predictive control of a reverse flow reactor

This paper deals with the control of a catalytic reverse flow reactor (RFR) used for methane combustion. The periodic flow reversals effected on the system makes it both continuous and discrete in nature (i.e., a hybrid system). Control of this system is challenging due to the unsteady state behavior of the process along with its mixed discrete and continuous behavior. Although model predictive control (MPC) is proven to be a powerful technique for several processes it becomes less effective in systems such as the RFR where the model prediction errors and the effect of disturbances on the plant output repeat from time to time. In such cases, control can be improved if the repetitive error pattern is exploited. A novel repetitive model predictive control (RMPC) strategy, that combines the basic concepts of iterative learning control (ILC) and repetitive control (RC) along with the concepts of MPC, is proposed for such systems. In the proposed strategy, the state variables of the model are reset periodically along with predictive control action such that the process follows the reference trajectory as closely as possible. The results obtained prove that the RMPC approach provides an excellent performance for the control of the RFR.     

基于广义预测控制的间歇生产迭代优化控制

针对间歇生产,提出了一种基于广义预测控制的批次迭代优化控制策略--BGPC,在间歇过程中引入批次间优化的思想,将迭代学习控制ILC和广义预测控制GPC相结合,在GPC实时结构参数辨识的基础上利用前面批次的模型预测误差修正当前批次的模型预测值.该算法能够有效地克服模型失配、扰动和系统参数变化等情况.文章最后以一个数值例子和间歇反应器为对象进行仿真试验,验证了该算法是有效的.     

时变间歇过程的2D-PID自适应控制方法

针对间歇过程存在的参数时变问题,提出一种基于二维PID(2D-PID)迭代学习框架的自适应控制方法。首先,通过粒子群优化算法快速获取初始的2D-PID控制参数。在批次内,采用自调整神经元PID控制器对其进行在线自适应调节。进一步,考虑批次间的重复特性,通过PID型迭代学习控制,以利用历史批次的信息来修正当前批次的调节变量,最终提高控制性能。通过间歇发酵过程的仿真和比较研究,验证了所提出方法的有效性。     

Development of batch proportional-integral-derivative controller

Previous batch control methods, such as iterative learning control (ILC) or run-to-run (R2R) control, can significantly improve the control performance of the batch process. However, to guarantee the expected good control performance, a fairly accurate process model is required for these controllers. Also, the implementation is numerically complicated so that it is difficult to be applied to real manufacturing processes. To overcome these problems, a new batch proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control method is proposed, which borrows the concept of the conventional PID control method. Simulation studies confirm that the proposed method shows acceptable performance in tracking a setpoint trajectory, rejecting disturbances, and robustness to noises and variation of process dynamics. The application to the commercial batch process of a single crystal grower verifies that the proposed method can significantly contribute to improving the control performances of real batch processes.     

Iterative learning control for the systematic design of supersaturation controlled batch cooling crystallisation processes

The paper presents an approach to improve the product quality from batch-to-batch by exploiting the repetitive nature of batch processes to update the operating trajectories using process knowledge obtained from previous runs. The data based methodology is focused on using the linear time varying (LTV) perturbation model in an iterative learning control (ILC) framework to provide a convergent batch-to-batch improvement of the process performance indicator. The major contribution of this work is the development of a novel hierarchical ILC (HILC) scheme for systematic design of the supersaturation controller (SSC) of seeded batch cooling crystallizers. The HILC is used to determine the required supersaturation setpoint for the SSC and the corresponding temperature trajectory required to produce crystals with desired end-point property. The performance and robustness of these approaches are evaluated through simulation case studies. These results demonstrate the potential of the ILC approaches for controlling batch processes without rigorous process models.     

Deterministic vs. stochastic performance assessment of iterative learning control for batch processes

The performance assessment of linear time‐invariant batch processes when iterative learning control (ILC) is implemented has been discussed. Previous literatures show that conventional performance assessment cannot be directly applied to batch processes due to the nature of batch operations. Chen and Kong have suggested a new method to assess the control performance of batch processes using optimal ILC as the benchmark. In their work, ILC controllers are assumed to affect either stochastic or deterministic performance but without considering their interaction. This work elaborates the controllers effects on both stochastic and deterministic control performance of batch processes. It is shown that the optimal solution based on the minimum variance control law has a trade‐off between deterministic and stochastic performance, which can be shown by a trade‐off curve. Furthermore, a method is proposed to estimate this curve from routine operating data, against which the performance of ILC controllers can be assessed. Simulation studies are conducted to verify the proposed method. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 457–464, 2013     

基于输入轨迹参数化的间歇过程迭代学习控制

针对间歇过程的迭代学习控制问题,提出了一种基于输入轨迹参数化的迭代学习控制策略。根据最优输入轨迹的主要形态特征,将其参数化为较少量的决策变量,降低传统迭代学习控制复杂性的同时维持良好的优化控制效果。基于输入轨迹参数化的迭代学习控制策略能保持算法的简洁性和易实现性,在不确定扰动影响下逐步改善产品质量。对一个间歇反应器的仿真研究验证了本文方法的有效性。     

A unified data-driven design framework of optimality-based generalized iterative learning control

This paper proposes a unified design framework for data-driven optimality-based generalized iterative learning control (DDOGILC), including data-driven optimal ILC (DDOILC), data-driven optimal point-to-point ILC (DDOPTPILC), and data-driven optimal terminal ILC (DDTILC). First, a dynamical linearization in the iteration domain is developed. Then three specific DDOGILC approaches are proposed. Both design and analysis of the controller only require the measured I/O data without relying on any explicit model information. The optimal learning gain can be updated iteratively, which makes the proposed DDOGILC more adaptable to the changes in the plant. Furthermore, the proposed DDOPTPILC and DDOTILC only depend on the tracking error at specific points, and thus they can deal with the scenario when the system outputs are measured only at some time instants. Moreover, the proposed DDOPTPILC and DDOTILC approaches do not need to track the unnecessary output reference points so that the convergence performance is improved.     

Model predictive control with learning‐type set‐point: Application to artificial pancreatic β‐cell

A novel combination of model predictive control (MPC) and iterative learning control (ILC), referred to learning‐type MPC (L‐MPC), is proposed for closed‐loop control in an artificial pancreatic β‐cell. The main motivation for L‐MPC is the repetitive nature of glucose‐meal‐insulin dynamics over a 24‐h period. L‐MPC learns from an individual's lifestyle, inducing the control performance to improve from day to day. The proposed method is first tested on the Adult Average subject presented in the UVa/Padova diabetes simulator. After 20 days, the blood glucose concentrations can be kept within 68–145 mg/dl when the meals are repetitive. L‐MPC can produce superior control performance compared with that achieved under MPC. In addition, L‐MPC is robust to random variations in meal sizes within ±75% of the nominal value or meal timings within ±60 min. Furthermore, the robustness of L‐MPC to subject variability is validated on Adults 1–10 in the UVa/Padova simulator. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010     

Optimization of nonlinear process based on sequential extreme learning machine

In this paper, a new approach to the optimal control with constraints is proposed to achieve a desired end product quality for nonlinear processes based on new kernel extreme learning machine (KELM). The contributions of the paper are as follows: (1) In existing ILC algorithm, the model was built only between manipulated input variables U and output variables Y without considering the state variables. However, the states variables X_state are important in the industrial processes, which are usually constrained. In this paper, the variables are divided into state variables X_state, manipulated input variables U and output Y in the process of modeling. Then ΔU can be obtained by batch-to-batch iterative learning control separately. Kernel algorithm is added to ELM. (2) Constraints of state variables X_state and the input variables U are considered in the current version. PSO is used to solve the optimization problem. (3) Kernel trick is introduced to improve accuracy of ELM modeling. New KELM algorithm is proposed in the current version. The input trajectory for the next batch is accommodated by searching for the optimal value through the error feedback at a minimum cost. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to search for the optimal value based on the iterative learning control (ILC). The proposed approach has been shown to be effective and feasible by applying bulk polymerization of the styrene batch process and fused magnesium furnace.     

Machine learning-based distributed model predictive control of nonlinear processes

This work explores the design of distributed model predictive control (DMPC) systems for nonlinear processes using machine learning models to predict nonlinear dynamic behavior. Specifically, sequential and iterative DMPC systems are designed and analyzed with respect to closed-loop stability and performance properties. Extensive open-loop data within a desired operating region are used to develop long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network models with a sufficiently small modeling error from the actual nonlinear process model. Subsequently, these LSTM models are utilized in Lyapunov-based DMPC to achieve efficient real-time computation time while ensuring closed-loop state boundedness and convergence to the origin. Using a nonlinear chemical process network example, the simulation results demonstrate the improved computational efficiency when the process is operated under sequential and iterative DMPCs while the closed-loop performance is very close to the one of a centralized MPC system.     

An LMI Method to Robust Iterative Learning Fault-tolerant Guaranteed Cost Control for Batch Processes

Based on an equivalent two-dimensional Fornasini-Marchsini model for a batch process in industry, a closed-loop robust iterative learning fault-tolerant guaranteed cost control scheme is proposed for batch processes with actuator failures. This paper introduces relevant concepts of the fault-tolerant guaranteed cost control and formulates the robust iterative learning reliable guaranteed cost controller （ILRGCC）. A significant advantage is that the proposed ILRGCC design method can be used for on-line optimization against batch-to-batch process uncertainties to realize robust tracking of set-point trajectory in time and batch-to-batch sequences. For the convenience of implementation, only measured output errors of current and previous cycles are used to design a synthetic controller for iterative learning control, consisting of dynamic output feedback plus feed-forward control. The proposed controller can not only guarantee the closed-loop convergency along time and cycle sequences but also satisfy the H∞ performance level and a cost function with upper bounds for all admissible uncertainties and any actuator failures. Sufficient conditions for the controller solution are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities （LMIs）, and design procedures, which formulate a convex optimization problem with LMI constraints, are presented. An example of injection molding is given to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the ILRGCC design approach.     

基于T-S模糊模型的间歇过程的迭代学习容错控制

间歇过程不仅具有强非线性,同时还会受到诸如执行器等故障影响,研究非线性间歇过程在具有故障的情况下依然稳定运行至关重要。针对执行器增益故障及系统所具有的强非线性,提出一种新的基于间歇过程的T-S模糊模型的复合迭代学习容错控制方法。首先根据间歇过程的非线性模型,利用扇区非线性方法建立其T-S模糊故障模型,再利用间歇过程的二维特性与重复特性,在2D系统理论框架内,设计2D复合ILC容错控制器,进而构建此T-S模糊模型的等价二维Rosser模型,接着利用Lyapunov方法给出系统稳定充分条件并求解控制器增益。针对强非线性的连续搅拌釜进行仿真,结果表明所提出方法具有可行性与有效性。     

基于自适应模糊神经网络的非线性系统模型预测控制

针对非线性动态系统的控制问题,提出了一种基于自适应模糊神经网络(adaptive fuzzy neural network, AFNN)的模型预测控制(model predictive control, MPC)方法。首先,在离线建模阶段,AFNN采用规则自分裂技术产生初始模糊规则,采用改进的自适应LM学习算法优化网络参数;然后,在实时控制过程,AFNN根据系统输出和预测输出之间的误差调整网络参数,从而为MPC提供一个精确的预测模型;进一步,AFNN-MPC利用带有自适应学习率的梯度下降寻优算法求解优化问题,在线获取非线性控制量,并将其作用到动态系统实施控制。此外,给出了AFNN-MPC的收敛性和稳定性证明,以保证其在实际工程中的成功应用。最后,利用数值仿真和双CSTR过程进行实验验证。结果表明,AFNN-MPC能够取得优越的控制性能。