Approximate dynamic programming based control of hyperbolic PDE systems using reduced-order models from method of characteristics

Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) is a model based control technique suitable for nonlinear systems. Application of ADP to distributed parameter systems (DPS) which are described by partial differential equations is a computationally intensive task. This problem is addressed in literature by the use of reduced order models which capture the essential dynamics of the system. Order reduction of DPS described by hyperbolic PDEs is a difficult task as such systems exhibit modes of nearly equal energy. The focus of this contribution is ADP based control of systems described by hyperbolic PDEs using reduced order models. Method of characteristics (MOC) is used to obtain reduced order models. This reduced order model is then used in ADP based control for solving the set-point tracking problem. Two case studies involving single and double characteristics are studied. Open loop simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of MOC in reducing the order and the closed loop simulations with ADP based controller indicate the advantage of using these reduced order models.     

On identification of well‐conditioned nonlinear systems: Application to economic model predictive control of nonlinear processes

The focus of this work is on economic model predictive control (EMPC) that utilizes well‐conditioned polynomial nonlinear state‐space (PNLSS) models for processes with nonlinear dynamics. Specifically, the article initially addresses the development of a nonlinear system identification technique for a broad class of nonlinear processes which leads to the construction of PNLSS dynamic models which are well‐conditioned over a broad region of process operation in the sense that they can be correctly integrated in real‐time using explicit numerical integration methods via time steps that are significantly larger than the ones required by nonlinear state‐space models identified via existing techniques. Working within the framework of PNLSS models, additional constraints are imposed in the identification procedure to ensure well‐conditioning of the identified nonlinear dynamic models. This development is key because it enables the design of Lyapunov‐based EMPC (LEMPC) systems for nonlinear processes using the well‐conditioned nonlinear models that can be readily implemented in real‐time as the computational burden required to compute the control actions within the process sampling period is reduced. A stability analysis for this LEMPC design is provided that guarantees closed‐loop stability of a process under certain conditions when an LEMPC based on a nonlinear empirical model is used. Finally, a classical chemical reactor example demonstrates both the system identification and LEMPC design techniques, and the significant advantages in terms of computation time reduction in LEMPC calculations when using the nonlinear empirical model. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3353–3373, 2015     

Hierarchical multiscale model-based design of experiments, catalysts, and reactors for fuel processing

In this paper a hierarchical multiscale simulation framework is outlined and experimental data injection into this framework is discussed. Specifically, we discuss multiscale model-based design of experiments to optimize the chemical information content of a detailed reaction mechanism in order to improve the fidelity and accuracy of reaction models. Extension of this framework to product (catalyst) design is briefly touched upon. Furthermore, we illustrate the use of such detailed and reduced kinetic models in reactor optimization as an example toward more conventional process design. It is proposed that hierarchical multiscale modeling offers a systematic framework for identification of the important scale(s) and model(s) where one should focus research efforts on. The ammonia decomposition on ruthenium to produce hydrogen and the water–gas shift reactions on platinum for converting syngas to hydrogen serve as illustrative fuel processing examples of various topics. The former is used to illustrate hierarchical multiscale model development and model-based parameter estimation as well as product engineering. The latter is employed to demonstrate model reduction and process optimization. Finally, opportunities for process design and control in portable microchemical devices (lab-on-a chip) for power generation are discussed.     

ADAPTIVE FUZZY MODEL BASED PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF AN EXOTHERMIC BATCH CHEMICAL REACTOR*

An adaptive fuzzy model based predictive control (AFMBPC) approach is presented to track the desired temperature trajectories in an exothermic batch chemical reactor. The AFMBPC incorporates an adaptive fuzzy modeling framework into a model based predictive control scheme to derive analytical controller output. This approach has the flexibility to cope with different fuzzy model structures whose choice also lead to improve the controller performance. In this approach, adaptation of fuzzy models using dynamic process information is carried out to build a predictive controller, thus eliminating the determination of a predefined fixed fuzzy model based on various sets of known input-output relations. The performance of the AFMBPC is evaluated by comparing to a fixed fuzzy model based predictive controller (FFMBPC) and a conventional PID controller. The results show the better suitability of AFMBPC for the control of highly nonlinear and time varying batch chemical reactors.     

Operable adaptive sparse identification of systems: Application to chemical processes

Over the past few decades, several data-driven methods have been developed for identifying a model that accurately describes the process dynamics. Lately, sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy) has delivered promising results for various nonlinear processes. However, at any instance of plant-model mismatch or process upset, retraining the model using SINDy is computationally expensive and cannot guarantee to catch up with rapidly changing dynamics. Hence, we propose operable adaptive sparse identification of systems (OASIS) framework that extends the capabilities of SINDy for accurate, automatic, and adaptive approximation of process models. First, we use SINDy to obtain multiple models from historical data for varying input settings. Next, using these models and their training data, we build a deep neural network that is incorporated in a model predictive control framework for closed-loop operation. We demonstrate the OASIS methodology on the identification and control of a continuous stirred tank reactor.     

A delay‐dependent robust fuzzy MPC approach for nonlinear CSTR

Based on Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy models, a robust fuzzy model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is presented for a class of nonlinear time‐delay systems with input constraints. Delay‐dependent sufficient conditions for the robust stability of the closed‐loop system are derived, and the condition for the existence of the fuzzy model predictive controller is formulated in terms of nonlinear matrix inequality via the parallel distributed compensation (PDC) approach. By using a novel matrix transform technique, a receding optimization problem with linear matrix inequality (LMIs) constraints is constructed to design the desired controllers with an on‐line optimal receding horizon guaranteed cost. Finally, an example of continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.     

A cognitive approach to develop dynamic models: Application to polymerization systems

An alternative procedure based on cognitive approach is applied to develop dynamic models. The solution copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate in a continuous stirred tank reactor is analyzed to illustrate the cognitive model development. Factorial planning was used to discriminate the process variables with higher impact on the process performance (effects) and they are used to built‐up a dynamic model based on the functional fuzzy relationship of Takagi–Sugeno type. Gaussian membership functions are considered for the cognitive sets and subtractive clustering method supplied the parameters of the premises of the model. Consequence functions are obtained through an optimization problem solved by a least square based algorithm. The kinetic parameters and reactor operating conditions are obtained from the literature and a mathematical model is considered as plant for identification data generation. Dynamic cognitive models showed satisfactory predictive capabilities and may be an interesting alternative to attack problems of modeling in chemical processes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Identification of uncertain MIMO Wiener and Hammerstein models

Several approaches can be found in the literature to perform the identification of block oriented models (BOMs). In this sense, an important improvement is to achieve robust identification to cope with the presence of uncertainty.In this work, two special and widely used BOMs are considered: Hammerstein and Wiener models. The models herein treated are assumed to be described by parametric representations. The approach introduced in this work for the identification of the multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) uncertain model is performed in a single step. The uncertainty is described as a set of parameters which is found through the solution of an optimization problem.A distillation column simulation model is presented to illustrate the robust identification approach. This process is an interesting benchmark due to its well-known nonlinear dynamics. Both Hammerstein and Wiener models are used to represent this plant in the presence of uncertainty. A comparative study between these models is established.     

EXTENDED KALMAN FILTER CONTROLLER: FIRST PRINCIPLES MODELS TO NEURAL NETWORKS

Extended Kalman filters (EKF) have been widely employed for state and parameter estimation in chemical engineering systems. Gao et al. [Gao, F., Wang, F. and Li, M. (1999). Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 38, 2345-2349] have proposed the use of EKF for control computation using a neural network representation of the system in a discrete-time framework. In the present study, an EKF controller is proposed in a continuous time framework with models incorporating different levels of process knowledge. The problem of process-model mismatch is handled by incorporating EKF-based state and/or parameter estimation along with control computation. A batch reactor temperature control problem for a highly exothermic reaction between maleic anhydride and hexanol to form hexyl monoester of maleic acid is considered as a test bed to evaluate the performance of the proposed control schemes. Three different models are considered, namely the first principles model, a reduced-order process model, and an artificial neural network (ANN) model for formulation of the control schemes. The performance of the proposed control scheme using first principles model is compared to that of generic model control, and a similar performance is achieved. The present study illustrates the usefulness of the proposed control schemes and can be easily extended to general chemical engineering systems.     

模糊神经网络及其在系统建模与控制中的应用

模糊神经网络是模糊系统和神经网络的有机结合 ,它吸取了两者的优点。给出了两个具体的模糊神经网络结构以及相应的学习算法 ;介绍了利用模糊神经网络建立 T- S模糊模型的方法 ;讨论了基于 T- S模糊模型的控制系统分析和设计。     

Model predictive control: past,present and future

More than 15 years after model predictive control (MPC) appeared in industry as an effective means to deal with multivariable constrained control problems, a theoretical basis for this technique has started to emerge. The issues of feasibility of the on-line optimization, stability and performance are largely understood for systems described by linear models. Much progress has been made on these issues for non-linear systems but for practical applications many questions remain, including the reliability and efficiency of the on-line computation scheme. To deal with model uncertainty ‘rigorously’ an involved dynamic programming problem must be solved. The approximation techniques proposed for this purpose are largely at a conceptual stage. Among the broader research needs the following areas are identified: multivariable system identification, performance monitoring and diagnostics, non-linear state estimation, and batch system control. Many practical problems like control objective prioritization and symptom-aided diagnosis can be integrated systematically and effectively into the MPC framework by expanding the problem formulation to include integer variables yielding a mixed-integer quadratic or linear program. Efficient techniques for solving these problems are becoming available.     

模糊非线性内模控制算法及其在pH值控制中的应用

pH值控制过程具有较强的非线性,历来是过程控制研究的一大热点,本文针对pH值控制系统提出了一种基于模糊推理网的非线性内模控制算法（FNIMC）。模糊推理网用于辨识对象的模糊模型;FNIMC由一个逆模控制器和具有一个可调参数的鲁棒滤波器组成。仿真结果表明该算法优于非线性PID调节器,且计算效率高。     

Fuzzy modeling of signal transduction networks

This work proposes a fuzzy modeling-based approach for describing signal transduction networks. Many key steps in signal transduction mechanisms have been investigated and described qualitatively in the literature, however, only little quantitative information is available. Fuzzy models can make use of this situation as fuzzy rules can be based upon the qualitative information that is found in the literature whereas training of the model can be performed with data that is available. This combination of a fuzzy rule set based upon qualitative information with parameters to be determined from data can result in models where fewer parameters need to be estimated than if fundamental or black-box models were used. The presented fuzzy modeling procedure is used to describe two signal transduction pathways, one for IL-6 and one for TNF-α signaling. It is shown that the resulting models are capable of capturing the dynamics of key components of both signal transduction pathways.     

Multi-loop nonlinear internal model controller design based on a dynamic fuzzy partial least squares model

In this paper, a dynamic fuzzy partial least squares (DFPLS) modeling method is proposed. Under such framework, the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) nonlinear system can be automatically decomposed into several univariate subsystems in PLS latent space. Within each latent space, a dynamic fuzzy method is introduced to model the inherent dynamic and nonlinear feature of the physical system. The new modeling method combines the decoupling characteristic of PLS framework and the ability of dynamic nonlinear modeling in the fuzzy method. Based on the DFPLS model, a multi-loop nonlinear internal model control (IMC) strategy is proposed. A pH neutralization process and a methylcyclohexane (MCH) distillation column from Aspen Dynamic Module are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling method and control strategy.     

Expert control of DO in the aerobic reactor of an activated sludge process

An expert control structure is proposed for the control of dissolved oxygen (DO) in a Nitrification Denitrification Biological Excess Phosphorus Removal (NDBEPR) plant to account for the several processes that are influenced by the DO concentration in the aerator. In the scheme a supervisory fuzzy controller determines the set point of an inner DO control loop where an Adaptive Robust Generic Model Control (ARGMC) controller is used. The fuzzy supervisory control has a hierarchical structure. Off-line measurements of biological parameters of influent and effluent streams can be used to periodically update the set points of the fuzzy controllers. The complete control scheme has been designed for an actual plant and tested by a simulation programme based on the n. 2 IAWQ model for the biological reactors and on separate models of the clarification and thickening phases for the settler. Simulation and experimental results show that good operation conditions can be obtained.     

A model-based systems approach to pharmaceutical product-process design and analysis

This is a perspective paper highlighting the need for systematic model-based design and analysis in pharmaceutical product-process development. A model-based framework is presented and the role, development and use of models of various types are discussed together with the structure of the models for the product and the process. The need for a systematic modelling framework is highlighted together with modelling issues related to model identification, adaptation and extension. In the area of product design and analysis, predictive models are needed with a wide application range. In the area of process synthesis and design, the use of generic process models from which specific process models can be generated, is highlighted. The use of a multi-scale modelling approach to extend the application range of the property models is highlighted as well. Examples of different types of process models, model analysis and model generation are presented.     

A comparison of Bayesian spatial models for disease mapping

With the advent of routine health data indexed at a fine geographical resolution, small area disease mapping studies have become an established technique in geographical epidemiology. The specific issues posed by the sparseness of the data and possibility for local spatial dependence belong to a generic class of statistical problems involving an underlying (latent) spatial process of interest corrupted by observational noise. These are naturally formulated within the framework of hierarchical models, and over the past decade, a variety of spatial models have been proposed for the latent level(s) of the hierarchy. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the main classes of such models that have been used for disease mapping within a Bayesian estimation paradigm, and report a performance comparison between representative models in these classes, using a set of simulated data to help illustrate their respective properties. We also consider recent extensions to model the joint spatial distribution of multiple disease or health indicators. The aim is to help the reader choose an appropriate structural prior for the second level of the hierarchical model and to discuss issues of sensitivity to this choice.     

Adaptive Sampling of Dynamic Systems for Generation of Fast and Accurate Surrogate Models

For economic nonlinear model predictive control and dynamic real-time optimization fast and accurate models are necessary. Consequently, the use of dynamic surrogate models to mimic complex rigorous models is increasingly coming into focus. For dynamic systems, the focus so far had been on identifying a system's behavior surrounding a steady-state operation point. In this contribution, we propose a novel methodology to adaptively sample rigorous dynamic process models to generate a dataset for building dynamic surrogate models. The goal of the developed algorithm is to cover an as large as possible area of the feasible region of the original model. To demonstrate the performance of the presented framework it is applied on a dynamic model of a chlor-alkali electrolysis.     

Identification of parameters in systems of ordinary differential equations using quasilinearization and data perturbation

Given a set of observed data for a particular physical phenomenon, the problem of computing the “best fit” parameters for the mathematical model describing the phenomenon is a common problem in process or reaction mechanism identification. If the mathematical model comprises a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations, this leads to a non-linear boundary value problem. A very powerful way of attacking this class of problem uses an adaptation of the Newton-Raphson-Kantorovich procedure, called quasilinearization, which regards the non-linear problem as the limit of a sequence of linear problems. Starting from an initial trial solution, convergence if it does occur, occurs rapidly; further, convergence is assured if the initial guess is “close enough” to the true solution. The difficulty of making a good initial guess, a serious limitation of the method in the past, can in principle be overcome by the algorithm proposed. When a given vector may not be within the domain of convergence of the original problem, it must be within the domain of convergence of some other derived problem. The latter may then be perturbed towards the original problem in a finite number of steps. In the case of process identification, new data points are derived; these are subsequently adjusted until they coincide with the original data. The algorithm has been successfully applied to several examples from recent chemical engineering literature.     

Model based control of a high purity distillation column

In this paper, the problem of dual product composition control of an industrial high purity distillation column, a deisohexanizer (DIH), is addressed using a Generic Model Control framework. A dynamic simulation of the DIH was performed for preliminary studies of the performance of different controller strategies/algorithms. The performance of Generic Model Control incorporating different process models was studied. Process models are presented ranging from simple first order approximations to mechanistic short cut distillation models where a tradeoff between model complexity and model adaptivity is investigated. The different controllers were implemented and compared using a dynamic simulation of an industrial deisohexanizer (DIH) to select the best condidate controller. A controller using a nonlinear process model emerged as the best controller and was implemented on the actual process, resulting in improved performance over the original controller. Simulation results and industrial plant data are presented.