Robust distributed economic model predictive control based on differential dissipativity

In this article, a robust distributed economic model predictive control (DEMPC) approach is developed for plant-wide chemical processes. The proposed approach achieves arbitrary feasible setpoints that may vary frequently, attenuates the plant-wide effects of unknown disturbances and minimizes a plant-wide economic cost. In this approach, a plant-wide process is represented as a network of process units and each process unit is controlled by an individual controller which shares a plant-wide optimization economic objective and stability conditions through the network. To ensure the convergence of process variables to arbitrary setpoints, a contraction condition is developed for the DEMPC, based on the contraction theory. To deal with the effects of interactions among process units, the concept of dissipativity is adopted. Using sum-separable control contraction metrics, a reference-independent robust stability condition is developed to ensure the plant-wide disturbance effects (under interactions among process units) to be attenuated in terms of differential ℒ₂ gain and represented by a plant-wide differential dissipativity condition, which is converted into the differential dissipativity conditions that individual controllers need to satisfy. This approach facilitates the optimization of plant-wide economic costs with global constraints in a distributed way, allowing efficient implementation of alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The proposed approach is illustrated using a reactor-separator process.     

基于高斯混合模型与主元分析的多模型切换方法

针对多模型预测控制的模型切换问题,提出了一种基于工况判断的多模型切换方法,利用工业过程中的可测变量综合反映系统的动态特性,根据动态特性的变化进行多模型切换。首先利用高斯混合模型(GMM)将历史数据划分为若干个工况,然后利用不同工况下的历史数据建立负荷向量矩阵和预测模型,最后根据主元模型的平方预报误差(SPE)选择预测模型。以乙烯裂解炉的反应管出口温度(COT)的控制为例进行仿真,仿真结果表明:提出的方法实现了多个反应管出口温度的稳定均衡控制,当系统的工况发生改变时,通过不同主元模型的SPE统计量的比较,可以很容易地找到匹配的工况,并切换为相应的预测模型,解决了当系统动态特性发生改变时,预测模型切换滞后的问题。     

多层次结构模型预测控制系统的层次间模型切换方法

引言实际的工业过程对象,大部分都呈现出很强的非线性特性,其控制过程十分复杂。虽然近年来,对非线性技术的研究已经取得了很多的成果。但是非线性系统精确建模困难[1]、非线性微分方程求解     

An integrated approach for machine-learning-based system identification of dynamical systems under control: application towards the model predictive control of a highly nonlinear reactor system

Advanced model-based control strategies,e.g.,model predictive control,can offer superior control of key process variables for multiple-input multiple-output systems.The quality of the system model is critical to controller performance and should adequately describe the process dynamics across its operating range while remaining amenable to fast optimization.This work articulates an integrated system identification procedure for deriving black-box nonlinear continuous-time multiple-input multiple-output system models for nonlinear model predictive control.To showcase this approach,five candidate models for polynomial and interaction features of both output and manipulated variables were trained on simulated data and integrated into a nonlinear model predictive controller for a highly nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor system.This procedure successfully identified system models that enabled effective control in both servo and regulator problems across wider operating ranges.These controllers also had reasonable per-iteration times of ca.0.1 s.This demonstration of how such system models could be identified for nonlinear model predictive control without prior knowledge of system dynamics opens further possibilities for direct data-driven methodologies for model-based control which,in the face of process uncertainties or modelling limitations,allow rapid and stable control over wider operating ranges.     

分批补料反应过程的非固定终端经济优化控制

针对批次生产周期不确定问题,提出一种非固定终端的经济优化控制方法。首先采用经济模型预测控制方法,用收益最大化的经济型目标函数代替终端约束,并将批次生产周期纳入被优化变量,建立动态经济优化问题,并通过对每个控制变量进行有差异的参数化,将动态优化问题转化为非线性规划（NLP）问题;然后使用内点罚函数法求解含非线性约束的优化问题,得到的最优控制序列和最佳批次生产周期,可将不确定扰动带来的损失降低到最小。其次采用非固定预测时域的滚动时域控制方法,不仅提高多变量系统的协同控制能力,而且根据实时预测终端产品产量不断优化更新关键操纵变量的控制分段函数的分割数及控制序列,从而可灵活优化操纵变量和操作时间的轨迹。最后在苯胺加氢过程上进行了批次优化控制性能测试,测试结果表明,非固定终端的经济优化控制从批次的总生产效益角度来优化每个批次生产的操作条件,实现批次反应过程生产时间与经济效益的最优化管理。     

Real-Time Optimization Using Machine Learning Models Applied to the 4,4′-Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate Production Process

In this work, the optimal time-varying allocation of steam in a large-scale industrial isocyanate production process is addressed. This is a problem that falls into the category of real-time optimization (RTO). The application of RTO in practice faces two problems: First the available rigorous process models may not be suitable for use in real-time connected to the process. Second, there is always a mismatch between the predictions of the model and the behavior of the real plant. We address the first problem by training a neural net model as a surrogate to data generated by a rigorous simulation model so that the model is simple to implement and short execution times result. The second problem is tackled by adapting the optimization problem based on measured data such that convergence to the optimal operating conditions for the real plant is achieved.     

A Composite Model Predictive Control Strategy for Furnaces

Tube furnaces are essential and primary energy intensive facilities in petrochemical plants. Operational optimization of furnaces could not only help to improve product quality but also benefit to reduce energy consumption and exhaust emission. Inspired by this idea, this paper presents a composite model predictive control (CMPC) strategy, which, taking advantage of distributed model predictive control architectures, combines tracking nonlinear model predictive control and economic nonlinear model predictive control metrics to keep process running smoothly and optimize operational conditions. The controllers connected with two kinds of communication networks are easy to organize and maintain, and stable to process interferences. A fast solution algorithm combining interior point solvers and Newton's method is accommodated to the CMPC realization, with reasonable CPU computing time and suitable online applications. Simulation for industrial case demonstrates that the proposed approach can ensure stable operations of furnaces, improve heat efficiency, and reduce the emission effectively.     

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.     

Optimizing process economics online using model predictive control

Optimizing process economics in model predictive control traditionally has been done using a two-step approach in which the economic objectives are first converted to steady-state operating points, and then the dynamic regulation is designed to track these setpoints. Recent research has shown that process economics can be optimized directly in the dynamic control problem, which can take advantage of potential higher profit transients to give superior economic performance. However, in practice, solution of such nonlinear MPC dynamic control problems can be challenging due to the nonlinearity of the model and/or nonconvexity of the economic cost function. In this work we propose the use of direct methods to formulate the nonlinear control problem as a large-scale NLP, and then solve it using an interior point nonlinear solver in conjunction with automatic differentiation. Two case studies demonstrate the computational performance of this approach along with the economic performance of economic MPC formulation.     

Economic model predictive control of stochastic nonlinear systems

This work focuses on the design of stochastic Lyapunov‐based economic model predictive control (SLEMPC) systems for a broad class of stochastic nonlinear systems with input constraints. Under the assumption of stabilizability of the origin of the stochastic nonlinear system via a stochastic Lyapunov‐based control law, an economic model predictive controller is proposed that utilizes suitable constraints based on the stochastic Lyapunov‐based controller to ensure economic optimality, feasibility and stability in probability in a well‐characterized region of the state‐space surrounding the origin. A chemical process example is used to illustrate the application of the approach and demonstrate its economic benefits with respect to an EMPC scheme that treats the disturbances in a deterministic, bounded manner. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 3312–3322, 2018     

基于模型预测控制及智能寻优的水泥粉磨优化控制

本文提出一种基于运行状态软测量和成本软约束的多变量模型预测控制(MPC)。MPC控制与传统的专家经验控制和模糊控制相比,通过模型对系统工艺参数的预测,不断地学习更新模型,更符合水泥粉磨大时延、多工况的特性。应用中通过对水泥粉磨装置的阶跃响应实验,建立多变量预测控制模型,解决水泥粉磨系统生产过程的不确定性。在此基础上,通过增量学习和机器学习找到最优运行参数,使水泥粉磨的MPC控制一直保持在最优工况。     

一种对预测控制系统经济性能评估的实用方法及其工业应用

In this article, an approach for economic performance assessment of model predictive control (MPC) system is presented. The method builds on steady-state economic optimization techniques and uses the linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) benchmark other than conventional minimum variance control (MVC) to estimate the potential of reduction in variance. The LQG control is a more practical performance benchmark compared to MVC for performance assessment since it considers input variance and output variance, and it thus provides a desired basis for determining the theoretical maximum economic benefit potential arising from variability reduction. Combining the LQG benchmark directly with benefit potential of MPC control system, both the economic benefit and the op-timal operation condition can be obtained by solving the economic optimization problem. The proposed algorithm is illustrated by simulated example as well as application to economic performance assessment of an industrial model predictive control system.     

Model based robust control approach for batch crystallization product design

The paper presents a novel control approach for crystallization processes, which can be used for designing the shape of the crystal size distribution to robustly achieve desired product properties. The approach is based on a robust optimal control scheme, which takes parametric uncertainties into account to provide decreased batch-to-batch variability of the shape of the crystal size distribution. Both open-loop and closed-loop robust control schemes are evaluated. The open-loop approach is based on a robust end-point nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) scheme which is implemented in a hierarchical structure. On the lower level a supersaturation control approach is used that drives the system in the phase diagram according to a concentration versus temperature trajectory. On the higher level a robust model-based optimization algorithm adapts the setpoint of the supersaturation controller to counteract the effects of changing operating conditions. The process is modelled using the population balance equation (PBE), which is solved using a novel efficient approach that combines the quadrature method of moment (QMOM) and method of characteristics (MOC). The proposed robust model based control approach is corroborated for the case of various desired shapes of the target distribution.     

基于T-S模糊模型与粒子群优化的非线性预测控制

引言模型预测控制属于一种基于模型的多变量的控制算法,发展至今已在化工过程控制方面得到了广泛的应用[1-5]。状态反馈预测控制[6-8]是模型预测控制技术的一种,基于状态空间模型,采用实测状态     

Multistage nonlinear model predictive control for pumping treatment in hydraulic fracturing

Hydraulic fracturing has gained increasing attention as it allows the constrained natural gas and crude oil to flow out of low-permeability shale formations and significantly increase production. Perilous operating states of extremely high pressure also raise some safety concerns, requiring us to formulate an appropriate dynamic model, and provide a careful engineering control to ensure safe operating conditions. Moreover, uncertainties due to spatially varying rock properties increase the difficulties in control of the fracturing process. In this work, we formulate a first-principles model by considering the fracture evolution, mass transport of substances in the slurry, changing fluid properties, and the monitored operating pressure on the ground level. Next, we implement nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) to control the process under a set of final requirements and process constraints. Our results show that the performance of standard NMPC degrades when the rock uncertainty causes the parameter mismatch between the process and the predictive model in the controller. With standard NMPC, designed with a nominal model, the process fails to meet the terminal requirements of fracture geometry, and pressure is violated in one of the parameter mismatch cases. Therefore, we resort to multistage NMPC, which considers uncertainty evolution in a scenario tree with separate control sequences to address constraint violations. We demonstrate that multistage NMPC presents good performance by showing constraint satisfaction whether the uncertain rock parameter realization is time-invariant or time-variant. We also simulate the process with multistage NMPC including different numbers of scenarios and compare their control performance. Our investigation demonstrates that multistage NMPC effectively manages parametric uncertainties attributed to non-homogeneous rock formation, and provides a promising control strategy for the hydraulic fracturing process.     

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.     

循环流化床燃烧系统无终端约束字典序经济预测控制

针对循环流化床锅炉(CFBB)燃烧系统非线性、约束、多变量耦合等过程特性和多目标燃烧优化要求,提出一种无终端约束字典序经济模型预测控制策略。基于字典序多目标优化思想,将CFBB稳定燃烧工况作为最重要控制目标,将燃烧系统经济性能作为次重要目标,构建分层滚动时域优化控制问题。设计关于稳定燃烧性能指标的终端域条件,建立无显式终端约束的稳定字典序经济模型预测控制策略。这不仅降低了多目标燃烧控制器的在线计算量,同时并行实现CFBB燃烧系统的稳定控制和经济性能优化。最后通过仿真对比验证本文提出方法的有效性。     

全局自优化控制策略及其测量变量子集选择

针对过程系统的优化运行问题,介绍一种基于Monte Carlo模拟的全局自优化控制策略。利用非线性模型计算整个操作空间内的平均经济损失,通过对某些条件进行合理假设,得到全局被控变量的解析表达形式。为了平衡传感器成本和系统性能,在全局自优化控制策略的基础上,引入混合整数约束,对测量变量子集进行选择。通过求解混合整数规划问题,能够同时获得最优的测量变量子集以及由其构成的全局被控变量,此外上述子集选择方法还可以处理附加的结构性约束问题。通过对蒸发过程的研究表明,该方法可以更加高效地处理测量变量子集选择问题,通过对精馏塔案例的研究,进一步验证了该方法在处理结构性约束问题中的优势。     

Aeration control of a wastewater treatment plant using hybrid NMPC

In the operation of wastewater treatment plants a key variable is dissolved oxygen (DO) content in the bioreactors. As oxygen is consumed by the microorganisms, more oxygen has to be added to the water in order to comply with the required minimum dissolved oxygen concentration. This is done using a set of aerators working on/off that represents most of the plant energy consumption. In this paper a hybrid nonlinear predictive control algorithm is proposed, based on economic and control aims. Specifically, the controller minimizes the energy use while satisfying the time-varying oxygen demand of the plant and considering several operation constraints. A parameterization of the binary control signals in terms of occurrence time of events allows the optimization problem to be re-formulated as an nonlinear programming (NLP) problem at every sampling time. Realistic simulation results considering real perturbations data sets for the inlet variables are presented.