An internal model control strategy employing a fuzzy neural network is
proposed for SISO nonlinear process. The control-affine model is iden
tified from both steady state and transient data using back-propagatio
n. The inverse of the process is obtained through algebraic inversion
of the process model. The resulting model is easier to interpret than
models obtained from the standard neural network approaches. The propo
sed approach is applied to the tasks of modelling and control of a con
tinuous stirred tank reactor and a pH neutralization process which are
not inherently control-affine. The results show a significant perform
ance improvement over a conventional PID controller. In addition, an a
dditional neural network which models the discrepancy between a contro
l-affine model and real process dynamics is added, and is shown to lea
d to further improvement in the closed-loop performance.