Nonlinear model-based predictive control (MBPC) in multi-input multi-output
(MIMO) process control is attractive for industry. However, two main probl
ems need to be considered: (i) obtaining a good nonlinear model of the proc
ess, and (ii) applying the model for control purposes, In this paper, recen
t work focusing on the use of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models in combination wit
h MBPC is described. First, the fuzzy model-identification of MIMO processe
s is given. The process model is derived from input-output data by means of
product-space fuzzy clustering. The MIMO model is represented as a set of
coupled multi-input, single-output (MISO) models. Next, the Takagi-Sugeno f
uzzy model is used in combination with MBPC. The critical element in nonlin
ear MBPC is the optimization routine which is nonconvex and thus difficult
to solve. Two methods to deal with this problem are developed: (i) a branch
-and-bound method with iterative grid-size reduction, and (ii) control base
d on a local linear model. Both methods have been tested and evaluated with
a simulated laboratory setup for a MIMO liquid level process with two inpu
ts and four outputs. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.