Implementation of a predictive controller for thermal treatment processes

This paper is concerned with multivariable predictive control and its imple mentation in thermal treatment processes. The choice of a control structure that ensures decoupling is discussed. A unified predictive controller is u sed to implement the monovariable control systems for each channel of the d ecoupled plant. Aspects of the modelling and performance of the control sch eme are dealt with and illustrated by plant results. The model of the therm al treatment processes has been used to check the controller behaviour befo re its real implementation and some simulation results are also given. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.