Generalized minimum variance control of optimal temperature profiles in a polystyrene polymerization reactor

Zn this paper, the dynamic, optimization and on-line temperature control of the free radical polymerization of styrene in a cooling jacketed batch pol ymerization reactor were investigated theoretically and experimentally. Tim e varying optimal temperature trajectories to obtain a product with desired quality in a minimum time are calculated using optimal control theories. T he polynomial CARMA model for reactor temperature and heat input to the rea ctor was used to design the relevant control system. The CARMA model parame ters were calculated by applying the Bierman algorithm. A Pseudo Random Bin ary Sequence (PRBS) signal was given to disturb the system. Generalized min imum variance (GMV) control based on the CARMA model was applied to the pol ymer reactor. Theoretical and experimental results were in agreement and it was shown that the GMV method controlled the system very well at optimal t rajectory. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.