A novel tuning strategy for multivariable model predictive control

Abstract

Model predictive control (MPC) has established itself as the most popular form of advanced multivariable control in the chemical process industry. However, the benefits of this technology cannot be realized unless the controller can be operated with desirable performance for an extended period of time. The objective of this work is to present an easy-to-use and reliable tuning strategy that enables the control practitioner to maintain MPC at peak performance with minimal effort. A novel analytical expression that computes the move suppression coefficients, guidelines to select the additional adjustable parameters, and their demonstration in an overall tuning strategy are some of the significant contributions of this work. The compact form for the analytical expression that computes the move suppression coefficients is derived as a function of a first order plus dead time (FOPDT) model approximation of the process dynamics. With tuning parameters computed. MPC is then implemented in the classical fashion using an internal model formulated from step response coefficients of the actual process. Just as a FOPDT model approximation has proved a valuable tool in tuning rules such as Cohen-Coon. ITAE and IAE for PID implementations, the tuning strategy presented here is significant because it offers an analogous approach for multivariable MPC.