The adaptive control of a batch reactor—II: Optimal path control

Abstract

The problem of controlling the reactor to follow an optimal path calculated from the parameter estimates is considered. It is shown that the optimal path has an intrinsic stability which can be exploited in various ways to ensure near optimal control. When measurements of both composition and temperature are available the optimal path can be approached by a directional control. It would appear to be possible to overcome some of the severe difficulties that this study has brought to light in implementing the basically simple idea and to develop a fully adaptive control for the batch reactor along one of the several lines that are suggested.