13.07.2015 Views

Assessment and Future Directions of Nonlinear Model Predictive ...

Assessment and Future Directions of Nonlinear Model Predictive ...

Assessment and Future Directions of Nonlinear Model Predictive ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

A <strong>Nonlinear</strong> <strong>Model</strong> <strong>Predictive</strong> ControlFramework as Free S<strong>of</strong>tware: Outlook <strong>and</strong>Progress ReportAndrey Romanenko <strong>and</strong> Lino O. SantosGEPSI-PSE Group, Dep. de Engenharia Química, Universidade de Coimbra,Pinhal de Marrocos, Pólo II, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal<strong>and</strong>rew,lino@eq.uc.ptSummary. <strong>Model</strong> predictive control (MPC) has been a field with considerable researchefforts <strong>and</strong> significant improvements in the algorithms. This has led to a fairlylarge number <strong>of</strong> successful industrial applications. However, many small <strong>and</strong> mediumenterprises have not embraced MPC, even though their processes may potentially benefitfrom this control technology. We tackle one aspect <strong>of</strong> this issue with the development<strong>of</strong> a nonlinear model predictive control package newcon that will be released as frees<strong>of</strong>tware. The work details the conceptual design, the control problem formulation <strong>and</strong>the implementation aspects <strong>of</strong> the code. A possible application is illustrated with anexample <strong>of</strong> the level <strong>and</strong> reactor temperature control <strong>of</strong> a simulated CSTR. Finally,the article outlines future development directions <strong>of</strong> the newcon package.1 Introduction<strong>Model</strong> predictive control has been a field with considerable research efforts <strong>and</strong>significant improvements in the algorithms [3]. Also, the number <strong>of</strong> commercialMPC <strong>of</strong>ferings on the market has increased in the last years. Clearly, there area number <strong>of</strong> industrial areas where MPC use is prominent because <strong>of</strong> the greateconomical benefit <strong>of</strong> this advanced control technology: refineries, petrochemical,<strong>and</strong> chemical [20].It should be noted, however, that the scope <strong>of</strong> companies that use MPC solutionsis rather limited. In order to implement a successful solution, not only is itnecessary to be able to make a very significant investment in expensive proprietaryproducts on the market, but also it is important to have in-house technical<strong>and</strong> engineering staff able to apply <strong>and</strong> maintain them <strong>and</strong> the management torealize the benefits [7]. Because <strong>of</strong> these two factors, small <strong>and</strong> medium enterprises(SME), that play a very important role in some economies, may not knowabout the existence <strong>of</strong> MPC or may not realize the potential or, finally, may notafford it.Lately, the free <strong>and</strong> open-source s<strong>of</strong>tware (OSS) development paradigm hasbeen gaining wide acceptance. It is mainly characterized by the rights to use,make modifications, <strong>and</strong> redistribute s<strong>of</strong>tware subject to certain limitations.Some free s<strong>of</strong>tware packages enjoy a big user community resulting in a fastdevelopment pace.R. Findeisen et al. (Eds.): <strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Future</strong> <strong>Directions</strong>, LNCIS 358, pp. 229–238, 2007.springerlink.com c○ Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!