Predictive Control based upon State Space Models

Repetitive online computation of the control vector by solving the optimal control problem of a non-linear multivariable process with arbitrary performance indices is investigated. Two different methods are considered in the search for an optimal, parameterized control vector: Pontryagin's Maximum Principle and optimization by using the performance index and its gradient directly. Unfortunately, solving this optimization problem has turned out to be a rather time-consuming task which has resulted in a time delay that cannot be accepted when the actual process is exposed to rapidly-varying disturbances. However, an instantaneous feedback strategy operating in parallel with the original control algorithm was found to be able to cope with this problem.