Hybrid Predictive Control of a Simulated Continuous-Batch Process

This paper deals with a control problem related with a mixed continuous-batch process, in which some continuous variables must be kept as close as possible at prescribed values and the batch units must be scheduled in order to avoid bottlenecks in production. A solution in the framework of non-linear model predictive control has been developed, formulating the control problem in terms of flow patterns and time of occurrence of events in the batch units. The paper describes the hybrid process, presents the control problem formulation and provides some results of the proposed approach, as well as implementation details.