Adaptive Weights Robust Predictive Zone Control and Its Application for Distillation Column Control

In this paper, an adaptive model predictive control (MPC) weight coefficient methodology is proposed, and a stable output multi-variables zone(or range) control is implemented to guarantee the robustness of controlled process systems and the flexibility of manipulated variables. The weighted slack coefficients terms (WSCT) are added with nominal weight coefficients. The WSCT are adapted according to output error variation, this can increase the flexibility of process regulation. The proposed zone control was used as a mechanism to improve the robustness of the MPC algorithm. This is particularly useful for controlling such processes involving operation in specified zones as well as frequent regulatory disturbances. Following this approach, a robust adaptive weight model predictive controller (AWMPC) is developed for control the distillation column, the controller is devoted to maintain the outputs within their respective feasible operation zones. The results from the simulation studies show the feasibility of the proposed strategy and also bring forth its utility for the process control.