Multivariable Control of a Furnace: LQS Versus GMC

A simulation study of the multivariable control of an industrial furnace has been conducted. The performance of an optimal Linear Quadratic Servo (LQS) has been contrasted with that of a trajectory oriented Generic Model Controller (GMC). The design procedure for each controller is documented. The GMC design was found to provide superior decoupling. The LQS design provided more precise control over the final response characteristic. Both designs were found to be equally robust in the face of model coefficient errors and unmeasured disturbances.