A Multivariable Adaptive Nonlinear Predictive Controller

A new multivariable adaptive nonlinear predictive controller is designed using a general nonlinear input-output model and variable tansformations. The controller is similar in form to typical linear predictive controllers and can be tuned analogously or by specifying a single parameter for each controlled variable. In addition, the design procedure is computationally efficient The new controller is compared to a multi-loop PI control system with one-way static decoupling, and to a nonadaptive, nonlinear predictive controller through tests on a simulated nonlinear distillaton column.