Providing feedforward action and output constraints to the generalized split-range control.

Area of Science:

• Control Engineering
• Industrial Process Optimization
• Renewable Energy Systems

Background:

• Split-range control is common in Multiple-Input Single-Output (MISO) systems with diverse actuators.
• Integrating feedforward and output constraints is challenging due to sequential actuation and computational demands of methods like Model Predictive Control (MPC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel approach for Generalized Split-Range Control (GSRC) that incorporates feedforward compensation and output constraint handling.
• To overcome limitations of conventional methods in MISO processes with sequential actuation.

Main Methods:

• Extended a Generalized Predictive Control (GPC)-based PID controller with a constraint-mapping law to handle output constraints.
• Integrated feedforward action into the GSRC framework using the enhanced PID controller for each channel.
• Validated the proposed method via simulations on a Fresnel Solar Concentrator (FSC) model.

Main Results:

• The proposed GSRC strategy successfully integrated feedforward compensation and output constraint handling.
• Achieved competitive energy and exergy generation in the Fresnel Solar Concentrator simulations.
• Reduced temperature violations and demonstrated lower computational cost compared to benchmark MPC.

Conclusions:

• The novel GSRC approach offers a computationally efficient alternative to MPC for MISO processes.
• The method is practically applicable for enhancing control performance and constraint handling in industrial applications.
• Validated effectiveness in renewable energy systems like Fresnel Solar Concentrators.