Nonlinear model predictive control of pneumatic conveying and drying process

Paper deals with development and implementation of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) techniques to determine optimal temperature and flow control strategies for a scale down industrial pneumatic conveying and drying system in order to achieve an improved drying characteristics and quick transportation of materials. In this paper predictive control approach is employed using a multivariable Hammerstein model structure. The input nonlinearities involves with the multivariable Hammerstein model are transformed into polytopic description in order to ease the constraint handling in NMPC design. The performance of the predictive controller is studied with stringent design specifications (constraints) and dynamic operating condition of the process under investigation. The results show the effectiveness and precision of the proposed control to track reference signals and a significantly better closed-loop response with the use of minimum control effort.