Multivariable process control using analytical decoupling and disturbance observer

Control a closed-circuit grinding process is a challenging problem due to its complex dynamic characteristics and heavy interactions among the control loops. Especially the various process disturbances and uncertain dynamics have a great influence on the control performances of the closed-loop system. In this paper, a compound control strategy by combining the analytical decoupling control and disturbance observer (DOB) technique is proposed to handle such an intricate multivariable process. The decoupling controller acts as prefiter and is used to generate appropriate control actions such that a desired setpoint tracking response is achieved. The DOB is employed to estimate the various disturbances and suppress them by feedforward compensation design. Control studies have been performed by simulation tests for setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection problems.