Operating regime-based controller strategy for multi-product processes

A hybrid, dynamical supervisory control strategy is introduced to control multi-product processes. The scheme involves the selection of the best setpoint controller, from an existing family of feedback controllers, to be placed into feedback with the process so as to cause the output to track the desired setpoint. This task is performed without exhaustive trial and error, by minimizing a specific normed output estimation error that relates the process output to a shared controller state. The performance of the supervisory control strategy is demonstrated on a continuous-stirred tank reactor that can be operated at three different conversion levels. However, the most desirable operating point is open-loop unstable. Linear controllers are designed for each operating region and the role of the supervisory control strategy will be to determine the switching logic as different scheduling policies are demanded.