Robust controller design for temperature tracking problems in jacketed batch reactors

There is an increasing trend to employ advanced instrumentation and control strategies for batch processes where expensive products are being manufactured. In this paper, a robust nonlinear control strategy is developed for temperature tracking problems in batch reactors in the presence of parametric uncertainty. The controller has a multi-loop feedback configuration. An inner loop is designed for approximate input–output linearization of a nominal plant. The outer loop is designed for stability and robust performance by utilizing results from structured singular values (μ-synthesis). It is shown via simulation of a temperature tracking problem in batch synthesis that the controller provides excellent tracking despite parametric uncertainty.