Use of Piecewise Linear Models for Optimal Control of Nonlinear Systems

The optimal feedback control of nonlinear process is attacked in this paper. The solution of this problem is numerically computed using a Continuous Piecewise Linear (CPWL) approximation of the Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) system which describes the dynamics of the plant to control. In order to obtain this solution, the optimal regulation problem of an affine system is obtained. A numerical simulation example of a nonlinear chemical reactor is presented to shown the quality of the obtained response.