Flatness-based feedforward control for fast operating point transitions of compressor systems

This paper presents a novel approach to the control of fast operating point transitions of compression systems for gas turbines. A nonlinear model of the compression system is derived and shown to be flat. Based on the flatness property a feedforward control for a two-degree of freedom controller is designed, which permits fast transitions between operating points. Results obtained with a complex nonlinear simulation model of the compressor system show the improved performance of the proposed control concept compared to an existing one.