Multivariable Step-Wise Safe Switching Controllers

Assuming that a multivariable nonlinear process can be satisfactorily approximated by a set of switching multi input - multi output linear systems, derived through identification around a sufficiently dense set of nominal trim points, a multivariable step-wise safe switching technique is proposed. On the basis of this technique a variety of problems coming from the multivariable characteristics of the process e.g. the lack of order between the trim points, the different measurement units of the process variables, the multidimensional extension of the operating areas and the multiple dense Webs, are solved. The effectiveness of the results is illustrated through simulation for a double effect evaporator process