Model Predictive Control using ARX model for steam distillation essential oil extraction system

This paper presents the development and implementation of an ARX (Auto-Regressive eXogenous) model for Model Predictive Control (MPC) in steam distillation extraction system. The mathematical model was developed using the system identification technique. The MPC is proposed as a controller in a way to regulate the system to maintain the optimum operation temperature besides minimizing the energy that is used to power up the plant. Tuning of the MPC was examined with several values of prediction horizon with the similar default parameter to achieve the optimal setting for the better controller´s performance. The performance of MPC was evaluated at optimal temperature setting. Simulation result indicates that MPC is able to control the steam temperature in more efficient way using a first order ARX model.