Robust characteristic-based MPC of a fixed-bed reactor

In this work a model predictive control methodology is applied to a set of hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) which models a chemical fixed-bed reactor. Initially, the model of the fixed-bed reactor is linearized and by the method of characteristics is transformed into the set of ODEs which is explored within the model predictive controller synthesis. We consider uncertainties present in the reactor model which are taken into account by the construction of the polytopic family of plants and subsequent robust model predictive controller synthesis which ensures input and state constraints satisfaction. The proposed robust control problem formulation and the performance of the controller have been evaluated by simulations.