Generalized predictive control of a heat exchanger

The generalized predictive controller is an extension of self-tuning control that appears to be more robust than conventional adaptive controllers in dealing with processes having varying dead time or mismodeled dynamics. This algorithm is evaluated on an experimental heat exchanger pilot plant having dynamic characteristics and delay that change with the operating point. It is evaluated at fast sampling rates for the sake of rapid load disturbance rejection. On the basis of the experimental results, guidelines for the choice of design parameters for the algorithm are proposed.<>