Energy-predictive control: a new synthesis approach for nonlinear process control

The present work proposes a new controller synthesis framework, that is based on the methodological principles of Lyapunov design. A notion of short-horizon energy-predictive control is introduced, that predicts and optimizes the rate of energy dissipation of the system and leads to the derivation of a continuous state feedback control law. The control law possesses two adjustable parameters that directly influence the size of the closed-loop stability region and the performance characteristics. The derived state feedback law may be combined with an open-loop state observer, leading to a dynamic output feedback controller with integral action. Finally, the performance of the proposed controller design methodology is evaluated in a chemical reactor example, that exhibits nonminimum-phase characteristics. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.