A novel predictive control algorithm and robust stability criteria for integrating processes

This paper introduces a novel predictive controller for single-input/single-output (SISO) integrating systems, which can be directly applied without pre-stabilizing the process. The control algorithm is designed on the basis of the tested step response model. To produce a bounded system response along the finite predictive horizon, the effect of the integrating mode must be zeroed while unmeasured disturbances exist. Here, a novel predictive feedback error compensation method is proposed to eliminate the permanent offset between the setpoint and the process output while the integrating system is affected by load disturbance. Also, a rotator factor is introduced in the performance index, which is contributed to the improvement robustness of the closed-loop system. Then on the basis of Jury's dominant coefficient criterion, a robust stability condition of the resulted closed loop system is given. There are only two parameters which need to be tuned for the controller, and each has a clear physical meaning, which is convenient for implementation of the control algorithm. Lastly, simulations are given to illustrate that the proposed algorithm can provide excellent closed loop performance compared with some reported methods. (C) 2011 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.