Decentralized control of the Tennessee Eastman Challenge Process

A decentralized control system is developed for the Tennessee Eastman Challenge Process (TE problem). The design procedure begins with the selection of the method for production-rate control, to which inventory controls and other functions are then coordinated. Results show that production rate can be maximized at any of the three standard product compositions, even when the feed of reactant A is lost. All specifications of the challenge problem are satisfied despite large disturbances in feed composition and reaction kinetics. Variability in product rate and quality is less than that seen in previous studies. The process can operate on-spec for long periods without feedback from composition measurements. Setpoints for certain variables (such as reactor temperature and concentrations of A and C in the reactor feed) must be chosen a priori, and the effect on operating cost is estimated. The performance of the proposed decentralized control is compared to that of a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) developed previously. There appears to be little, if any, advantage to the use of NMPC in this application. In particular, the decentralized strategy does a better job of handling constraints - an area in which NMPC is reputed to excel. Reasons for this are discussed.