Decentralised model predictive control for parallel unit operation optimisation

Abstract

This paper describes the application of decentralised model predictive control (DMPC) to parallel unit operations. A decentralised approach may provide advantages in terms of maintenance, online time, and tuning complexity. Total flow control and linearisation, flow biasing and mass balance baselayer schemes are discussed as well as the DMPC structures. Finally, an industrial case study is presented where a DMPC approach is applied to steam header pressure control and steam generation optimisation.