Aims

- to set a control problem
- to define the important variables of the control problem
- to set it in the appropriate mathematical framework
- to analyse the control problem
- to select and synthesize the appropriate control strategy
- to evaluate the performance of the selected control strategy

Content and teaching methods

The content of this course deals with the control of linear time invariant systems in the context of chemical engineering processes. In particular the notions of dynamical models and feedback loop will be considered. The notion of operator (implicitly connected to Laplace transform) will be used to transform differential equations into algebraic equations in order to introduce the concept of transfer functions that will ease the analysis and synthesis of controllers and closed-loop systems. The course will mainly concentrate on PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controllers, with reference to the IMC (internal model control) approach which is largely used in process control. The course will also consider topics like time-delay compensation, feedforward actions, ratio control and cascade control, and is open to topics like inferential control and state observers. The course is based in particular on the notions of mass and energy balances and of unit operations, and it is illustrated by examples drawn from applications in the process industry.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Written support : notes
Reference book : Seborg D.E., T.F. Edgar and D.A. Mellichamp (2003). Process Dynamics and Control, 2nd edition, John Wiley, New York.
Evaluation : final exam (75%); laboratories and homeworks (25%)

Other credits in programs