Operator-based robust nonlinear control and its realization for a multi-tank process by using a distributed control system

Abstract

In this paper, a robust nonlinear control design method using an operator-based robust right coprime factorization approach and its realization based on a distributed control system (DCS) device are considered for a multi-tank process. In detail, for the multi-tank process, consisting of a water-level process and a water-flow process, theoretical models are developed according to the Bernoulli theorem. Based on the obtained models, a robust nonlinear feedback control design is presented by using robust right coprime factorization for the multi-tank process. Further, from a large-scale industrial application viewpoint, the realization of the designed operator-based robust right coprime factorization controllers is considered by using a DCS device. Because there are some nonlinear functions in the designed controllers which cannot be realized straightforwardly in the DCS device such that the designed controllers need to be realized approximately. That is, there exist some parasitic terms for the approximated realization of the controllers in the real system. As a result, the parasitic terms and processes’ unknown uncertainties should be considered simultaneously. In this paper, a robust condition is derived to guarantee robust stability of the nonlinear feedback control system with the parasitic terms and the uncertainties. Moreover, tracking controller design problem for the multi-tank process is discussed. Finally, by using a DCS device (CENTUM CS3000), experimental results are given to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme.