Controlling a non-linear process with varying dynamics using non-linear model predictive control

A dynamic controller for controlling a non-linear process, comprising:

• a dynamic predictive model of a non-linear process with varying dynamics, wherein dynamic behavior of the non-linear process varies as a function of process operation regime, wherein the dynamic predictive model is operable to predict a change in at least one dynamic variable input value to the non-linear process to effect a change in at least one output of the non-linear process from a current output value at a first time to a desired output value at a second time, wherein the dynamic predictive model comprises:
• a steady state component;
• and
• a dynamic component;
• wherein the dynamic predictive model is operable to:
• receive a current variable input value for the non-linear process, wherein both the steady state component and the dynamic component of the dynamic predictive model change dependent upon the received current variable input value;
• and
• determine a plurality of desired controlled variable values at a plurality of different times between the first time and the second time to define a dynamic operation path for the non-linear process between the current output value and the desired output value at the second time;
• and
• an optimizer, coupled to the dynamic predictive model, wherein the optimizer is operable to:
• optimize operation of the dynamic controller over the plurality of different times in accordance with a predetermined optimization method to achieve a desired path for the non-linear process from the first time to the second time.

A method for controlling a non-linear process, comprising:

• providing a dynamic controller for controlling a non-linear process, wherein the dynamic controller comprises
• a dynamic predictive model of a non-linear process with varying dynamics, wherein dynamic behavior of the non-linear process varies as a function of process operation regime, wherein the dynamic predictive model is operable to predict a change in at least one dynamic variable input value to the non-linear process to effect a change in at least one output of the non-linear process from a current output value at a first time to a desired output value at a second time, wherein the dynamic predictive model comprises:
• a steady state component;
• and
• a dynamic component;
• and
• an optimizer, coupled to the dynamic predictive model;
• the dynamic predictive model receiving a current variable input value for the non-linear process, wherein both the steady state component and the dynamic component of the dynamic predictive model change dependent upon the received current variable input value;
• the dynamic predictive model determining a plurality of desired controlled variable values at a plurality of different times between the first time and the second time to define a dynamic operation path for the non-linear process between the current output value and the desired output value at the second time;
• and
• the optimizer optimizing operation of the dynamic controller over the plurality of different times in accordance with a predetermined optimization method to achieve a desired path for the non-linear process from the first time to the second time.