MULTIVARIABLE OPTIMAL CONTROL OF A HEAT EXCHANGER NETWORK WITH BYPASSES

Abstract Heat exchanger networks present an interesting control problem due to coupling among process streams. In this work, the linear quadratic regulator (LQR), a feedback optimal control technique, is used to control stream temperatures on a laboratory scale heat exchanger network, through bypass manipulation, in a multivariable system. The LQR design was based on a mathematical model of the plant and its performance was compared to traditional PID control and to dynamical decoupling. Experimental tests were performed to evaluate the controllers, involving regulatory and servo problems. The...