This paper proposes the application of Economic Model Predictive Control (EMPC) for a scale pilot pasteurization plant that is modelled by means of a linear parameter varying (LPV) model. The LPV model considers the variation of the model parameters with the operating point defined by the scheduling variables. The variation of the parameters is modeled experimentally by deriving an expression for each parameter in function of the scheduling variables. The functional relation is included as an additional constraint into the MPC optimization problem. In this way, the MPC controller is able to predict the change of the varying parameters over the prediction horizon. Moreover, the MPC objective function is not defined in terms of the classic standard tracking objective but defined as an economic objective that aims to optimize the cost operation of the system. Finally, the proposed approach is tested in simulation utilizing a high-fidelity simulator using a model calibrated with data from the real pasteurization plant.

Peer Reviewed