A Variable Structure Control by Using the Idea of Fictitious Set Point

Temperature Tracking Control of a Batch Reactor Process

Abstract

This paper shows that a control strategy using our fictitious set point is realized to the tracking control problem of a batch reactor process and that excellent control results have been obtained.
In this process, the reactor temperature is required to be raised by a fixed speed from the start-up to the desired temperature and to be kept at it. PID control was used for this object, but the reactor temperature showed frequent variation near the desired temperature and the heating steam and cooling water were wasted for this control. Conventional variable structure control is then considered to avoid this variation. However, computer simulation shows that the tracking control response can not be improved.
To reduce this frequent temperature variation and waste of energy, our control strategy is applied to this process after computer simulation. The experimental results are: that this method is quite effective as compared with PID control and conventional VSC laws and that 50% of the temperature variation and 45% of the consumption of steam and cooling water were decreased.