Real-time Experimental Implementation of Predictive Control Schemes in a Small-scale

Abstract This chapter proposes three closed-loop control topologies based on model predictive control (MPC) for a small-scale pasteurization plant. The topolo-gies are designed taking into account the role of the predictive controller within the loop: (i) as supervisor control for the computation of the references for regulatory controllers, (ii) as unique controller within the closed loop, and (iii) acting simul-taneously as supervisor and regulatory controllers together with other regulatory controllers. All control designs have been applied in real time to a test bench station then experimental results are both presented and discussed. The main advantages and drawbacks for each topology are presented for the regulation of the tempera-ture of the output product while the energy consumption of the overall system is minimised.