Controller tuning for multivariable processes

Abstract

In this chapter, a multivariable controller is tuned by means of a multiobjective optimization design procedure. For this design problem, several specifications are given, regarding individual control loops and overall performance. Due to this fact, a many-objectives optimization problem is stated. In such problems, algorithms could face problems due to the dimensionality of the problem, since theirmechanisms to improve convergence and diversity may conflict. Therefore, some guidelines to deal with this optimization process are commented. The aforementioned procedure will be used to tune a multivariable PI controller for the well knownWood and Berry distillation column process using different algorithms.