Application of efficient nonlinear predictive control to a hot strip finishing mill

The application of the efficient nonlinear predictive control algorithms, emerging from recent research, to hot strip finishing mills is discussed. The method of controlling profile is based on explicit manipulation of the strip thickness across its width. An efficient model-based predictive control algorithm is employed to generate the control signal for the stands and to coordinate the stands for optimal profile and shape control. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed coordinated control scheme.