Globally optimal robust control of large scale sheet and film processes

Improved multivariable control of sheet and film processes can mean significant reductions in material and energy consumption, greater production rates for existing equipment, improved product quality, elimination of product rejects, and reduced energy consumption. One of the main weaknesses of modern sheet and film process control approaches is their inability to explicitly account for model inaccuracies. Here we develop a novel computational approach for designing controllers for large scale sheet and film processes that addresses model inaccuracy in a globally optimal manner. This approach is computationally feasible for industrial sheet and film processes (up to 500 inputs and outputs).