Model predictive control of a CSTR: A comparative study among linear and nonlinear model approaches

This paper presents a comparative study of two widely accepted model predictive control schemes based on mixed logical dynamical (MLD) and nonlinear modeling approaches with application to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system. Specifically, we approximate the nonlinear behavior of a CSTR system with multiple local linear models in a MLD framework. The main benefit of such a scheme is the significant improvement in model accuracy when compared with a single linearized model. The benefits and trade-offs associated with predictive control laws synthesized using MLD and nonlinear modeling approaches are also compared.