Applications of Artificial Neural Networks in Process Control Applications: A Review

This work provides an overview of applications of Artificial Neural Networks and related solutions such as Neuro-Fuzzy within different control loops such as the Network Predictive Control regarding energy saving. It also shows such applications in the Chemical Industry and points out why further research on these applications regarding the control of distillation columns might be economical promising. The application of a Generic Algorithm in combination with an Artificial Neural Network in an optimal control configuration shows up to almost 20% possible improvement in an absorption chiller system compared to the normalized system. Applications of Artificial Neural Networks in distillation columns have been found and in combination with conventional control strategies energy saving possibilities seem promising but need further investigation and research.