A two-tier architecture for networked process control

Traditionally, process control systems utilize dedicated, point-to-point wired communication links using a small number of sensors and actuators to regulate appropriate process variables at desired values. While this paradigm to process control has been successful, chemical plant operation could substantially benefit from an efficient integration of the existing, point-to-point control networks (wired connections from each actuator/sensor to the control system using dedicated local area networks) with additional networked (wired or wireless) actuator/sensor devices. However, augmenting existing control networks with real-time wired/wireless sensor and actuator networks challenges many of the assumptions made in the development of traditional process control methods dealing with dynamical systems linked through ideal channels with flawless, continuous communication. In the context of control systems which utilize networked sensors and actuators, key issues that need to be carefully handled at the control system design level include data losses due to field interference and time delays due to network traffic. Motivated by the above technological advances and the lack of methods to design control systems that utilize hybrid communication networks, in the present work, we present a novel two-tier control architecture for networked process control problems that involve nonlinear processes and heterogeneous measurements consisting of continuous measurements and asynchronous, delayed measurements. This class of control problems arises naturally when nonlinear processes are controlled via control systems based on hybrid communication networks (i.e., point-to-point wired links integrated with networked wired/wireless communication) or utilizing multiple heterogeneous measurements (e.g., temperature measurements which can be taken to be continuous and species concentration measurements which are fed to the control system at asynchronous time instants and frequently involve delays). While point-to-point wired links are very reliable, the presence of a shared communication network in the closed-loop system introduces additional delays and data losses and these issues should be handled at the controller design level. In the two-tier control architecture presented in this work, a lower-tier control system, which relies on point-to-point communication and continuous measurements, is first designed to stabilize the closed-loop system, and an upper-tier networked control system is subsequently designed, using Lyapunov-based model predictive control theory, to profit from both the continuous and the asynchronous, delayed measurements as well as from additional networked control actuators to improve the closed-loop system performance. The proposed two-tier control architecture preserves the stability properties of the lower-tier controller while improving the closed-loop performance. The applicability and effectiveness of the proposed control method is demonstrated using two chemical process examples.     

A cyber-secure control-detector architecture for nonlinear processes

This work presents a detector-integrated two-tier control architecture capable of identifying the presence of various types of cyber-attacks, and ensuring closed-loop system stability upon detection of the cyber-attacks. Working with a general class of nonlinear systems, an upper-tier Lyapunov-based Model Predictive Controller (LMPC), using networked sensor measurements to improve closed-loop performance, is coupled with lower-tier cyber-secure explicit feedback controllers to drive a nonlinear multivariable process to its steady state. Although the networked sensor measurements may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, the two-tier control architecture ensures that the process will stay immune to destabilizing malicious cyber-attacks. Data-based attack detectors are developed using sensor measurements via machine-learning methods, namely artificial neural networks (ANN), under nominal and noisy operating conditions, and applied online to a simulated reactor-reactor-separator process. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of these detection algorithms in detecting and distinguishing between multiple classes of intelligent cyber-attacks. Upon successful detection of cyber-attacks, the two-tier control architecture allows convenient reconfiguration of the control system to stabilize the process to its operating steady state.     

An embedded fault detection, isolation and accommodation system in a model predictive controller for an industrial benchmark process

Fault detection and isolation (FDI) for industrial processes has been actively studied during the last decades. Traditionally, the most widely implemented FDI methods have been based on model-based approaches. In modern process industry, however, there is a demand for data-based methods due to the complexity and limited availability of the mechanistic models. The aim of this paper is to present a data-based, fault tolerant control (FTC) system for a simulated industrial benchmark process, Shell control problem. Data-based FDI systems, employing principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS) and subspace model identification (SMI) are presented for achieving fault tolerance in co-operation with controllers. The effectiveness of the methods is tested by introducing faults in simulated process measurements. The process is controlled by using model predictive control (MPC). To compare the effectiveness of the MPC, the FTC system is also tested with a control strategy based on a set of PI controllers.     

A unified framework for detection, isolation and compensation of actuator faults in uncertain particulate processes

This paper presents a methodology for the robust detection, isolation and compensation of control actuator faults in particulate processes described by population balance models with control constraints and time-varying uncertain variables. The main idea is to shape the fault-free closed-loop process response via robust feedback control in a way that enables the derivation of performance-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) rules that are less sensitive to the uncertainty. Initially, an approximate finite-dimensional system that captures the dominant process dynamics is derived and decomposed into interconnected subsystems with each subsystem directly influenced by a single manipulated input. The decomposition is facilitated by the specific structure of the process input operator. A robustly stabilizing bounded feedback controller is then designed for each subsystem to enforce an arbitrary degree of asymptotic attenuation of the effect of the uncertainty in the absence of faults. The synthesis leads to (1) an explicit characterization of the fault-free behavior of each subsystem in terms of a time-varying bound on an appropriate Lyapunov function and (2) an explicit characterization of the robust stability region in terms of the control constraints and the size of the uncertainty. Using the fault-free Lyapunov dissipation bounds as thresholds for FDI in each subsystem, the detection and isolation of faults in a given actuator is accomplished by monitoring the evolution of the system within the stability region and declaring a fault if the threshold is breached. The thresholds are linked to the achievable degree of asymptotic uncertainty attenuation and can therefore be properly tuned by proper tuning of the controllers, thus making the FDI criteria less sensitive to the uncertainty. The robust FDI scheme is integrated with a robust stability-based controller reconfiguration strategy that preserves closed-loop stability following FDI. Finally, the implementation of the fault-tolerant control architecture on the particulate process is discussed and the proposed methodology is applied to the problem of robust fault-tolerant control of a continuous crystallizer with a fines trap.     

多故障并发不确定系统的鲁棒完整性容错控制

针对传统容错控制方法难以保证非线性系统在执行器和传感器多故障并发情形下的稳定性问题,研究了一类时滞不确定模糊系统的鲁棒完整性容错控制方法。建立了基于T-S模糊逻辑的不确定非线性模型,定义执行器和传感器故障阵的标准归一化形式,在利用Newton-Leibniz公式变换系统结构的基础上,根据线性矩阵不等式技术给出了鲁棒容错控制器存在的时滞相关性充分条件,以保证整个闭环系统在执行器和(或)传感器发生故障时的稳定性,同时满足给定的广义鲁棒性能约束,联合抑制扰动、初始状态和时滞状态对系统性能的影响。最后仿真结果验证了方法的必要性和可行性。     

Actuator Fault Tolerant Control Based on a MIMO-MPC: Application in a Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger

In this work, an experimental fault tolerant control (FTC) implementation is presented. The FTC is based on a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) model predictive control (MPC). The aim of the FTC is to keep on operating a double-pipe counter-current heat exchanger even if the main actuator of the heat exchanger is stuck open. To develop the FTC, an adaptive observer was implemented in order to design a fault detection and isolation (FDI) system. In the FDI system, the cold and hot water flow rate estimations by the adaptive observer are compared to the control signals provided by the MPC. The results of the implementation of the FTC using a MIMO model predictive control were compared to the results obtained in a previous work which was developed using model-following control.     

Encrypted model predictive control design for security to cyberattacks

In recent years, cyber-security of networked control systems has become crucial, as these systems are vulnerable to targeted cyberattacks that compromise the stability, integrity, and safety of these systems. In this work, secure and private communication links are established between sensor–controller and controller–actuator elements using semi-homomorphic encryption to ensure cyber-security in model predictive control (MPC) of nonlinear systems. Specifically, Paillier cryptosystem is implemented for encryption-decryption operations in the communication links. Cryptosystems, in general, work on a subset of integers. As a direct consequence of this nature of encryption algorithms, quantization errors arise in the closed-loop MPC of nonlinear systems. Thus, the closed-loop encrypted MPC is designed with a certain degree of robustness to the quantization errors. Furthermore, the trade-off between the accuracy of the encrypted MPC and the computational cost is discussed. Finally, two chemical process examples are employed to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed encrypted MPC design.     

Monitoring and retuning of low-level PID control loops

In this work, we focus on the problem of monitoring and retuning of low-level proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loops used to regulate control actuators to the values computed by advanced model-based control systems like model predictive control (MPC). We consider the case where the real-time measurement of the actuation level is unavailable, and thus PID controller monitoring has to be achieved on the basis of process state measurements. A fault detection and isolation (FDI) method involving process models and real-time process measurements is used to monitor the PID control loops and compute appropriate residuals. Once poor tuning is detected and isolated, a PID tuning method based on the estimated transfer function of the control actuator is applied to the isolated, poorly functioning PID controller. An example of a non-linear reactor–separator process operating under MPC with low-level PID controllers regulating the control actuators is used to demonstrate the approach.     

基于T-S模糊模型的间歇过程的迭代学习容错控制

间歇过程不仅具有强非线性,同时还会受到诸如执行器等故障影响,研究非线性间歇过程在具有故障的情况下依然稳定运行至关重要。针对执行器增益故障及系统所具有的强非线性,提出一种新的基于间歇过程的T-S模糊模型的复合迭代学习容错控制方法。首先根据间歇过程的非线性模型,利用扇区非线性方法建立其T-S模糊故障模型,再利用间歇过程的二维特性与重复特性,在2D系统理论框架内,设计2D复合ILC容错控制器,进而构建此T-S模糊模型的等价二维Rosser模型,接着利用Lyapunov方法给出系统稳定充分条件并求解控制器增益。针对强非线性的连续搅拌釜进行仿真,结果表明所提出方法具有可行性与有效性。     

Distributed output‐feedback fault detection and isolation of cascade process networks

Distributed output‐feedback fault detection and isolation (FDI) of nonlinear cascade process networks that can be divided into subsystems is considered. Based on the assumption that an exponentially convergent estimator exists for each subsystem, a distributed state estimation system is developed. In the distributed state estimation system, a compensator is designed for each subsystem to compensate for subsystem interaction and the estimators for subsystems communicate to exchange information. It is shown that when there is no fault, the estimation error of the distributed estimation system converges to zero in the absence of system disturbances and measurement noise. For each subsystem, a state predictor is also designed to provide subsystem state predictions. A residual generator is designed for each subsystem based on subsystem state estimates given by the distributed state estimation system and subsystem state predictions given by the predictor. A subsystem residual generator generates two residual sequences, which act as references for FDI. A distributed FDI mechanism is proposed based on residuals. The proposed approach is able to handle both actuator faults and sensor faults by evaluating the residual signals. A chemical process example is introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness of the distributed FDI mechanism. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4329–4342, 2017     

Improved infinite horizon LQ tracking control for injection molding process against partial actuator failures

Focusing on injection molding processes with partial actuator failures, a new design of infinite horizon linear quadratic control is introduced. A new state space process model is first derived through input–output process data. Furthermore, an improved infinite horizon linear quadratic control scheme, whereby the process state variables and tracking error can both be regulated separately, is proposed to show enhanced control performance against partial actuator failures and unknown disturbances. Under the circumstances of actuator faults, the closed-loop system is indeed a process with uncertain parameters. Hence, a sufficient condition is proposed to guarantee robust stability is presented using Lyapunov theory. The proposed concepts are illustrated in an injection velocity control case study to show the effectiveness.     

基于神经网络和多模型的非线性自适应PID控制及应用

针对一类未知的单输入单输出离散非线性系统,提出了基于神经网络和多模型的非线性自适应PID控制方法。该方法由线性自适应PID控制器、神经网络非线性自适应PID控制器以及切换机构组成。采用线性自适应PID控制器可保证闭环系统所有信号有界;采用神经网络非线性自适应PID控制器可改善系统性能;通过引入合理的切换机制,能够在保证闭环系统稳定的同时,提高系统性能。理论分析表明,该方法能够保证闭环系统所有信号有界,如果适当地选择神经网络的结构和参数,系统的跟踪误差将收敛于任意给定的紧集。将所提出的方法应用于连续搅拌反应釜,仿真结果验证了所提出方法的有效性。由于该方法基于增量式数字PID控制器,在工业过程中有着广阔的应用前景。     

Proactive fault‐tolerant model predictive control

Fault‐tolerant control methods have been extensively researched over the last 10 years in the context of chemical process control applications, and provide a natural framework for integrating process monitoring and control aspects in a way that not only fault detection and isolation but also control system reconfiguration is achieved in the event of a process or actuator fault. But almost all the efforts are focused on the reactive fault‐tolerant control. As another way for fault‐tolerant control, proactive fault‐tolerant control has been a popular topic in the communication systems and aerospace control systems communities for the last 10 years. At this point, no work has been done on proactive fault‐tolerant control within the context of chemical process control. Motivated by this, a proactive fault‐tolerant Lyapunov‐based model predictive controller (LMPC) that can effectively deal with an incipient control actuator fault is proposed. This approach to proactive fault‐tolerant control combines the unique stability and robustness properties of LMPC as well as explicitly accounting for incipient control actuator faults in the formulation of the MPC. Our theoretical results are applied to a chemical process example, and different scenaria were simulated to demonstrate that the proposed proactive fault‐tolerant model predictive control method can achieve practical stability and efficiently deal with a control actuator fault. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2810–2820, 2013     

Fault detection and isolation analysis and design for solution copolymerization of MMA and VAc process

The problem of detecting and isolating distinguishable actuator and sensor faults in the solution copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate monomers are considered in this work. To this end, first state estimates are generated using a bank of high‐gain observers, and nonlinear fault detection and isolation (FDI) residuals are defined. The process dynamics are further analyzed to categorize fault scenarios as distinguishable and indistinguishable, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for the classification are presented. Subsequently, filters are designed that enable FDI for the distinguishable fault scenarios, with the advantage of detecting and confining possible locations for indistinguishable faults. The FDI filters are implemented on the copolymerization process, and the results compared with a linear model based filter design. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1054–1064, 2016     

Integrated nonlinear model predictive fault tolerant control and multiple model based fault detection and diagnosis

In this paper, a new fault-tolerant control approach is presented for a class of nonlinear systems, which preserves system stability despite a time delay in fault detection. The faults are assumed to occur in the actuators and are modeled for the general form of affine nonlinear systems. A fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) block is designed based on the multiple model method. The bank of extended Kalman filters (EKF) is used to detect predefined actuator faults and to estimate the unknown parameters of actuator position. The estimated parameters are then used to correct the model of the faulty system and to reconfigure the controller. The reconfigurable controller is designed based on the stabilizing nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) scheme. On the other hand, in the duration between fault occurrence and fault detection, because of the mismatch between the process and the model, the system states may go off the attraction region. The proposed method is based on designing multiple local controllers for individual predefined faults. Depending on the value of a system variable at the moment of fault detection, one of these controllers will operate. This leads to a stability region of a set of auxiliary equilibrium points (AEPs), which is larger than the attraction region. Moreover, a framework for preserving system stability is presented. Finally, a practical chemical process example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of this method.     

一类非线性系统的变负荷预测控制

生产过程的变负荷运行使得其非线性动态特性的影响凸显。针对变负荷生产过程中机理模型为常微分方程或半显式Heisenberg微分-代数方程的一类非线性动态系统,采用非线性预测控制算法,构造出稳态优化与动态优化的两层控制结构,并采用联立法进行优化数值求解。最后对化工过程的夹套CSTR进行仿真验证,表明该算法的有效性。     

Cascade closed-loop optimization and control of batch reactors

In this paper, a cascade closed-loop optimization and control strategy for batch reactors is proposed. Based on the reduction of a physical conservation model a cascade system is developed, which can effectively combine optimization and control to achieve good on-line optimization and tracking performance under the common condition where incomplete knowledge of the reaction system exists. A two-tier estimation scheme using a nonlinear observer for heat production rate and reaction rates is also developed. In the reaction rate estimation, calorimetric information is used. The on-line closed-loop optimization strategy uses a descending horizon dynamic optimization algorithm based on nonlinear programming and an additive unknown disturbance for feedback. A simple adaptive nonlinear tracking system is designed based on the generic model control concept. The efficiency of this strategy is demonstrated through simulations on a batch reactor under various operation conditions, such as noisy measurements, varying initial states and model mismatch.     

Multi-objective nonlinear model predictive control through switching cost functions and its applications to chemical processes

This paper proposes a switching multi-objective model predictive control (MOMPC) algorithm for constrained nonlinear continuous-time process systems. Different cost functions to be minimized inMPC are switched to satisfy different performance criteria imposed at different sampling times. In order to ensure recursive feasibility of the switching MOMPC and stability of the resulted closed-loop system, the dual-mode control method is used to design the switching MOMPC controller. In this method, a local control law with some free-parameters is constructed using the control Lyapunov function technique to enlarge the terminal state set of MOMPC. The correction termis computed if the states are out of the terminal set and the free-parameters of the local control laware computed if the states are in the terminal set. The recursive feasibility of the MOMPC and stability of the resulted closed-loop system are established in the presence of constraints and arbitrary switches between cost functions. Finally, implementation of the switching MOMPC controller is demonstrated with a chemical process example for the continuous stirred tank reactor.     

网络控制系统与网络化串级控制系统的结构分析

基于实际工业过程控制,引入了网络化串级控制系统的概念。针对网络控制系统中存在多个网络及多个控制回路,提出了节点设备连接阵和网络传输阵的概念。分析网络控制系统的三种典型结构形式,并用系统配置图、方框图以及节点设备连接阵和网络传输阵等方法描述了这三种不同结构的网络控制系统。在此基础上指出网络化串级控制系统的四种典型结构,并分别采用这三种方法进行描述。对网络控制系统和网络化串级控制系统结构的分析和描述,为系统的进一步分析和设计奠定了坚实的基础。