Control of a heat exchanger using neural network predictive controller combined with auxiliary fuzzy controller

The paper presents an advanced control strategy that uses the neural network predictive controller and the fuzzy controller in the complex control structure with an auxiliary manipulated variable. The controlled tubular heat exchanger is used for pre-heating of petroleum by hot water. The heat exchanger is modelled as a nonlinear system with the interval parametric uncertainty. The set point tracking and the disturbance rejection using intelligent control strategies are investigated. The control objective is to keep the outlet temperature of the pre-heated petroleum at a reference value. Simulations of control of the tubular heat exchanger are done in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The complex control structure with two controllers is compared with the conventional PID control, fuzzy control and NNPC. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness and superiority of the complex control structure combining the NNPC with the auxiliary fuzzy controller.