Block-oriented feedforward control with demonstration to nonlinear parameterized Wiener modeling

Block-oriented modeling (BOM) is a multiple-input, multiple-output modeling approach for nonlinear dynamic processes. Current implementation of BOM into feedforward control (FFC) results in linearization of the model and decomposition into separate components for each input. This work presents a multiple-input BOM FFC approach that does not linearize and decompose the BOM into separate components for each input. This implementation uses a new FFC law that uses the complete BOM in the time domain. The approach is demonstrated with a Wiener model for a simulated continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with four (4) measured inputs. The Wiener model is nonlinear in the physically-based dynamic parameters of the transfer functions and linear in the static parameters of the static gain function. The static gain function has a second order linear regression form with interaction and quadratic terms. The Wiener model is built under open-loop conditions using a Box-Behnken statistical experimental design consisting of 27 sequential step tests. Under a sequence of multiple input changes, the addition of this feedforward controller to the feedback controller reduced the standard deviation of the controlled variable from its set point by 70% in comparison to the response with only feedback control.