Building simulation model of infant-incubator system with decoupling predictive controller

This paper introduces theoretical modelling working on the thermal behavior of the premature infant. This study aims at developing a model useful for the prediction and design of the appropriate controller in objective to reduce evaporative heat loss. A calculation code has been developed to simulate the thermal response of a premature baby to climatic solicitation inside the incubator system. The model allows us to take into consideration radiative, conductive, convective, and evaporative heat transfers inside the incubator system. The air temperature and the humidity rate, which play a salient part in the convective and evaporative exchanges, are calculated by a coupled transfer function. At present, the environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) inside incubator are controlled with a classical Proportional Integral Differential (PID). In this work, we proposed a decoupling Generalized Predictive Controller (DGPC) based on the model described below to achieve an optimal thermal conditions (36.5–37.5) for immature newborn infants (birthweight <1000 grams). Real and simulations results prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model and controller.