Software sensor as distributed parameter system for the control of secondary cooling in the continuous casting of steel

Sophisticated numerical models are created nowadays for the continuous casting of steel, partly thanks to the rapid development of information technology. These models are based on the numerical solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations describing the dynamics of modelled phenomena. Such distributed parameter numerical models used as “software sensors” offer the possibility to control the secondary cooling process. However, in current engineering practice the control synthesis is solved by lumped parameter systems approach. This paper shows how to solve the control synthesis problem based on distributed parameter system approach, using widely available software products for numerical modelling of continuous casting of steel combined with algorithms for control of lumped and distributed parameter systems.