Development of multi-modal control programs for continuous-discrete process supervision

Abstract

Continuos-discrete processes are characterized by the strong coupling of continuos state dynamics of recipe-driven discontinuos operations and the discrete state dynamics of logic-based controllers acting at the interface with continuos processes. Multi-modal control is a promising design tool for supervisory control of these type of systems by resorting to sequences of control modes each one comprising of a purposeful feedback law and a stopping condition. In this paper the problem of developing multi-modal control programs from a given mode alphabet using data from alternative disturbance scenarios is addressed. A case study related to maximizing the average productivity of a hybrid chemical plant through multi-modal control of a buffer tank is presented.