Model predictive control with closed-loop re-identification

In this work, we address the problem of handling plant-model mismatch by designing a subspace identification based MPC framework that includes model monitoring and closed-loop identification components. In contrast to performance monitoring based approaches, the validity of the underlying model is monitored by proposing two indexes that compare model predictions with measured past output. In the event that the model monitoring threshold is breached, a new model is identified using an adapted closed-loop subspace identification method. To retain the knowledge of the nominal system dynamics, the proposed approach uses the past training data and current input, output and set-point as the training data for re-identification. A model validity mechanism then checks if the new model predictions are better than the existing model, and if they are then the new model is utilized within the MPC. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated through simulations on a nonlinear polymerization reactor. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.