Multiple-objective based model predictive control of pulse jet fabric filters

With the increasingly stringent emissions regulations of fine particulates and air toxics, pulse jet fabric filters have become an attractive particulate collection option for utilities. Despite their wide application, the present control algorithm used in fabric filtration systems can best be described as rudimentary. In this paper, a model predictive control (MPC) technique is employed owing to its distinct advantages. Unlike its conventional counterpart, the proposed MPC algorithm takes the economic factor into consideration, which is formulated in a multiple-objective optimization framework. To avoid the local optimum, a global optimization technique is incorporated into the proposed MPC design. Simulation results show that the proposed multiple-objective optimization based MPC design method is especially suitable to the pulse jet fabric filtration process, where the set point change and process disturbance occur frequently.