Dynamic Matrix Control of a Quadruple-Tank Process

A model-based predictive controller known as Dynamic Matrix Control with Linear Programming optimizer (DMC-LP) is applied to a nonlinear multivariable laboratory process which consists of four interconnected water tanks. Experimental results show that DMC-LP is a powerful constrained model predictive controller. Based upon simple step response model, it can provide improved control performance and strong robustness. More important, it can handle all kinds of input and output constraints explicitly. Finally, it can reconfigure the control structure based on the different operational requirements. Therefore, it can be applied in most complicated industrial processes.