Monitoring the performance of controllers on batch plants

This paper investigates the benefits that the partial least squares (PLS) modelling approach offers engineers involved in the operation of fed-batch fermentation systems. It is shown that PLS can be used to provide accurate inference of quality variables that are difficult to measure online, such as biomass concentration. It is further shown that the same PLS model can be used to provide fault detection and isolation capabilities and that it can be integrated within a model predictive control framework to regulate the growth of biomass within the fermenter. This model predictive controller is shown to provide its own monitoring capabilities that can be used to identify faults within the process and also within the controller itself. (4 pages)