Non–interacting fuzzy control system design for distillation columns

Abstract

This paper proposes a fuzzy multiloop control design for a distillation column. The interaction that occurs between the strategic distillation column variables, which represent a major constraint to construct the rules base when the fuzzy multivariable control of the distillation control is considered, are reduced by introducing a compensator in cascade with the distillation column. The introduced compensator is designed using an interaction analysis method. Thus, a complete fuzzy rule base is generated for each loop independently without domain experts. The main advantage of the proposed fuzzy multiloop strategy is that the determination of the rule base is simplified and facilitated; besides a weak level of interaction and the control stability are guaranteed. Consequently, in comparison with the conventional multiloop control based on classical PI controllers, the fuzzy multiloop control achieves better control performance