WebCAST seminar entitled: "Real-Time Implementation of Nonlinear Model Predictive Control" By Professor Michael A. Henson, Dept. of Chem. Eng., University of Massachusetts, Amherst Date: Thursday, October 2, 2008, 1-3 pm (EST) Dial-in from the comfort of your office to hear the presentation Deadline to Register: Thursday, September 25, 2008 (details at http://www.castdiv.org/WebCAST.htm) Abstract Linear model predictive control (LMPC) is well established as the industry standard for controlling constrained multivariable processes. A major limitation of LMPC is that plant behavior is described by linear dynamic models. As a result, LMPC is inadequate for highly nonlinear processes and moderately nonlinear processes with large operating regimes. This shortcoming coupled with increasingly stringent demands on throughput and product quality spurred the development of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC). NMPC is conceptually similar to its linear counterpart except that nonlinear dynamic models are used for process prediction and optimization. The purpose of this WebCAST is to provide an overview of current NMPC technology with a focus on the real-time implementation issues required to obtain a computationally efficient controller. The necessary background will be introduced by reviewing basic concepts of nonlinear process modeling and optimization. The principles will be illustrated with a highly nonlinear cryogenic air separation column model. Bio-Sketch: Professor Michael A. Henson [log in to unmask] Dr. Michael A. Henson is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of the Process Design and Control Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He received his B.S from the University of Colorado (1985), M.S from the University of Texas (1988), and Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara (1991), all in Chemical Engineering. Prior to his appointment at UMass, he held a faculty appointment at Louisiana State University and visiting positions at DuPont and the University of Stuttgart. He serves as an Associate Editor for Automatica and the Journal of Process Control. He has received several awards including the Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation and the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship (Germany). His research interests are nonlinear modeling and control of complex chemical and biological systems. -- Mayuresh V. Kothare R. L. McCann Professor Chemical Process Modeling and Control Research Center Department of Chemical Engineering Lehigh University, D322 Iacocca Hall 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, U.S.A. Tel: (610) 758 6654; Fax: (610) 758 5057 e-mail: [log in to unmask] URL: http://www.lehigh.edu/~mvk2