Robust Stabilization of Nonlinear Processes Using Hybrid Predictive Control

In this work, we consider nonlinear systems with input constraints and uncertain variables, and develop a robust hybrid predictive control structure that provides a safety net for the implementation of any model predictive control (MPC) formulation, designed with or without taking uncertainty into account. The key idea is to use a Lyapunov–based bounded robust controller, for which an explicit characterization of the region of robust closed–loop stability can be obtained, to provide a stability region within which any available MPC formulation can be implemented. This is achieved by devising switching laws that orchestrate switching between MPC and the bounded robust controller in a way that exploits the performance of MPC whenever possible, while using the bounded controller as a fall–back controller that can be switched in at any time to maintain robust closed–loop stability in the event that the predictive controller fails to yield a control move (due, for example, to computational difficulties in the optimization or infeasibility) or leads to instability (due, for example, to inappropriate penalties and/or horizon length in the objective function). The implementation and efficacy of the robust hybrid predictive control structure are demonstrated through simulations using a chemical process example. Copyright c ©2005 IFAC.