A Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Strategy Using Multiple Neural Network Models

Combining multiple neural networks appears to be a very promising approach for improving neural network generalization since it is very difficult, if not impossible, to develop a perfect single neural network. Therefore in this paper, a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) strategy using multiple neural networks is proposed. Instead of using a single neural network as a model, multiple neural networks are developed and combined to model the nonlinear process and then used in NMPC. The proposed technique is applied to water level control in a conic water tank. Application results demonstrate that the proposed technique can significantly improve both setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection performance.