Sustainable MPC in process industry

Purpose and goal

The project has investigated the possibilities for increased utilization of MPC in process industry, in particular for the control of paper machines. The goal of the project has been to describe current practice and state of the art, as well as to identify the future needs and potential for improvements in three areas: model maintenance, MPC for normal operations and optimal grade changes. These goals have been fulfilled.

Results and expected effects

The project has shown that there is great potential for improvements in the use of MPC in process industries such as paper making. Methods that can be used as a starting point for this have been identified. The project has also confirmed that dynamic models for grade changes in paper machines are not available today and there is great room for improvements in this area. The project has also resulted in a research application, where hopefully production in process industry can be greatly increased.

Approach and implementation

The project has involved one academic and one industrial partner. The different project activities have been conducted at different sites but with overall coordination and project management. Results have been continuously reported to and analyzed by smaller groups within the project. The results have then been communicated to all participants at common meetings. De different project participants have been in close contact with each other and the execution is considered to have been efficient.