Implementing Process Control for Heat Exchanger Networks in MATLAB

Hello everyone,

I am currently working on a project involving real-time process control for Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) and would like to implement control strategies using MATLAB. Specifically, my goal is to develop a model that can effectively reject disturbances in temperature and flow rate heat capacity in real-time.

Here are the main aspects of my query:

1. Dynamic modeling: What is the best approach to dynamically model a heat exchanger network in MATLAB to account for temperature and flow variations? Should I use Simulink, MATLAB scripts, or a combination of both?
2. Control strategies: Are there any resources or examples for implementing adaptive control or model predictive control (MPC) in HENs? I aim to handle fluctuations in inlet temperatures and flow rates effectively.
3. Real-time simulation: What methods or toolboxes in MATLAB are recommended for real-time simulation and testing of control strategies for HENs?

If anyone has worked on similar problems or has suggestions, I would appreciate guidance, references, or sample code to kickstart this process.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Answer 1

[Kothuri]

Hi Soon Lee,

To dynamically model a "Heat Exchanger Network(HEN)", you can use both "MATLAB scripts" and "Simulink". Simulink is particularly suited for modeling dynamic systems and can help visualize the interactions within the network.

• You can use "Simulink" to create block diagrams that represent the dynamic behavior of heat exchangers and their interactions. You can use built-in blocks or develop custom blocks for specific needs.
• You can use MATLAB scripts for detailed mathematical modeling or parameter estimation and can also be used to derive equations and perform simulations.
• You can use "Simscape" as it allows to model physical systems, including heat exchangers, using a physical network approach.

https://www.mathworks.com/help/hydro/interfaces_heat_exchangers.html

• Adaptive control and Model Predictive Control (MPC) are effective strategies for handling disturbances in HENs. MATLAB and Simulink provide toolboxes specifically for these control strategies.

You can refer the below documentation links on

• Model Predictive Control(MPC) - https://www.mathworks.com/help/mpc/?s_tid=srchbrcm
• Adaptive Control - https://www.mathworks.com/help/slcontrol/adaptive-control-design.html

For real-time simulation and testing of control strategies for HENs you can use

• Simulink Real-Time: This tool allows you to run Simulink models in real-time on dedicated hardware.

https://www.mathworks.com/help/slrealtime/index.html

• Simulink Desktop Real-Time: This tool enables real-time simulation on your computer, which is useful for prototyping and testing control strategies.

https://www.mathworks.com/help/sldrt/index.html

[Soon Lee]

Sir, can you help me? I need a consultation hour with you.

Soon-Lee Wong

[phone]

https://wa.me/message/RV2RACLYTZQRO1

Answer 2

[Yifeng Tang]

For the physical plant, for instances heat exchangers, pipes, valves, pumps, etc., I suggest that you look into Simscape and Simscape Fluids. It's the physical modeling tool in the Simulink platform. You can easily interface with Simulink and Stateflow to design your controller.

Simscape also support generating code for real-time simulation.

[Soon Lee]

Sir, can you help me? I need a consultation hour with you.

Soon-Lee Wong

[phone]

https://wa.me/message/RV2RACLYTZQRO1