Integrated advanced control blocks in process control systems

摘要

An advanced control block 56 that implements multiple-input/multiple-output control, such as model predictive control, within a process control system is initiated by creating an initial control block having generic control logic 102 and desired control inputs IN1-3 and control outputs OUT1-3 communicatively connected to process outputs Y1-3 and process inputs X1-3 within a process control routine. A waveform generator 101 within the control block systematically upsets each of the process inputs via the control block outputs using excitation waveforms designed for use in developing a process model. At the same time, a data collection routine 100 collects data indicating the response of each of the process outputs to the waveforms delivered at each of the process inputs. After sufficient data has been collected, a process modelling routine generates a process model 104 from the collected data and a control logic parameter creation routine creates control logic parameters 103 for the control logic 102 from the process model. The control logic parameters 103 and the process model 104 are then downloaded to the control block to complete formation of the advanced control block. Thereafter, the advanced control block is used to provide advanced process control within the process control routine. Likewise, the process model is used to provide simulation of the process or to produce virtual process outputs.