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Model Predictive Control

Model Predictive Control Tutorial

A basic Model Predictive Control (MPC) tutorial demonstrates the capability of a solver to determine a dynamic move plan. In this example, a linear dynamic model is used with the Excel solver to determine a sequence of manipulated variable (MV) adjustments that drive the controlled variable (CV) along a desired reference trajectory.

MATLAB Toolbox for Model Predictive Control

Model Predictive Control (MPC) predicts and optimizes time-varying processes over a future time horizon. This control package accepts linear or nonlinear models. Using large-scale nonlinear programming solvers such as APOPT and IPOPT, it solves data reconciliation, moving horizon estimation, real-time optimization, dynamic simulation, and nonlinear MPC problems.

Three example files are contained in this directory that implement a controller for Linear Time Invariant (LTI) systems:

1. apm1_lti - translate any LTI model into APM format
2. apm2_step - perform step tests to ensure model accuracy
3. apm3_control - MPC setpoint change to new target values

Python Model Predictive Control

Continuous and discrete state space models are used in a Python script for Model Predictive Control.

The model1.apm contains a linear first-order differential equation. Other versions are model2.apm (continuous state space) and model3.apm (discrete state space). Each is applied in a model predictive controller to follow a reference trajectory and reach a target value of 7.0.

APMonitor enables the use of empirical, hybrid, and fundamental models directly in control applications. The DBS file parameter IMODE is used to control the simulation mode. This option is set to 6 or 9 for nonlinear control.

 apm.imode = 6 (simultaneous dynamic control)
apm.imode = 9 (sequential dynamic control)

% MATLAB example
apm_option(server,app,'apm.imode',6);

# Python example
apm_option(server,app,'apm.imode',9)


Nonlinear control adjusts variables that are declared as Manipulated Variables (MVs) to meet an objective. The MVs are the handles that the optimizer uses to minimize an objective function.

The objective is formulated from Controlled Variables (CVs). The CVs may be controlled to a range, a trajectory, maximized, or minimized. The CVs are an expression of the desired outcome for the controller action.