Course content

Overview of the control hierarchy from business systems to basic control loops. Design of control structures and strategies for large plants. Commonly used controller functions in basic control loops. Analysis and compensation of interactions in multivariable systems. Analysis of limitations in achievable performance. Applied model-based estimation and predictive control (MPC). Control performance monitoring and diagnosis. The projects are mainly developed in cooperation with Norwegian oil and gas companies.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the main steps in the design of control systems for large plants.
- Knowledge of design of advanced controllers (MPC).
- Understanding of the limitations in achievable control performance.
- Knowledge of methodology for monitoring and diagnosis of the performance of control systems.

Skills:
- To independently develop control structures for individual plant sections, to contribute to such development for large plants.
- To identify needs for changes in control structures in existing plants.
- Contribute to development of advanced control applications.
- To monitor and maintain existing control applications.

General competence:
- Communicate technical problems across technical disciplines.
- Understanding of the importance of control for safe and optimal process plant operation.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, compulsory projects and problems. Portfolio evaluation. In the portfolio the written exam is given 70% weight, and the compulsory project is given 30% weight. The results of each part is given in percentages, whereas the overall mark for the portfolio (final grade) is given in by a letter. In case of a postponed exam, the written exam may be changed to an oral exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Project work
• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

TTK4105 Control Systems, TTK4115 Linear Systems Theory, or similar background knowledge from other study programs.

Course materials

S. Skogestad and I. Postlethwaite: Multivariable Feedback Control – Analysis and Design, Wiley, 2nd edition, 2005. Course notes.