Multi-objective prioritized control of a semi-batch process with multiple feed and multiple products using economic MPC

The optimization problem associated with model predictive control (MPC) is often multi-objective in nature. Conventionally, these objectives are augmented with proper weighting parameters and solved using a single objective optimization. The weighting parameters in the augmented objective function represent their priorities. However, selection of these weighting parameters requires proper tuning for required performance. Hence, an explicit multi-objective optimization approach in MPC is quite valuable. Furthermore, solving multi-criterion control problem poses additional challenges for batch or semi-batch processes because of their inherent non-steady state operation. We present a case study of semi-batch process for its multi-criterion MPC with user defined priority in this work. The results are further compared with single augmented objective approach.