Heat exchanger network self-optimising control: Application to the crude unit at Mongstad refinery

Abstract

This work applies the concept of self-optimising control for the operation of the given network. The steady-state performances of the self-optimising variables derived by Jäschke (Jäschke, 2012) are assessed and two main control configurations are examined: a simple decentralised control configuration (PIDs Control) and an advanced multivariable control configuration (Model Predictive Control). The steady-state performances appears to be moderate but need to be re-assessed using a proper steady-state model. The decentralised control configuration is found to present acceptable dynamic performances while the advanced multivariable configuration only enhances them a bit.