Gain-Scheduling Model Predictive Control of a Fresnel Collector Field

Abstract

Model predictive control strategies have been applied successfully when controlling solar plants. If the control algorithm uses a linear model associated only to an operating point, when the plant is working far from the design conditions, the performance of the controller may deteriorate.

In this paper, a gain scheduling model predictive control strategy is designed for the Fresnel collector field located at the Escuela Superior de Ingenieros de Sevilla. Simulation results are provided comparing the proposed strategy with another linear MPC controller showing a better performance. Furthermore, two real tests are presented showing the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.