Model Predictive Control with First-Order Hold Element

Nowadays, the size and complexity of petrochemical industries have increased considerably as the demand from the consumers have increased, while the profit margins are decreasing. The control systems play an important role in maximizing the profit margins by optimally utilizes resources and energy.
Model Predictive Control (MPC) handle multi-variable systems and constraints in a systematic way. The MPC has been used for about four decades and it provides a positive impact to the system which is why it’s been mostly used in the petrochemical plant. However, in this report, it will discuss more on the way to improvise the performance of MPC by implementing the first-order hold element instead of zero-order hold element method. By using the single input and single output plant for MPC, the result will differentiate the zero-order hold and first-order hold. The tools that have been used for this project is the MATLAB simulation.
The expected result from the study is the first-order hold element method will show better result compared to the zero-order hold element method. However, there will be some cons if using the first-order hold and it will be discussed in the report. The function of this MPC is to get the production meet the required criteria by controlling the manipulated variables. The required criteria can be control by the system as it is the reference point.
In conclusion, the first-order hold element method will give a better result than zero-order hold element although nowadays many companies still using zero-order hold. This is because zero-order hold is easier to calculate and operate compared to the other method. However, the final production whether it is in a good quality or quantity is more important and it will increase the profit of that company. So, it is highly recommended the petrochemical company to use this equivalent to first-order hold element method in their MPC system as it will maximize the production of their product.