Linear Algebra Controller Design Based on the Integral of Desired Closed-Loop Behavior: Application to Regulation and Trajectory Tracking in a Typical Chemical Process

This work presents a novel control technique that combines linear algebra-based controller (LABC) methodology with sliding surface concepts. An LABC is developed from a first-order plus dead time model of the process, which is improved to work under uncertainties by the use of sliding surface concepts. Two different strategies are proposed to reject constant and variable uncertainties. The result is two linear controllers, which are tuned using four parameters at most. Results of the control of two level tanks connected in series, a mixing tank with variable dead time, and a laboratory batch reactor using this novel technique are presented, including experimental and simulated results. The efficiency of the proposed controller is tested under nominal operating conditions and under parametric uncertainty and persistent process disturbances. Proof of convergence to zero of tracking errors is analyzed and included in this article.