Discrete-time Explicit Model Predictive Control for Gauge-Looper Integrated System in Hot Strip Finishing Mill

Abstract

The development of an innovative discrete-time EMPC (Explicit Model Predictive Control) strategy based on multi-parametric quadratic program is traced for the gauge-looper integrated control in HSFM (Hot Strip Finishing Mill). Controller design is based on the linearized model of the integration of downstream AGC (Automatic Gauge Control) system and upstream looper-tension system. The proposed EMPC strategy gives an explicit piecewise affine control law which greatly reduces the on-line computational burden. Discrete-time EMPC achieves better performance by coordination control and is more suitable for implementation on PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) compared with conventional controllers. Experiment results verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.