Abstract

This paper presents the application of a Grey Box Neural Model (GNM) in adaptive-predictive control of the combustion chamber temperature of a pilot-scale vibrating fluidized dryer. The GNM is based upon a phenomenological model of the process and a neural network that estimates uncertain parameters. The GNM was synthesized considering the energy balance and a radial basis function neural network (RBF) trained on-line to estimate heat losses. This predictive model was then incorporated into a predictive control strategy with one step look-ahead. The proposed system shows excellent results with regard to adaptability, predictability and control when subject to setpoint and disturbances changes. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.