Machine‐learning‐based predictive control of nonlinear processes. Part II: Computational implementation

Abstract

Abstract Machine learning is receiving more attention in classical engineering fields, and in particular, recurrent neural networks (RNNs) coupled with ensemble regression tools have demonstrated the capability of modeling nonlinear dynamic processes. In Part I of this two‐article series, the Lyapunov‐based model predictive control (LMPC) method using a single RNN model and an ensemble of RNN models, respectively, was rigorously developed for a general class of nonlinear systems. In the present article, computational implementation issues of this new control method ranging from training of the RNN models, ensemble regression of the RNN models, and parallel computation for accelerating the real‐time model calculations are addressed. Furthermore, a chemical reactor example is used to demonstrate the implementation and effectiveness of these machine‐learning tools in LMPC as well as compare them with standard state‐space model identification tools.