Influence of model uncertainty on the dynamic optimal control performance of a batch corn drying process

Ioan-Cristian Trelea (1, 2, 3) , Gilles Trystram (1, 2, 3) , Francis Courtois (1, 2, 3)

1 GMPA - Génie et Microbiologie des Procédés Alimentaires
2 AgroParisTech
3 Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Industries Agricoles et Alimentaires

A semi-empirical nonlinear model of moisture content and wet-milling quality degradation in corn drying is established. The model uncertainty is expressed as a relative error level which includes a pre-specified percentage of experimental data. An optimal control strategy for batch drying is determined which maximizes the dryer throughput, while simultaneously satisfying two quality constraints on the final state: achieving specified moisture content and wet-milling quality levels. Taking into account the model uncertainty results in a conservative but less efficient control strategy. The performance - robustness compromise is discussed.

Mots clés: quality; wet milling; performance-robustness compromise; nonlinear control; maize; constrained optimal control

Domaines: Génie des procédés

Ioan-Cristian Trelea, Gilles Trystram, Francis Courtois. Influence of model uncertainty on the dynamic optimal control performance of a batch corn drying process. Drying Technology, 1999, 17 (6), pp.1173-1180. ⟨10.1080/07373939908917602⟩. ⟨hal-01201730⟩