Gain Scheduling Model Predictive Control of the New TCP-100 Parabolic Trough Field

Advanced control strategies can play an important role in improving the efficiency of solar plants. In particular, linear model predictive control strategies have been applied successfully when controlling solar trough plants. However, if the control algorithm uses a linear model associated only to one operating point, when the plant is working far from the design conditions, the performance of the controller may deteriorate. In this paper, a gain scheduling model predictive control strategy is designed for the new PTC TCP-100 research facility at the PSA, currently under construction, is presented. Simulation results are provided using a mathematical model of the solar field, showing the good performance of the proposed strategy. (C) 2018, IFAC (International Federation of Automatic Control) Hosting by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.