On reduction of control effort in feedback linearization GPC strategy applied to a solar furnace

In this paper, the temperature control of a solar furnace is addressed by taking into account physical and safety constraints. In particular, the use of a feedback linearization generalized predictive control strategy is proposed where the fictitious model providing a virtual control signal is suitably selected to reduce the control effort by considering both the reference tracking task and the compensation of disturbances, represented by the variation of the input energy provided by the Sun, mainly because of the solar daily cycle and passing clouds. Simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the methodology in comparison with other approaches helping this technology to become an inexpensive alternative option for the material treatment and testing in the industrial context.