A feedback linearization-based two-degree-of-freedom constrained controller strategy for a solar furnace

A two-degree-of-freedom constrained control strategy for a solar furnace is proposed in this paper with the goals of attaining a minimum-time transition between two values of the temperature subject to constraints on both the saturation and slew rate level of the process input. Disturbance compensation and the model mismatches are handled by using a feedback linearization and a PID controller. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the methodology using data from the solar furnace of the Plataforma Solar de Almería. © 2013 IEEE.