A fast implementation of coalitional model predictive controllers based on machine learning: Application to solar power plants

This article proposes a real-time implementation of distributed model predictive controllers to maximize the thermal energy generated by parabolic trough collector fields. For this control strategy, we consider that each loop of the solar collector field is individually managed by a controller, whic...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Masero Rubio, Eva, Ruiz-Moreno, Sara, Domínguez Frejo, José Ramón, Maestre Torreblanca, José María, Camacho, Eduardo F.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/141085
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/141085
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2022.105666
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Neural networks
Artificial intelligence
Non-linear model predictive control
Coalitional control
Multi-agent systems
Solar thermal applications
Descripción
Sumario:This article proposes a real-time implementation of distributed model predictive controllers to maximize the thermal energy generated by parabolic trough collector fields. For this control strategy, we consider that each loop of the solar collector field is individually managed by a controller, which can form coalition with other controllers to attain its local goals while contributing to the overall objective. The formation of coalitions is based on a market-based mechanism in which the heat transfer fluid is traded. To relieve the computational burden online, we propose a learning-based approach that approximates optimization problems so that the controller can be applied in real time. Finally, simulations in a -loop solar collector field are used to assess the coalitional strategy based on neural networks in comparison with the coalitional model predictive control. The results show that the coalitional strategy based on neural networks provides a reduction in computing time of up to and a minimal reduction in performance compared to the coalitional model predictive controller used as the baseline.