Use of MATLAB environment for simulation and control of CSTR

Abstract

This contribution presents the usability of the mathematical software MATLAB ® (MATrix LABoratory) in the field of simulation of the steady-state, dynamic behaviour and adaptive control of the Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR). These types of chemical reactors belong to the class of nonlinear lumped-parameters systems mathematical model of which is described by one or more Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). The simple iteration method was used for steady-state analysis of the system while the Runge-Kutta's method was employed for the numerical solution of the set of ODE. Both methods are simple, provides sufficient results and they are easily programmable which was important in our case. The presented adaptive approach used for controlling of the system provides sufficient results although the system has negative properties from the control point of view. The benefit of this paper can be found in the simulation program made in MATLAB with the use of Graphical User Interface (GUI) that provides user possibilities to examine simulations without changing of the program code.