Nonlinear Predictive Control in the LHC Accelerator

Abstract This paper describes the application of a nonlinear model-based control strategy in a real challenging process. A predictive controller based on a non linear model derived from physical relationships, mainly heat and mass balances, has been developed and commissioned in the Inner Triplet Heat Exchanger Unit (IT -HXTU) prototype of the LHC particle accelerator being built at CERN, operating at a temperature of about 1.9 K. The development includes a state estimator with a receding horizon estimation procedure to improve the regulator predictions.