Regulation of a system with variable structure

Abstract

The linearized process dynamics of the boiler in a solar-powered central receiver change abruptly when clouds pass over the heliostats which direct the sun's rays toward it. The steam temperature regulator used to control exit steam conditions must control a system with variable structure and discontinuous state trajectories. This paper investigates the quadratic-optimal control of such a system and gives the design equations for the optimal regulator.