Work

Two-stage optimal control of large-scale industrial pressure network

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a multi-stage framework for energy-optimal industrial compressor control in highly volatile demand conditions and analyzes the impact of forecast quality on closed loop performance. For compressor activation scheduling, a receding finite horizon dynamic programming formulation is used. The approach is coupled with an exhaustive load-sharing optimization and noise mitigation control. Within the scope of a case study for Europe’s largest manufacturing plant in northern Germany, the beneficial application of predictive activation scheduling compared to the commonly implemented reactive activation is showcased. Depending on the demand forecast quality, the approach achieved energy savings of 3.7 to 10 % compared to a purely reactive control strategy.

Source: Control Engineering Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.conengprac.2026.106925

Authors: Gerrit Lassahn, Felix Bok, Maximilian Soelch, Justin Bayer, Steffi Knorn

Institutions: Volkswagen Group (Germany), Technische Universität Berlin

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Control Systems Optimization

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,010