Real-time optimization via adaptation and control of the constraints

In the framework of real-time optimization, measurements are used to compensate for effects of uncertainty. The main approach uses measurements to update the parameters of a process model. In contrast, the constraint-adaptation scheme uses the measurements to bias the constraints in the optimization problem. In this paper, an algorithm combining constraint adaptation with a constraint controller is presented. The former detects shifts in the set of active constraints and passes the set points of the active constraints to the latter. In order to avoid constraint violation, the set points are moved gradually during the iterative process. Moreover, the constraint controller manipulates linear combinations of the original input variables. The approach is illustrated for a simple case study.