A Survey of Fractional Order Calculus Applications of Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) Process Control

Abstract

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are usually present in process systems engineering. Due to the interaction among the variables and loops in the MIMO system, designing efficient control systems for both servo and regulatory scenarios remains a challenging task. The literature reports the use of several techniques mainly based on classical approaches, such as the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, for single-input single-output (SISO) systems control. Furthermore, control system design approaches based on derivatives and integrals of non-integer order, also known as fractional control or fractional order (FO) control, are frequently used for SISO systems control. A natural consequence, already reported in the literature, is the application of these techniques to MIMO systems to address some inherent issues. Therefore, this work discusses the state-of-the-art of fractional control applied to MIMO systems. It outlines different types of applications, fractional controllers, controller tuning rules, experimental validation, software, and appropriate loop decoupling techniques, leading to literature gaps and research opportunities. The span of publications explored in this survey ranged from the years 1997 to 2019.