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This paper introduces a new approach to controlling Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) using a neural network controller based on a Model Predictive Control (MPC) process. We use a Hammerstein–Wiener (HW) model representing the real PSA process data. Then, we design an MPC-controlled model based on the HW model to maintain the bioethanol purity near 99 % molar fraction. This work proposes an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) that captures the dynamics of the PSA model controlled by the MPC strategy. Both controllers are validated using the HW model of the PSA process, showing great performance and robustness against disturbances. The results show that we can follow the desired trajectory and attenuate disturbances, achieving the purity of bioethanol at a molar fraction value of 0.99 using the ANN based on the MPC strategy with 94 % of fit in the control signal and a 97 % fit in the purity signal, so we can conclude that our ANN can be used to attenuate disturbances and maintain purity in the PSA process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the separation processes used for the production and purification of hydrogen is molecular sieve adsorption using the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) method. The process uses two beds containing activated carbon and a sequence of four steps (adsorption, depressurization, purge, and repressurization) for hydrogen production and purification. The initial composition is 0.11 CO, 0.61 H2, and 0.28 CH4 in molar fractions. The aim of this work is to bring the purity of hydrogen to 0.99 in molar fraction and implement controllers that can maintain the desired purity even in the presence of the disturbances that occur in the PSA process. The controller design (discrete PID and state feedback control) was based on the Hammerstein–Wiener model, which had an 80% fit over the rigorous PSA model. Both controllers were validated on a virtual plant of the PSA process, showing great performance and robustness against disturbances. The results obtained show that it is possible to follow the desired trajectory and attenuate double disturbances, while managing to maintain the purity of hydrogen at a value of 0.99 in molar fraction, which meets the international standards to be used as a biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]