A State Feedback Linearization Controller for a Chemical Stirred Tank Reactor

Abstract

This paper proposes a state feedback linearization control design for a highly nonlinear chemical process carried out within a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Characterized by severe parametric couplings and exothermic reaction kinetics, CSTR dynamics present severe challenges for conventional linear controllers. The primary objective of the developed control architecture is to regulate these complex, nonlinear behaviors by transforming the system into an equivalent, decoupled linear form. This transformation is achieved through an exact state feedback linearization technique utilizing coordinate changes and non-linear algebraic feedback laws. Based on this linearized framework, a robust feedback control law is synthesized to drive the critical system states specifically reactant concentration and reactor temperature precisely toward their target steady-state values, ensuring stable operation at the desired setpoints. The proposed strategy mitigates inherent process nonlinearities and thermal sensitivities without relying on conservative localized approximations. The performance of the developed controller is rigorously evaluated through comprehensive software-based numerical simulations. The resulting data demonstrate that the method achieves highly accurate setpoint tracking, rapid settling times, and minimal overshoot under nominal operating conditions. Ultimately, the simulation results confirm the effectiveness, reliability, and robustness of the feedback linearization approach in maintaining stable, optimized operation for the stirred tank reactor process.