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1. Introduction
Background
Studying binary distillation columns is significant from an environmental and sustainable development standpoint. It can improve energy efficiency, reduce waste generation, minimise environmental impact, promote sustainable production practices and facilitate integration into a circular economy. Research and Development (R&D) efforts can aid sustainable development goals and lessen environmental impact (Mendez-B et al., 2022).
Multivariable systems or Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) systems are characterised by having more than one actuation control signal and more than one process output (Zhu, 2001). The industry places great importance on MIMO Binary Distillation Column control system design. MIMO control design enhances tracking performance, which increases spectral efficiency and reduces destructive interference between multiple transmitters and receivers (Cheng et al., 2020). By controlling several input channels, the multivariable system controls several output variables (Chen et al., 2011). An effective closed-loop control system is needed to tackle MIMO system interactions.
Further, the interaction effects on the loops and the disturbances under operating conditions make it difficult to control the system. These interactions are mainly because of the changes in one input for several outputs. As there is a significant coupling in the MIMO system, a proper pairing of Input/Output is essential to reduce the interaction effects (Coughanowr and LeBlanc, 2009).
Additionally, process control of a MIMO system is complex. High non-linearity in the system necessitates adopting computational methods such as simulation, genetic algorithms, machine learning and neural networks to optimise control systems and provide sensor fault tolerance (Zhang et al., 2011). The sustainability benefits of MIMO control design include improved process stability, energy cost and consumption reduction and reduced emissions and waste generation (Calvo and Domingo, 2017). Therefore, designing optimum MIMO control systems is necessary for efficient process control and sustainable development.
Literature review
To overcome the challenges stated in the previous section, Kumar et al. (2012) proposed two synthesis methods based on Proportional Integral (PI) controller to decrease the interactions between control loops. Garrido et al. (2012) presented a technique for centralised control of a multivariable process with Right Half Plane zero. Further, Maghade and Patre (2012) designed the decoupler and determined its equivalent, a reduced-order controller. This work designed the controller by the phase margin requirements. Moreover, a decentralised Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control method can...