Parameter Determination of a Dynamic Model Based on Difference Equations for Heat Transfer in a Laboratory-Scale Thermochemical Reactor

This paper describes a procedure for identifying the coefficients of a linear time-invariant model of heat transfer in an empty laboratory-scale pyrolysis reactor. The model is formulated as linear difference equations system whose parameters are determined from the application of the least square method. The data to obtain the regression functions arise from the application of a digital PID control system. A target temperature function programmed in the control algorithm produces a control action on the main output variable. The thermal power applied to the reactor is the input and 3 temperatures at key points in the reactor are the outputs of the system. The temperature of the electric heating resistance is the variable to be controlled. The temperature inside the reactor and the air temperature in direct contact with the outer wall of the reactor are dependent on the controlled variable.