Continuous control of a polymerization system with deep reinforcement learning
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2019
Abstract
Reinforcement learning is a branch of machine learning, where the machines gradually learn control behaviors via self-exploration of the environment. In this paper, we present a controller using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) with Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) for a non-linear semi-batch polymerization reaction. Several adaptations to apply DRL for chemical process control are addressed in this paper including the Markov state assumption, action boundaries and reward definition. This work illustrates that a DRL controller is capable of handling complicated control tasks for chemical processes with multiple inputs, non-linearity, large time delay and noise tolerance. The application of this AI-based framework, using DRL, is a promising direction in the field of chemical process control towards the goal of smart manufacturing.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Journal of Process Control
First Page
40
Last Page
47
Recommended Citation
Ma, Y., Zhu, W., Benton, M., & Romagnoli, J. (2019). Continuous control of a polymerization system with deep reinforcement learning. Journal of Process Control, 75, 40-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jprocont.2018.11.004