Lexicographic optimization for economic model predictive control with zone tracking

Tracking model predictive control (MPC) and economic model predictive control (EMPC) are essential techniques in process control. Economic model predictive control with zone tracking offers an effective means of concurrently addressing both tracking MPC and EMPC objectives. However, the aggregated conflicting objectives do not always align with the prioritization of critical tasks, such as safety, stability, quality, and economy. To address this issue, this study introduces a lexicographic approach for EMPC with zone tracking, which aims at balancing the competing zone tracking and economic objectives. The work also explores a generalized lexicographic multi-objective MPC (MoMPC) formulation and presents lexicographic zone economic model predictive control to accommodate multiple tracking and economic objectives. The advantages, disadvantages, and effectiveness of the proposed approach are validated and showcased through extensive simulation experiments.