journal article·2026-05-08Open access

Stability Analysis of a Nonlinear Compressor System Using an Active Adaptive Controller and Reliable MPC Against Surge with an Anti-Surge Valve

Seyed Mohammad Hosseindokht, José Matas, Jorge El Mariachet Carreño

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 10

Abstract

This paper analyzes a nonlinear compressor system to characterize its dynamic behavior and develop a control scheme that improves operational efficiency. A mathematical approach based on the Greitzer–Moore (GM) model is employed to predict the onset of surge and instability. Using phase-plane analysis and Jacobian linearization, the method identifies stable and unstable regions and captures the limit cycle within the unstable domain. The system is formulated in state-space form using the nonlinear GM model, and validation is performed using experimental data from a previously studied compressor. Because fixed-gain PID controllers exhibit limited robustness, an adaptive PD controller based on a Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS) is designed. In addition, a reliable Model Predictive Control (MPC) controller is developed to enhance disturbance rejection. Simulation results demonstrate that both the adaptive PD and MPC controllers achieve stable operation under challenging conditions.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Turbomachinery Performance and Optimization · Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technologies · Bladed Disk Vibration Dynamics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Electrical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08019 Barcelona, Spain

Funding

Seyed Mohammad Hosseindokht

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