Practical implementation aspects and experimental results of model predictive controllers inElectric Submersible pumps

This study presents practical details and results from implementing model-based predictive controllers for artificial lift systems in oil production, which utilise electrical submersible pumps (ESPs). The proposed methodology integrates the existing instrumentation architecture with new control systems and techniques. This work implements two control strategies: a standard MPC and an MPC with input targets. Both were executed in real time, encapsulated in a C++ executable, and deployed within Petrobras's supervisory and control system. The results include an analysis of the instrumentation system, a discussion of operation under unmeasured disturbances and constraints, and a comparison of the controllers. The findings are extensive and indicate that both controllers stabilise the system, ensure constraint satisfaction, and appropriately compensate disturbances.