Dynamic nonlinear soft sensor modelling method using linear slow feature analysis and least squares support vector regression for batch processes.

Data‐driven soft sensor models have been extensively utilized in industrial processes. Batch processes are usually employed to manufacture low‐volume and high value‐added products in chemical, materials, and pharmaceutical industries. The most distinctive features of batch process lie in nonlinear, repetition, and slow time varying characteristics. In this paper, a data‐driven soft sensor modelling method based on linear slow feature analysis (LSFA) and least squares support vector regression (LSSVR) is proposed. In this method, LSFA was used to effectively capture the driving force behind the data features that change as slowly as possible. Then, a LSSVR model was constructed between the extracted slow feature variables and quality variables. Finally, a numerical example, industrial penicillin fermentation processes, and cobalt oxalate synthesis process were utilized to confirm the prediction accuracy and model reliability of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]