Numerous models for the combustion process have been
developed and enhanced, e.g. [5–19]. Despite many simplifying
assumptions, these models are still very detailed and
therefore too complex to be used as a basis for model based
control strategies. The most promising attempt to derive
a simple model suitable for control design originates from Van
Kessel [20]. He started with a very simple and quite intuitive model, but had to admit that ‘‘it was not possible to receive
a good agreement between the experimental and theoretical
response’’. Subsequently, he improved his model, but had to
recognise that ‘‘a good physical fully accepted explanation is
not available’’ for his extensions.