The nonlinear wave model of internal thermally coupled distillation column (ITCDIC) was firstly established. Based on this theory a novel advanced control strategy—generic model control (GMC) was proposed. Compared with traditional ITCDIC control strategies based on the approximate linear model of ITCDIC，waveGMC control strategy can deal with the strong correlations between controlled variables and regulating variables very well. And tight control of waveform speed and position leads to fast stabilization of product composition. Detailed comparisons were performed in the research on benzene and toluene system. The results proved the efficiency of the nonlinear wave model of ITCDIC and showed good performance of waveGMC control strategy.