115,918 research outputs found
An Updating Method for Finite Element Models of Flexible-Link Mechanisms Based on an Equivalent Rigid-Link System
This paper proposes a comprehensive methodology to update dynamic models of flexible-link mechanisms (FLMs) modeled through ordinary differential equations. The aim is to correct mass, stiffness, and damping matrices of dynamic models, usually based on nominal and uncertain parameters, to accurately represent the main vibrational modes within the bandwidth of interest. Indeed, the availability of accurate models is a fundamental step for the synthesis of effective controllers, state observers, and optimized motion profiles, as those employed in modern control schemes. The method takes advantage of the system dynamic model formulated through finite elements and through the representation of the total motion as the sum of a large rigid-body motion and the elastic deformation. Model updating is not straightforward since the resulting model is nonlinear and its coordinates cannot be directly measured. Hence, the nonlinear model is linearized about an equilibrium point to compute the eigenstructure and to compare it with the results of experimental modal analysis. Once consistency between the model coordinates and the experimental data is obtained through a suitable transformation, model updating has been performed solving a constrained convex optimization problem. Constraints also include results from static tests. Some tools to improve the problem conditioning are also proposed in the formulation adopted, to handle large dimensional models and achieve reliable results. The method has been experimentally applied to a challenging system: a planar six-bar linkage manipulator. The results prove their capability to improve the model accuracy in terms of eigenfrequencies and mode shapes
Sparse Wide-Area Control of Power Systems using Data-driven Reinforcement Learning
In this paper we present an online wide-area oscillation damping control
(WAC) design for uncertain models of power systems using ideas from
reinforcement learning. We assume that the exact small-signal model of the
power system at the onset of a contingency is not known to the operator and use
the nominal model and online measurements of the generator states and control
inputs to rapidly converge to a state-feedback controller that minimizes a
given quadratic energy cost. However, unlike conventional linear quadratic
regulators (LQR), we intend our controller to be sparse, so its implementation
reduces the communication costs. We, therefore, employ the gradient support
pursuit (GraSP) optimization algorithm to impose sparsity constraints on the
control gain matrix during learning. The sparse controller is thereafter
implemented using distributed communication. Using the IEEE 39-bus power system
model with 1149 unknown parameters, it is demonstrated that the proposed
learning method provides reliable LQR performance while the controller matched
to the nominal model becomes unstable for severely uncertain systems.Comment: Submitted to IEEE ACC 2019. 8 pages, 4 figure
Reliability-based economic model predictive control for generalized flow-based networks including actuators' health-aware capabilities
This paper proposes a reliability-based economic model predictive control (MPC) strategy for the management of generalized flow-based networks, integrating some ideas on network service reliability, dynamic safety stock planning, and degradation of equipment health. The proposed strategy is based on a single-layer economic optimisation problem with dynamic constraints, which includes two enhancements with respect to existing approaches. The first enhancement considers chance-constraint programming to compute an optimal inventory replenishment policy based on a desired risk acceptability level, leading to dynamically allocate safety stocks in flow-based networks to satisfy non-stationary flow demands. The second enhancement computes a smart distribution of the control effort and maximises actuators’ availability by estimating their degradation and reliability. The proposed approach is illustrated with an application of water transport networks using the Barcelona network as the considered case study.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft
Issues in the design of switched linear systems : a benchmark study
In this paper we present a tutorial overview of some of the issues that arise in the design of switched linear control systems. Particular emphasis is given to issues relating to stability and control system realisation. A benchmark regulation problem is then presented. This problem is most naturally solved by means of a switched control design. The challenge to the community is to design a control system that meets the required performance specifications and permits the application of rigorous analysis techniques. A simple design solution is presented and the limitations of currently available analysis techniques are illustrated with reference to this example
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