9 research outputs found

    Highly redundant and fault tolerant actuator system: control, condition monitoring and experimental validation

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    This thesis is concerned with developing a control and condition monitoring system for a class of fault tolerant actuators with high levels of redundancy. The High Redundancy Actuator (HRA) is a concept inspired by biomimetics that aims to provide fault tolerance using relatively large numbers of actuation elements which are assembled in parallel and series configurations to form a single actuator. Each actuation element provides a small contribution to the overall force and displacement of the system. Since the capability of each actuation element is small, the effect of faults within the individual element of the overall system is also small. Hence, the HRA will gracefully degrade instead of going from fully functional to total failure in the presence of faults. Previous research on HRA using electromechanical technology has focused on a relatively low number of actuation elements (i.e. 4 elements), which were controlled with multiple loop control methods. The objective of this thesis is to expand upon this, by considering an HRA with a larger number of actuation elements (i.e. 12 elements). First, a mathematical model of a general n-by-m HRA is derived from first principles. This method can be used to represent any size of electromechanical HRA with actuation elements arranged in a matrix form. Then, a mathematical model of a 4-by-3 HRA is obtained from the general n-by-m model and verified experimentally using the HRA test rig. This actuator model is then used as a foundation for the controller design and condition monitoring development. For control design, two classical and control method-based controllers are compared with an H_infinity approach. The objective for the control design is to make the HRA track a position demand signal in both health and faulty conditions. For the classical PI controller design, the first approach uses twelve local controllers (1 per actuator) and the second uses only a single global controller. For the H_infinity control design, a mixed sensitivity functions is used to obtain good tracking performance and robustness to modelling uncertainties. Both of these methods demonstrate good tracking performance, with a slower response in the presence of faults. As expected, the H_infinity control method's robustness to modelling uncertainties, results in a smaller performance degradation in the presence of faults, compared with the classical designs. Unlike previous work, the thesis also makes a novel contribution to the condition monitoring of HRA. The proposed algorithm does not require the use of multiple sensors. The condition monitoring scheme is based on least-squares parameter estimation and fuzzy logic inference. The least-squares parameter estimation estimates the physical parameters of the electromechanical actuator based on input-output data collected from real-time experiments, while the fuzzy logic inference determines the health condition of the actuator based on the estimated physical parameters. Hence, overall, a new approach to both control and monitoring of an HRA is proposed and demonstrated on a twelve elements HRA test rig

    Damping controller design for FACTS devices in power systems using novel control techniques

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    Power systems are under increasing stress as deregulation introduces several new economic objectives for operation. Since power systems are being operated close to their limits, weak connections, unexpected events, hidden failures in protection system, human errors, and a host of other factors may cause a system to lose stability and even lead to catastrophic failure. Therefore, the need for improved system damping in a wider operating range is gaining more attention. Among the available damping control methods, each approach has advantages and disadvantages in different systems. The effectiveness of damping control depends on the devices chosen, the system modal feature, and the applied controller design method;In the literature, many approaches have been proposed to undertake this task. However, some of these approaches only take a fixed operating point into consideration without describing the changing uncertainty in varying system conditions; computational effort. Furthermore, no systematic comparison of controller design methods has been conducted with regard to different system profiles. Attention has been drawn to the enhanced susceptibility to inter-area oscillations between groups of machines under large others require a great deal of variation of system operating conditions. The linear parameter varying (LPV) approach, which has been widely studied in the literature, provides a potential method for capturing the varying system condition precisely without formulation of system uncertainty. However, in some cases no solution can be achieved if the system variation is too large using the traditional LPV approach. Also, sometimes the system structure imposes limitations in the achievable damping performance. In general, there is a critical need for a cost-effective control strategy applicable to different systems from an economic point of view;In this dissertation, a comprehensive comparison among controller design methods has been conducted to study the damping effectiveness of different FACTS devices. Based on these, a robust regional pole-placement method is applied in a TCSC damping controller design in a 4-machine system; an interpolated LPV approach is proposed and applied to designing a SVC damping controller in the IEEE 50-machine system; finally with the advantage of an additional feedback signal, limitations in achieving satisfactory damping performance can be relieved using a two-input single-output (TISO) damping controller for a TCSC in the IEEE 50-machine system

    On-line estimation approaches to fault-tolerant control of uncertain systems

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    This thesis is concerned with fault estimation in Fault-Tolerant Control (FTC) and as such involves the joint problem of on-line estimation within an adaptive control system. The faults that are considered are significant uncertainties affecting the control variables of the process and their estimates are used in an adaptive control compensation mechanism. The approach taken involves the active FTC, as the faults can be considered as uncertainties affecting the control system. The engineering (application domain) challenges that are addressed are: (1) On-line model-based fault estimation and compensation as an FTC problem, for systems with large but bounded fault magnitudes and for which the faults can be considered as a special form of dynamic uncertainty. (2) Fault-tolerance in the distributed control of uncertain inter-connected systems The thesis also describes how challenge (1) can be used in the distributed control problem of challenge (2). The basic principle adopted throughout the work is that the controller has two components, one involving the nominal control action and the second acting as an adaptive compensation for significant uncertainties and fault effects. The fault effects are a form of uncertainty which is considered too large for the application of passive FTC methods. The thesis considers several approaches to robust control and estimation: augmented state observer (ASO); sliding mode control (SMC); sliding mode fault estimation via Sliding Mode Observer (SMO); linear parameter-varying (LPV) control; two-level distributed control with learning coordination

    Approximate Gaussian Conjugacy: Parametric Recursive Filtering Under Nonlinearity, Multimodal, Uncertainty, and Constraint, and Beyond

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    This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Frontiers of Information Technology & Electronic Engineering. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1631/FITEE.1700379Since the landmark work of R. E. Kalman in the 1960s, considerable efforts have been devoted to time series state space models for a large variety of dynamic estimation problems. In particular, parametric filters that seek analytical estimates based on a closed-form Markov–Bayes recursion, e.g., recursion from a Gaussian or Gaussian mixture (GM) prior to a Gaussian/GM posterior (termed ‘Gaussian conjugacy’ in this paper), form the backbone for a general time series filter design. Due to challenges arising from nonlinearity, multimodality (including target maneuver), intractable uncertainties (such as unknown inputs and/or non-Gaussian noises) and constraints (including circular quantities), etc., new theories, algorithms, and technologies have been developed continuously to maintain such a conjugacy, or to approximate it as close as possible. They had contributed in large part to the prospective developments of time series parametric filters in the last six decades. In this paper, we review the state of the art in distinctive categories and highlight some insights that may otherwise be easily overlooked. In particular, specific attention is paid to nonlinear systems with an informative observation, multimodal systems including Gaussian mixture posterior and maneuvers, and intractable unknown inputs and constraints, to fill some gaps in existing reviews and surveys. In addition, we provide some new thoughts on alternatives to the first-order Markov transition model and on filter evaluation with regard to computing complexity

    Design and verification of Guidance, Navigation and Control systems for space applications

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    In the last decades, systems have strongly increased their complexity in terms of number of functions that can be performed and quantity of relationships between functions and hardware as well as interactions of elements and disciplines concurring to the definition of the system. The growing complexity remarks the importance of defining methods and tools that improve the design, verification and validation of the system process: effectiveness and costs reduction without loss of confidence in the final product are the objectives that have to be pursued. Within the System Engineering context, the modern Model and Simulation based approach seems to be a promising strategy to meet the goals, because it reduces the wasted resources with respect to the traditional methods, saving money and tedious works. Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) starts from the idea that it is possible at any moment to verify, through simulation sessions and according to the phase of the life cycle, the feasibility, the capabilities and the performances of the system. Simulation is used during the engineering process and can be classified from fully numerical (i.e. all the equipment and conditions are reproduced as virtual model) to fully integrated hardware simulation (where the system is represented by real hardware and software modules in their operational environment). Within this range of simulations, a few important stages can be defined: algorithm in the loop (AIL), software in the loop (SIL), controller in the loop (CIL), hardware in the loop (HIL), and hybrid configurations among those. The research activity, in which this thesis is inserted, aims at defining and validating an iterative methodology (based on Model and Simulation approach) in support of engineering teams and devoted to improve the effectiveness of the design and verification of a space system with particular interest in Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) subsystem. The choice of focusing on GNC derives from the common interest and background of the groups involved in this research program (ASSET at Politecnico di Torino and AvioSpace, an EADS company). Moreover, GNC system is sufficiently complex (demanding both specialist knowledge and system engineer skills) and vital for whatever spacecraft and, last but not least the verification of its behavior is difficult on ground because strong limitations on dynamics and environment reproduction arise. Considering that the verification should be performed along the entire product life cycle, a tool and a facility, a simulator, independent from the complexity level of the test and the stage of the project, is needed. This thesis deals with the design of the simulator, called StarSim, which is the real heart of the proposed methodology. It has been entirely designed and developed from the requirements definition to the software implementation and hardware construction, up to the assembly, integration and verification of the first simulator release. In addition, the development of this technology met the modern standards on software development and project management. StarSim is a unique and self-contained platform: this feature allows to mitigate the risk of incompatibility, misunderstandings and loss of information that may arise using different software, simulation tools and facilities along the various phases. Modularity, flexibility, speed, connectivity, real time operation, fidelity with real world, ease of data management, effectiveness and congruence of the outputs with respect to the inputs are the sought-after features in the StarSim design. For every iteration of the methodology, StarSim guarantees the possibility to verify the behavior of the system under test thanks to the permanent availability of virtual models, that substitute all those elements not yet available and all the non-reproducible dynamics and environmental conditions. StarSim provides a furnished and user friendly database of models and interfaces that cover different levels of detail and fidelity, and supports the updating of the database allowing the user to create custom models (following few, simple rules). Progressively, pieces of the on board software and hardware can be introduced without stopping the process of design and verification, avoiding delays and loss of resources. StarSim has been used for the first time with the CubeSats belonging to the e-st@r program. It is an educational project carried out by students and researchers of the “CubeSat Team Polito” in which StarSim has been mainly used for the payload development, an Active Attitude Determination and Control System, but StarSim’s capabilities have also been updated to evaluate functionalities, operations and performances of the entire satellite. AIL, SIL, CIL, HIL simulations have been performed along all the phases of the project, successfully verifying a great number of functional and operational requirements. In particular, attitude determination algorithms, control laws, modes of operation have been selected and verified; software has been developed step by step and the bugs-free executable files have been loaded on the micro-controller. All the interfaces and protocols as well as data and commands handling have been verified. Actuators, logic and electrical circuits have been designed, built and tested and sensors calibration has been performed. Problems such as real time and synchronization have been solved and a complete hardware in the loop simulation test campaign both for A-ADCS standalone and for the entire satellite has been performed, verifying the satisfaction of a great number of CubeSat functional and operational requirements. The case study represents the first validation of the methodology with the first release of StarSim. It has been proven that the methodology is effective in demonstrating that improving the design and verification activities is a key point to increase the confidence level in the success of a space mission

    Optimal charging and state-of-charge estimation of a Lithium-ion cell using a simplified full homogenised macro-scale model

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    Advanced battery management systems (BMS) need accurate and computationally efficient Li-ion cell model for optimum operation as the performance of charging and estimation algorithms of BMS are dependent upon the accuracy of the mathematical model of a cell. This research work presents a novel, accurate and computationally efficient electrochemical model and develops charging and estimation algorithm based on the model. The simplified model is based on the novel full homogenised macroscale model (FHM). The simplified FHM model is compared with a simplified model based on the pseudo-two-dimensional (P2D) model. The FHM model is based on the homogenisation theory, while the volume averaging technique is the basis of the P2D model. Diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs) are approximated by ordinary differential equations with time-varying coefficients. The intercalation current and conduction equation are also approximated to develop variants of the simplified model. The diffusion and reaction rate parameters of the FHM model are more accurate at high temperatures than the parameters based on the empirical Bruggeman method, as the FHM model parameters are based on the numerical model of the electrode structure. The simulations results verify that, compared with a similar simplified model based on the P2D model, the proposed simplified FHM model is more accurate at 318K and higher temperature. The output voltage predicted by the proposed simplified model and the simplified P2D model has a root mean square (RMS) tracking error of 0.6% and 2%, respectively, at 1C input current and 318K temperature. The computational time of the proposed simplified model is reduced by 35% compared with that of the FHM model. Subsequently we present optimal charging of Li-ion cell based on the simplified full homogenised macro-scale (FHM) model. A solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer model is included in the simplified FHM model to quantify health degradation. With these models, a multi-objective optimal control problem subject to constraints from safety concerns is formulated to achieve the health-conscious optimal charging. This constrained optimal control problem is converted to a nonlinear programming problem (NLP). A nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) strategy is adopted by solving the NLP at each sampling time using the pseudo-spectral optimisation method. The effect of the input current upper bound on the cell film resistance Rfilm and state of health (SoH) reveals that Rfilm and SoH are more sensitive to input current upper bound at lower values of input current upper bound. Simulation results show that the simplified model and pseudo-spectral method are crucial for reducing the computational load to achieve feasible real-time implementation. The proposed algorithm is more efficient in reducing the health degradation than the conventional constant current constant voltage (CCCV ) charging algorithm since it can explicitly handle the film resistance and capacity as health parameters. Multiple cycle charging simulation reveals that the health-conscious algorithm decrease health degradation and increase battery life. Three observers are used and compared for output feedback charging of a Li-ion cell, i.e. extended Kalman filter (EKF), sliding mode observer (SMO) and moving horizon estimator (MHE). The observers are used in a closed-loop with an NMPC for optimal, health-conscious charging of a Li-ion cell. Simulation results show that EKF and SMO have a low computational burden, whereas MHE exhibits superior performance

    Six Decades of Flight Research: An Annotated Bibliography of Technical Publications of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, 1946-2006

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    Titles, authors, report numbers, and abstracts are given for nearly 2900 unclassified and unrestricted technical reports and papers published from September 1946 to December 2006 by the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center and its predecessor organizations. These technical reports and papers describe and give the results of 60 years of flight research performed by the NACA and NASA, from the X-1 and other early X-airplanes, to the X-15, Space Shuttle, X-29 Forward Swept Wing, X-31, and X-43 aircraft. Some of the other research airplanes tested were the D-558, phase 1 and 2; M-2, HL-10 and X-24 lifting bodies; Digital Fly-By-Wire and Supercritical Wing F-8; XB-70; YF-12; AFTI F-111 TACT and MAW; F-15 HiDEC; F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle, F-18 Systems Research Aircraft and the NASA Landing Systems Research aircraft. The citations of reports and papers are listed in chronological order, with author and aircraft indices. In addition, in the appendices, citations of 270 contractor reports, more than 200 UCLA Flight System Research Center reports, nearly 200 Tech Briefs, 30 Dryden Historical Publications, and over 30 videotapes are included
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