A novel robust predictive control system over imperfect networks

This paper aims to study on feedback control for a networked system with both uncertain delays, packet dropouts and disturbances. Here, a so-called robust predictive control (RPC) approach is designed as follows: 1- delays and packet dropouts are accurately detected online by a network problem detector (NPD); 2- a so-called PI-based neural network grey model (PINNGM) is developed in a general form for a capable of forecasting accurately in advance the network problems and the effects of disturbances on the system performance; 3- using the PINNGM outputs, a small adaptive buffer (SAB) is optimally generated on the remote side to deal with the large delays and/or packet dropouts and, therefore, simplify the control design; 4- based on the PINNGM and SAB, an adaptive sampling-based integral state feedback controller (ASISFC) is simply constructed to compensate the small delays and disturbances. Thus, the steady-state control performance is achieved with fast response, high adaptability and robustness. Case studies are finally provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach

Networked Control System Design and Parameter Estimation

Networked control systems (NCSs) are a kind of distributed control systems in which the data between control components are exchanged via communication networks. Because of the attractive advantages of NCSs such as reduced system wiring, low weight, and ease of system diagnosis and maintenance, the research on NCSs has received much attention in recent years. The first part (Chapter 2 - Chapter 4) of the thesis is devoted to designing new controllers for NCSs by incorporating the network-induced delays. The thesis also conducts research on filtering of multirate systems and identification of Hammerstein systems in the second part (Chapter 5 - Chapter 6). Network-induced delays exist in both sensor-to-controller (S-C) and controller-to-actuator (C-A) links. A novel two-mode-dependent control scheme is proposed, in which the to-be-designed controller depends on both S-C and C-A delays. The resulting closed-loop system is a special jump linear system. Then, the conditions for stochastic stability are obtained in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) with nonconvex constraints, which can be efficiently solved by a sequential LMI optimization algorithm. Further, the control synthesis problem for the NCSs is considered. The definitions of H₂ and H∞ norms for the special system are first proposed. Also, the plant uncertainties are considered in the design. Finally, the robust mixed H₂/H∞ control problem is solved under the framework of LMIs. To compensate for both S-C and C-A delays modeled by Markov chains, the generalized predictive control method is modified to choose certain predicted future control signal as the current control effort on the actuator node, whenever the control signal is delayed. Further, stability criteria in terms of LMIs are provided to check the system stability. The proposed method is also tested on an experimental hydraulic position control system. Multirate systems exist in many practical applications where different sampling rates co-exist in the same system. The l₂-l∞ filtering problem for multirate systems is considered in the thesis. By using the lifting technique, the system is first transformed to a linear time-invariant one, and then the filter design is formulated as an optimization problem which can be solved by using LMI techniques. Hammerstein model consists of a static nonlinear block followed in series by a linear dynamic system, which can find many applications in different areas. New switching sequences to handle the two-segment nonlinearities are proposed in this thesis. This leads to less parameters to be estimated and thus reduces the computational cost. Further, a stochastic gradient algorithm based on the idea of replacing the unmeasurable terms with their estimates is developed to identify the Hammerstein model with two-segment nonlinearities. Finally, several open problems are listed as the future research directions

Robust stability analysis of an energy-efficient control in a Networked Control System with application to Unmanned Ground Vehicles

[EN] In this paper, the robust stability and disturbance rejection performance analysis of an energy-efficient control is addressed in the framework of Networked Control System (NCS). The control scheme under study integrates periodic event-triggered control, packet-based control, time-varying Kalman filter, dual-rate control and prediction techniques, whose design is aimed at reducing energy consumption and bandwidth usage. The robust stability against time-varying model uncertainties is analyzed by means of a sufficient condition based on Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI). Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is experimentally validated in a tracking control for an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), which is a battery-constrained mobile device with limited computation capacities.This research was funded in part by grant by projects PGC2018-098719-B-I00 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) , and RTI2018-096590-B-I00 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) , and by European Commission as part of Project H2020-SEC-2016-2017-Topic: SEC-20-BES-2016-Id: 740736-"C2 Advanced Multi-domain Environment and Live Observation Technologies" (CAMELOT) . Part WP5 supported by Tekever ASDS, Thales Research and Technology, Viasat Antenna Systems, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, FundacAo da Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, Ministerio da Defensa Nacional-Marinha Por-tuguesa, Ministerio da AdministracAo Interna Guarda Nacional Republicana.González Sorribes, A.; Cuenca, Á.; Salt Llobregat, JJ.; Jacobs, J. (2021). Robust stability analysis of an energy-efficient control in a Networked Control System with application to Unmanned Ground Vehicles. Information Sciences. 578:64-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2021.07.016648457

Robust Controller for Delays and Packet Dropout Avoidance in Solar-Power Wireless Network

Solar Wireless Networked Control Systems (SWNCS) are a style of distributed control systems where sensors, actuators, and controllers are interconnected via a wireless communication network. This system setup has the benefit of low cost, flexibility, low weight, no wiring and simplicity of system diagnoses and maintenance. However, it also unavoidably calls some wireless network time delays and packet dropout into the design procedure. Solar lighting system offers a clean environment, therefore able to continue for a long period. SWNCS also offers multi Service infrastructure solution for both developed and undeveloped countries. The system provides wireless controller lighting, wireless communications network (WI-FI/WIMAX), CCTV surveillance, and wireless sensor for weather measurement which are all powered by solar energy