State-space approach to nonlinear predictive generalized minimum variance control

A Nonlinear Predictive Generalized Minimum Variance (NPGMV) control algorithm is introduced for the control of nonlinear discrete-time multivariable systems. The plant model is represented by the combination of a very general nonlinear operator and also a linear subsystem which can be open-loop unstable and is represented in state-space model form. The multi-step predictive control cost index to be minimised involves both weighted error and control signal costing terms. The solution for the control law is derived in the time-domain using a general operator representation of the process. The controller includes an internal model of the nonlinear process but because of the assumed structure of the system the state observer is only required to be linear. In the asymptotic case, where the plant is linear, the controller reduces to a state-space version of the well known GPC controller

Polynomial approach to nonlinear predictive generalized minimum variance control

A relatively simple approach to non-linear predictive generalised minimum variance (NPGMV) control is introduced for non-linear discrete-time multivariable systems. The system is represented by a combination of a stable non-linear subsystem where no structure is assumed and a linear subsystem that may be unstable and modelled in polynomial matrix form. The multi-step predictive control cost index to be minimised involves both weighted error and control signal costing terms. The NPGMV control law involves an assumption on the choice of cost-function weights to ensure the existence of a stable non-linear closed-loop operator. A valuable feature of the control law is that in the asymptotic case, where the plant is linear, the controller reduces to a polynomial matrix version of the well known generalised predictive control (GPC) controller. In the limiting case when the plant is non-linear and the cost-function is single step the controller becomes equal to the polynomial matrix version of the so-called non-linear generalised minimum variance controller. The controller can be implemented in a form related to a non-linear version of the Smith predictor but unlike this compensator a stabilising control law can be obtained for open-loop unstable processes

Non-linear predictive generalised minimum variance state-dependent control

A non-linear predictive generalised minimum variance control algorithm is introduced for the control of nonlinear discrete-time state-dependent multivariable systems. The process model includes two different types of subsystems to provide a variety of means of modelling the system and inferential control of certain outputs is available. A state dependent output model is driven from an unstructured non-linear input subsystem which can include explicit transport delays. A multi-step predictive control cost function is to be minimised involving weighted error, and either absolute or incremental control signal costing terms. Different patterns of a reduced number of future controls can be used to limit the computational demands

Optimal adaptive control of time-delay dynamical systems with known and uncertain dynamics

Delays are found in many industrial pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and as a result, the performance of the overall closed-loop system deteriorates unless they are explicitly accounted. It is also possible that the dynamics of such systems are uncertain. On the other hand, optimal control of time-delay systems in the presence of known and uncertain dynamics by using state and output feedback is of paramount importance. Therefore, in this research, a suite of novel optimal adaptive control (OAC) techniques are undertaken for linear and nonlinear continuous time-delay systems in the presence of uncertain system dynamics using state and/or output feedback. First, the optimal regulation of linear continuous-time systems with state and input delays by utilizing a quadratic cost function over infinite horizon is addressed using state and output feedback. Next, the optimal adaptive regulation is extended to uncertain linear continuous-time systems under a mild assumption that the bounds on system matrices are known. Subsequently, the event-triggered optimal adaptive regulation of partially unknown linear continuous time systems with state-delay is addressed by using integral reinforcement learning (IRL). It is demonstrated that the optimal control policy renders asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system provided the linear time-delayed system is controllable and observable. The proposed event-triggered approach relaxed the need for continuous availability of state vector and proven to be zeno-free. Finally, the OAC using IRL neural network based control of uncertain nonlinear time-delay systems with input and state delays is investigated. An identifier is proposed for nonlinear time-delay systems to approximate the system dynamics and relax the need for the control coefficient matrix in generating the control policy. Lyapunov analysis is utilized to design the optimal adaptive controller, derive parameter/weight tuning law and verify stability of the closed-loop system”--Abstract, page iv