Optimal multiplexing of sparse controllers for linear systems

This article treats three problems of sparse and optimal multiplexing a finite ensemble of linear control systems. Given an ensemble of linear control systems, multiplexing of the controllers consists of an algorithm that selects, at each time $t$, only one from the ensemble of linear systems is actively controlled whereas the other systems evolve in open-loop. The first problem treated here is a ballistic reachability problem where the control signals are required to be maximally sparse and multiplexed, the second concerns sparse and optimally multiplexed linear quadratic control, and the third is a sparse and optimally multiplexed Mayer problem. Numerical experiments are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the techniques developed here.Comment: 5 figure

On the Design of Structured Stabilizers for LTI Systems

Designing a static state-feedback controller subject to structural constraint achieving asymptotic stability is a relevant problem with many applications, including network decentralized control, coordinated control, and sparse feedback design. Leveraging on the Projection Lemma, this work presents a new solution to a class of state-feedback control problems, in which the controller is constrained to belong to a given linear space. We show through extensive discussion and numerical examples that our approach leads to several advantages with respect to existing methods: first, it is computationally efficient; second, it is less conservative than previous methods, since it relaxes the requirement of restricting the Lyapunov matrix to a block-diagonal form.Comment: V1 fixes a few minor typos in the published version. V2 includes a clarification and fixes some minor typos in the proof of Theorem

Feedback control of transitional shear flows: Sensor selection for performance recovery

The choice and placement of sensors and actuators is an essential factor determining the performance that can be realized using feedback control. This determination is especially important, but difficult, in the context of controlling transitional flows. The highly non-normal nature of the linearized Navier-Stokes equations makes the flow sensitive to small perturbations, with potentially drastic performance consequences on closed-loop flow control performance. Full-information controllers, such as the linear quadratic regulator (LQR), have demonstrated some success in reducing transient energy growth and suppressing transition; however, sensor-based output feedback controllers with comparable performance have been difficult to realize. In this study, we propose two methods for sensor selection that enable sensor-based output feedback controllers to recover full-information control performance: one based on a sparse controller synthesis approach, and one based on a balanced truncation procedure for model reduction. Both approaches are investigated within linear and nonlinear simulations of a sub-critical channel flow with blowing and suction actuation at the walls. We find that sensor configurations identified by both approaches allow sensor-based static output feedback LQR controllers to recover full-information LQR control performance, both in reducing transient energy growth and suppressing transition. Further, our results indicate that both the sensor selection methods and the resulting controllers exhibit robustness to Reynolds number variations