Robust design of feedback feed-forward iterative learning control based on 2D system theory for linear uncertain systems

For a class of linear discrete-time uncertain systems, a feedback feed-forward iterative learning control (ILC) scheme is proposed, which is comprised of an iterative learning controller and two current iteration feedback controllers. The iterative learning controller is used to improve the performance along the iteration direction and the feedback controllers are used to improve the performance along the time direction. First of all, the uncertain feedback feed-forward ILC system is presented by an uncertain two-dimensional Roesser model system. Then, two robust control schemes are proposed. One can ensure that the feedback feed-forward ILC system is bounded-input bounded-output stable along time direction, and the other can ensure that the feedback feed-forward ILC system is asymptotically stable along time direction. Both schemes can guarantee the system is robust monotonically convergent along the iteration direction. Third, the robust convergent sufficient conditions are given, which contains a linear matrix inequality (LMI). Moreover, the LMI can be used to determine the gain matrix of the feedback feed-forward iterative learning controller. Finally, the simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.     

A design method for indirect iterative learning control based on two-dimensional generalized predictive control algorithm

Indirect iterative learning control (ILC) facilitates the application of learning-type control strategies to the repetitive/batch/periodic processes with local feedback control already. Based on the two-dimensional generalized predictive control (2D-GPC) algorithm, a new design method is proposed in this paper for an indirect ILC system which consists of a model predictive control (MPC) in the inner loop and a simple ILC in the outer loop. The major advantage of the proposed design method is realizing an integrated optimization for the parameters of existing feedback controller and design of a simple iterative learning controller, and then ensuring the optimal control performance of the whole system in sense of 2D-GPC. From the analysis of the control law, it is found that the proposed indirect ILC law can be directly obtained from a standard GPC law and the stability and convergence of the closed-loop control system can be analyzed by a simple criterion. It is an applicable and effective solution for the application of ILC scheme to the industry processes, which can be seen clearly from the numerical simulations as well as the comparisons with the other solutions.     

Repetitive process based design and experimental verification of a dynamic iterative learning control law

This paper gives new results on iterative learning control (ILC) design and experimental verification using the stability theory of linear repetitive processes. Using this theory a control law can be designed in one step to force error convergence and produce acceptable transient dynamics. Previous research developed algorithms for the design of a static control law with supporting experimental verification. Should a static law not give the required levels of performance one option is to allow the control law to have internal dynamics. This paper develops a procedure for the design of such a control law with supporting experimental verification on a gantry robot, including a comparative performance against a static law applied to the same robot. The resulting ILC design is an efficient combination of linear matrix inequalities and optimization algorithms.     

Rohrs' Example Revisited: On the Robustness of Adaptive Iterative Learning Control

Adaptive feedback based methods in iterative learning control (ILC) have garnered much interest from researchers for some time now. Much as in adaptive feedback control, most of these methods use Lyapunov functions and positive real transfer functions to prove convergence and boundedness of system signals updated through iterative estimations. While Rohrs et al. have motivated further research on the design of robust adaptive feedback controllers by demonstrating in the early 1980's that the algorithms of the time were not robust in the presence of unmodeled dynamics, the topic of robustness has not been studied much in the adaptive iterative learning control (AILC) literature. Inspired by Rohrs' counterexample, we use a model reference AILC scheme to show the lack of robustness to unmodeled dynamics in AILC. We rigorously define the concept of stability in ILC via space concepts, and demonstrate the existence of unstable learning operators. We put forth linear systems arguments to explain how conditions leading to instability can occur, and support heuristic arguments with simulation examples. Our findings indicate that the shortcomings of AILC in terms of robustness are no different than those of adaptive feedback, with the robustness issue more severe in certain cases, and further research is necessary to design robust AILC schemes.     

Robust MPC for Linear Systems with Structured Time‐Varying Uncertainties and Saturating Actuator

In this paper, a synthesis of model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is presented for uncertain systems subject to structured time‐varying uncertainties and actuator saturation. The system matrices are not exactly known, but are affine functions of a time varying parameter vector. To deal with the nonlinear actuator saturation, a saturated linear feedback control law is expressed into a convex hull of a group of auxiliary linear feedback laws. At each time instant, a state feedback law is designed to ensure the robust stability of the closed‐loop system. The robust MPC controller design problem is formulated into solving a minimization problem of a worst‐case performance index with respect to model uncertainties. The design of controller is then cast into solving a feasibility of linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimization problem. Then, the result is further extended to saturation dependent robust MPC approach by introducing additional variables. A saturation dependent quadratic function is used to reduce the conservatism of controller design. To show the effectiveness, the proposed robust MPC algorithms are applied to a continuous‐time stirred tank reactor (CSTR) process.     

Robust monotone gradient‐based discrete‐time iterative learning control

This paper considers the use of matrix models and the robustness of a gradient‐based iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm using both fixed learning gains and nonlinear data‐dependent gains derived from parameter optimization. The philosophy of the paper is to ensure monotonic convergence with respect to the mean‐square value of the error time series. The paper provides a complete and rigorous analysis for the systematic use of the well‐known matrix models in ILC. Matrix models provide necessary and sufficient conditions for robust monotonic convergence. They also permit the construction of accurate sufficient frequency domain conditions for robust monotonic convergence on finite time intervals for both causal and non‐causal controller dynamics. The results are compared with recently published results for robust inverse‐model‐based ILC algorithms and it is seen that the algorithm has the potential to improve the robustness to high‐frequency modelling errors, provided that resonances within the plant bandwidth have been suppressed by feedback or series compensation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于2维性能参考模型的2维模型预测迭代学习控制策略

将迭代学习控制(Iterative learning control, ILC)系统看作一类具有2维动态特性的控制系统,根据模型预测控制(Model predictive control, MPC)和性能参考模型控制思想, 提出了一种基于2维性能参考模型的2维模型预测迭代学习控制系统设计方案.在该控制系统设计方案中,可以通过选择适当的2 维性能参考模型来构造2 维动态变化的设定值信号和预测控制信号,从而引导迭代学习控制系统收敛到合理的控制性能,并有效避 免系统性能收敛过程中控制输入可能发生的剧烈波动.通过对控制系统的结构分析可知,所得的迭代学习控制器本质上是由沿时 间指标的参考模型预测控制器和沿周期指标的迭代学习控制器组成,闭环系统的收敛性等价于一个2维滤波系统的稳定性.数值仿 真结果证明了该设计方案的有效性和鲁棒性.     

Robust optimal design and convergence properties analysis of iterative learning control approaches

In this paper, we address four major issues in the field of iterative learning control (ILC) theory and design. The first issue is concerned with ILC design in the presence of system interval uncertainties. Targeting at time-optimal (fastest convergence) and robustness properties concurrently, we formulate the ILC design into a min-max optimization problem and provide a systematic solution for linear-type ILC consisting of the first-order and higher-order ILC schemes. Inherently relating to the first issue, the second issue is concerned with the performance evaluation of various ILC schemes. Convergence speed is one of the most important factors in ILC. A learning performance index—Q-factor—is introduced, which provides a rigorous and quantified evaluation criterion for comparing the convergence speed of various ILC schemes. We further explore a key issue: how does the system dynamics affect the learning performance. By associating the time weighted norm with the supreme norm, we disclose the dynamics impact in ILC, which can be assessed by global uniform bound and monotonicity in iteration domain. Finally we address a rather controversial issue in ILC: can the higher-order ILC outperform the lower-order ILC in terms of convergence speed and robustness? By applying the min-max design, which is robust and optimal, and conducting rigorous analysis, we reach the conclusion that the Q-factor of ILC sequences of lower-order ILC is lower than that of higher-order ILC in terms of the time-weighted norm.     

Model reference tracking control of an aircraft: a robust adaptive approach

This work presents the design and the corresponding analysis of a nonlinear robust adaptive controller for model reference tracking of an aircraft that has parametric uncertainties in its system matrices and additive state- and/or time-dependent nonlinear disturbance-like terms in its dynamics. Specifically, robust integral of the sign of the error feedback term and an adaptive term is fused with a proportional integral controller. Lyapunov-based stability analysis techniques are utilised to prove global asymptotic convergence of the output tracking error. Extensive numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed robust adaptive controller.     

Iterative learning control for uncertain systems: Noncausal finite time interval robust control design

In this paper, we present a novel robust Iterative Learning Control (ILC) control strategy that is robust against model uncertainty as given by an additive uncertainty model. The design methodology hinges on ??_∞ optimization, but formulated such that the obtained ILC controller is not restricted to be causal, and inherently operates on a finite time interval. Optimization of the robust ILC (R‐ILC) solution is accomplished for the situation where any information about structure in the uncertainty is discarded, and for the situation where the information about the structure in the uncertainty is explicitly taken into account. Subsequently, the convergence and performance properties of resulting R‐ILC controlled system are analyzed. On an experimental set‐up, we show that the presented R‐ILC control strategy can outperform an existing linear‐quadratic norm‐optimal ILC approach and an existing causal R‐ILC approach based on frequency domain ??_∞ synthesis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

IMC-based iterative learning control for batch processes with uncertain time delay

Based on the internal model control (IMC) structure, an iterative learning control (ILC) scheme is proposed for batch processes with model uncertainties including time delay mismatch. An important merit is that the IMC design for the initial run of the proposed control scheme is independent of the subsequent ILC for realization of perfect tracking. Sufficient conditions to guarantee the convergence of ILC are derived. To facilitate the controller design, a unified controller form is proposed for implementation of both IMC and ILC in the proposed control scheme. Robust tuning constraints of the unified controller are derived in terms of the process uncertainties described in a multiplicative form. To deal with process uncertainties, the unified controller can be monotonically tuned to meet the compromise between tracking performance and control system robust stability. Illustrative examples from the recent literature are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and merits of the proposed control scheme.     

Formation control for multi‐agent systems through an iterative learning design approach

This paper deals with formation control problems for multi‐agent systems by using iterative learning control (ILC) design approaches. Distributed formation ILC algorithms are presented to enable all agents in directed graphs to achieve the desired relative formations perfectly over a finite‐time interval. It is shown that not only asymptotic stability but also monotonic convergence of multi‐agent formation ILC can be accomplished, and the convergence conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities can be simultaneously established. The derived results are also applicable to multi‐agent systems that are subject to stochastic disturbances and model uncertainties. Furthermore, the feasibility of convergence conditions and the effect of communication delays are discussed for the proposed multi‐agent formation ILC algorithms. Simulation results are given for uncertain multi‐agent systems to verify the theoretical study. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nonlinear asymptotic attitude tracking control of an underactuated 3-degree-of-freedom helicopter using neural network feedforward term

This paper proposes a new asymptotic attitude tracking controller for an underactuated 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) laboratory helicopter system by using a nonlinear robust feedback and a neural network (NN) feedforward term. The nonlinear robust control law is developed through a modified inner-outer loop approach. The application of the NN-based feedforward is to compensate for the system uncertainties. The proposed control design strategy requires very limited knowledge of the system dynamic model, and achieves good robustness with respect to system parametric uncertainties. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis shows that the proposed algorithms can ensure asymptotic tracking of the helicopter’s elevation and travel motion, while keeping the stability of the closed-loop system. Real-time experiment results demonstrate that the controller has achieved good tracking performance.     

Robust synchronization of chaotic systems using slidingmode and feedback control

We propose a robust scheme to achieve the synchronization of chaotic systems with modeling mismatches and parametric variations. The proposed algorithm combines high-order sliding mode and feedback control. The sliding mode is used to estimate the synchronization error between the master and the slave as well as its time derivatives, while feedback control is used to drive the slave track the master. The stability of the proposed design is proved theoretically, and its performance is verified by some numerical simulations. Compared with some existing synchronization algorithms, the proposed algorithm shows faster convergence and stronger robustness to system uncertainties.     

Robust stability and performance via fixed-order dynamic compensation with guaranteed cost bounds

A feedback control-design problem involving structured plant parameter uncertainties is considered. Two robust control-design issues are addressed. The Robust Stability Problem involves deterministic bounded structured parameter variations, while the Robust Performance Problem includes, in addition, a quadratic performance criterion averaged over stochastic disturbances and maximized over the admissible parameter variations. The optimal projection approach to fixed-order, dynamic compensation is merged with the guaranteed cost control approach to robust stability and performance to obtain a theory of full- and reduced-order robust control design. The principle result is a sufficient condition for characterizing dynamic controllers of fixed dimension which are guaranteed to provide both robust stability and performance. The sufficient conditions involve a system of modified Riccati and Lyapunov equations coupled by an oblique projection and the uncertainty bounds. The full-order result involves a system of two modified Riccati equations and two modified Lyapunov equations coupled by the uncertainty bounds. The coupling illustrates the breakdown of the separation principle for LQG control with structured plant parameter variations. Supported in part by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under Contract F49620-86-C-0002.     

A two-stage iterative learning control technique combined with real-time feedback for independent disturbance rejection

A novel control framework for batch and repetitive processes is proposed. The currently practiced methods to combine real-time feedback control (RFC) with iterative learning control (ILC) share a problem that RFC causes ILC to digress from its convergence track along the run index when there occur real-time disturbances. The proposed framework provides a pertinent means to incorporate RFC into ILC so that the performance of ILC is virtually separated from the effects of real-time disturbances. As a prototypical algorithm, a two-stage algorithm has been devised by modifying and combining the existing QILC and BMPC techniques.