A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON COMPUTATIONAL SCHEMES FOR NONLINEAR MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL

This paper briefly reviews development of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) schemes for finite horizon prediction and basic computational algorithms that can solve the stable real‐time implementation of NMPC in space state form with state and input constraints. In order to ensure stability within a finite prediction horizon, most NMPC schemes use a terminal region constraint at the end of the prediction horizon — a particular NMPC scheme using a terminal region constraint, namely quasi‐infinite horizon, that guarantees asymptotic closed‐loop stability with input constraints is presented. However, when nonlinear processes have both input and state constraints, difficulty arises from failure to satisfy the state constraints due to constraints on input. Therefore, a new NMPC scheme without a terminal region constraint is developed using soften state constraints. A brief comparative simulation study of two NMPC schemes: quasi‐infinite horizon and soften state constraints is done via simple nonlinear examples to demonstrate the ability of the soften state constraints scheme. Finally, some features of future research from this study are discussed.     

一类非线性系统非切换解析模型预测控制方法研究

针对关系度不确定非线性系统, 基于模型预测控制理论和切换解析非线性模型预测控制(Nonlinear model predictive control, NMPC) 提出了一种非切换的解析NMPC新方法. 论证了在非切换解析NMPC控制律下, 通过坐标变换可以将闭环系统分别在关系度确定和不确定的两个子空间近似为线性系统, 得出非切换解析NMPC使闭环系统稳定的必要条件. 通过仿真实验验证了非切换解析NMPC可以达到很好的响应特性, 无需切换的特征也扩大了其应用范围.     

具有参数不确定性的非线性系统的鲁棒输出跟踪

研究具有非线性参数化的非线性系统的输出跟踪问题.采用时变状态反馈控制律, 指数镇定输出跟踪误差,并保证非线性系统的所有状态是有界的.为了实现时变状态反馈控 制律,设计高增益鲁棒观测器观测构造该控制律所需要的状态,使得整个闭环系统的输出能 渐近跟踪期望输出,且该闭环系统中所有信号都是有界的.     

Design of observer based nonlinear model predictive controller for a continuous stirred tank reactor

Model predictive control (MPC) schemes are now widely used in process industries for the control of key unit operations. Linear model predictive control (LMPC) schemes which make use of linear dynamic model for prediction, limit their applicability to a narrow range of operation (or) to systems which exhibit mildly nonlinear dynamics.

In this paper, a nonlinear observer based model predictive controller (NMPC) for nonlinear system has been proposed. An approach to design NMPC based on fuzzy Kalman filter (FKF) and augmented state fuzzy Kalman filter (ASFKF) has been presented. The efficacy of the proposed NMPC schemes have been demonstrated by conducting simulation studies on the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The analysis of the extensive dynamic simulation studies revealed that, the NMPC schemes formulated produces satisfactory performance for both servo and regulatory problems. Simulation results also include an inferential control case, where the reactor concentration is not measured but estimated from temperature measurement and used in the NMPC based on FKF and ASFKF formulations.     

Decentralized tube‐based model predictive control of uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems

This paper addresses the problem of decentralized tube‐based nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) for a general class of uncertain nonlinear continuous‐time multiagent systems with additive and bounded disturbance. In particular, the problem of robust navigation of a multiagent system to predefined states of the workspace while using only local information is addressed under certain distance and control input constraints. We propose a decentralized feedback control protocol that consists of two terms: a nominal control input, which is computed online and is the outcome of a decentralized finite horizon optimal control problem that each agent solves at every sampling time, for its nominal system dynamics; and an additive state‐feedback law which is computed offline and guarantees that the real trajectories of each agent will belong to a hypertube centered along the nominal trajectory, for all times. The volume of the hypertube depends on the upper bound of the disturbances as well as the bounds of the derivatives of the dynamics. In addition, by introducing certain distance constraints, the proposed scheme guarantees that the initially connected agents remain connected for all times. Under standard assumptions that arise in nominal NMPC schemes, controllability assumptions, communication capabilities between the agents, it is guaranteed that the multiagent system is input‐to‐state stable with respect to the disturbances, for all initial conditions satisfying the state constraints. Simulation results verify the correctness of the proposed framework.     

Robust stability of nonlinear model predictive control with extended Kalman filter and target setting

This work deals with the closed‐loop robust stability of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) coupled with an extended Kalman filter (EKF). First, we point out the gaps between the practical formulations and theoretical research. Then, we show that the estimation error dynamics of an EKF are input‐to‐state stable (ISS) in the presence of nonvanishing perturbations. Moreover, a target setting optimization problem is proposed to solve the target state corresponding to the desired set points, which are used in the objective function in NMPC formulation. Thus, the objective function is a Lyapunov function candidate, and the input‐to‐state practical stability (ISpS) of the closed‐loop system can be established. Moreover, we see that the stability property deteriorates because of the estimation error. Simulation results of the proposed scheme are presented.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nonlinear predictive control of irregularly sampled multirate systems using blackbox observers

This work aims the development of an inferential nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) scheme based on a nonlinear fast rate model that is identified from irregularly sampled multirate data, which is corrupted with unmeasured disturbances and measurement noise. The model identification is carried out in two steps. In the first step, a MISO fast rate nonlinear output error (NOE) model is identified from the irregularly sampled output data. In the second step, a time varying nonlinear auto-regressive (NAR) type model is developed using the residuals generated in the first step. The deterministic and stochastic components of the observer are parameterized using generalized ortho-normal basis filters (GOBF). The identified NOE and NAR models are combined to form MISO state observers. We then proceed to use these identified observers to formulate a nonlinear MPC strategy for controlling irregularly sampled multirate systems. The identified observers are used to generate inter-sample estimates of the irregularly sampled outputs and for performing future trajectory predictions. The efficacy of the proposed modeling and control scheme is demonstrated using simulations on a benchmark continuous fermentation process. This process exhibits input multiplicity and change in the sign of steady state gain in the operating region. The validity of the proposed modeling and control scheme is also established by conducting identification and control experiments on a laboratory scale heater-mixer setup. The proposed NMPC gives satisfactory regulatory as well as servo performance over a wide operating range in the irregularly sampled multirate scenario.     

Intelligent state estimation for fault tolerant nonlinear predictive control

There is growing realization that on-line model maintenance is the key to realizing long term benefits of a predictive control scheme. In this work, a novel intelligent nonlinear state estimation strategy is proposed, which keeps diagnosing the root cause(s) of the plant model mismatch by isolating the subset of active faults (abrupt changes in parameters/disturbances, biases in sensors/actuators, actuator/sensor failures) and auto-corrects the model on-line so as to accommodate the isolated faults/failures. To carry out the task of fault diagnosis in multivariate nonlinear time varying systems, we propose a nonlinear version of the generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) based fault diagnosis and identification (FDI) scheme (NL-GLR). An active fault tolerant NMPC (FTNMPC) scheme is developed that makes use of the fault/failure location and magnitude estimates generated by NL-GLR to correct the state estimator and prediction model used in NMPC formulation. This facilitates application of the fault tolerant scheme to nonlinear and time varying processes including batch and semi-batch processes. The advantages of the proposed intelligent state estimation and FTNMPC schemes are demonstrated by conducting simulation studies on a benchmark CSTR system, which exhibits input multiplicity and change in the sign of steady state gain, and a fed batch bioreactor, which exhibits strongly nonlinear dynamics. By simulating a regulatory control problem associated with an unstable nonlinear system given by Chen and Allgower [H. Chen, F. Allgower, A quasi infinite horizon nonlinear model predictive control scheme with guaranteed stability, Automatica 34(10) (1998) 1205–1217], we also demonstrate that the proposed intelligent state estimation strategy can be used to maintain asymptotic closed loop stability in the face of abrupt changes in model parameters. Analysis of the simulation results reveals that the proposed approach provides a comprehensive method for treating both faults (biases/drifts in sensors/actuators/model parameters) and failures (sensor/ actuator failures) under the unified framework of fault tolerant nonlinear predictive control.     

On the stabilization of nonlinear discrete‐time systems with output feedback

This paper considers output‐feedback control of nonlinear discrete‐time systems using a nonlinear state‐feedback controller combined with a nonlinear observer. Under suitable assumptions, either asymptotic stability or exponential stability of the closed‐loop system are established. These results have a general validity and are essential in many advanced nonlinear control techniques, such as model predictive control of nonlinear discrete‐time systems, where many algorithms for the solution of the state‐feedback control problem have been proposed in recent years. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Two results for adaptive output feedback stabilization of nonlinear systems

The problem of (adaptive) stabilization by means of output feedback of a class of nonlinear systems is addressed and solved. The proposed method relies on the asymptotic reconstruction of a stabilizing state feedback control law, does not require stable zero dynamics nor the construction of a Lyapunov function for the closed loop system, and treats in a unified way unknown parameters and unmeasured states. The applicability of the proposed method is discussed via theoretical examples. Finally, it is shown that the proposed method yields a solution to the problem of output feedback regulation for a DC-to-DC power converter and the efficacy of the resulting controller is verified via experiments.     

State estimation and nonlinear predictive control of autonomous hybrid system using derivative free state estimators

In this work, we develop a state estimation scheme for nonlinear autonomous hybrid systems, which are subjected to stochastic state disturbances and measurement noise, using derivative free state estimators. In particular, we propose the use of ensemble Kalman filters (EnKF), which belong to the class of particle filters, and unscented Kalman filters (UKF) to carry out estimation of state variables of autonomous hybrid system. We then proceed to develop novel nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) schemes using these derivative free estimators for better control of autonomous hybrid systems. A salient feature of the proposed NMPC schemes is that the future trajectory predictions are based on stochastic simulations, which explicitly account for the uncertainty in predictions arising from the uncertainties in the initial state and the unmeasured disturbances. The efficacy of the proposed state estimation based control scheme is demonstrated by conducting simulation studies on a benchmark three-tank hybrid system. Analysis of the simulation results reveals that EnKF and UKF based NMPC strategies is well suited for effective control of nonlinear autonomous three-tank hybrid system.     

Prescribed performance adaptive neural output feedback dynamic surface control for a class of strict‐feedback uncertain nonlinear systems with full state constraints and unmodeled dynamics

This paper studies the output feedback tracking control problem for a class of strict‐feedback uncertain nonlinear systems with full state constraints and unmodeled dynamics using a prescribed performance adaptive neural dynamic surface control design approach. A nonlinear mapping technique is employed to address the state constraints. Radial basis function neural networks are utilized to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions. The unmodeled dynamics is addressed by introducing an available dynamic signal. Subsequently, we construct the controller and parameter adaptive laws using a backstepping technique. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, it is shown that all signals in the closed‐loop system are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded and that the tracking error always remains within the prescribed performance bound. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.     

A passification approach to adaptive nonlinear stabilization

In this paper, we unify and extend previously obtained results on adaptive stabilization of nonlinear systems from a passive systems viewpoint. It is shown that, for an interconnected multi-input nonlinear system composed of a chain of feedback strictly passive subsystems, an adaptive controller can be designed to render the closed loop system passive. Further, adaptive regulation is guaranteed if the zero-dynamics equation of each subsystem satisfies an appropriate input/state property. A systematic use of feedback passification in our proposed adaptive control scheme allows a simpler reinterpretation of the backstepping design with tuning functions in Krsti? et al. (1992).     

Unscented Kalman filter based nonlinear model predictive control of a LDPE autoclave reactor

This paper presents a multivariable nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) scheme for the regulation of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) autoclave reactor. A detailed mechanistic process model developed previously was used to describe the dynamics of the LDPE reactor and the properties of the polymer product. Closed-loop simulations are used to demonstrate the disturbance rejection and tracking performance of the NMPC algorithm for control of reactor temperature and weight-averaged molecular weight (WAMW). In addition, the effect of parametric uncertainty in the kinetic rate constants of the LDPE reactor model on closed-loop performance is discussed. The unscented Kalman filtering (UKF) algorithm is employed to estimate plant states and disturbances. All control simulations were performed under conditions of noisy process measurements and structural plant–model mismatch. Where appropriate, the performance of the NMPC algorithm is contrasted with that of linear model predictive control (LMPC). It is shown that for this application the closed-loop performance of the UKF based NMPC scheme is very good and is superior to that of the linear predictive controller.     

约束Hammerstein系统输出反馈非线性预测控制

针对具有状态、输入和中间变量约束的Hammerstein系统,采用两步法控制策略,给出一种新的可保证闭环系统指数稳定的输出反馈非线性模型预测控制算法.基于Hammerstein系统的特殊结构,结合状态观测器给出无约束线性环节的输出反馈最优控制律,通过滚动优化一有限时域的约束优化问题计算实际控制量.给出保证闭环系统指数稳定的充分条件.以工业双环管聚丙烯装置牌号切换控制为例进行仿真,仿真结果验证该算法的有效性和实用性.     

Dual-mode Nonlinear MPC via Terminal Control Laws With Free-parameters

The paper presents a new dual-mode nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) scheme for continuous-time nonlinear systems subject to constraints on the state and control. The idea of control Lyapunov functions for nonlinear systems is used to compute the terminal regions and terminal control laws with some free-parameters in the dual-mode NMPC framework. The parameters of the terminal controller are selected offline to estimate the terminal region as large as possible; and the parameters are optimized online to gain optimality of the terminal controller with respect to given cost functions. Then a dual-mode NMPC algorithm with varying time-horizon is formulated for the constrained system. Recursive feasibility and closed-loop stability of this NMPC are established. The example of a spring-cart is used to demonstrate the advantages of the presented scheme by comparing to the dual-mode NMPC via the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) method.      

The advanced-step NMPC controller: Optimality, stability and robustness

Widespread application of dynamic optimization with fast optimization solvers leads to increased consideration of first-principles models for nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC). However, significant barriers to this optimization-based control strategy are feedback delays and consequent loss of performance and stability due to on-line computation. To overcome these barriers, recently proposed NMPC controllers based on nonlinear programming (NLP) sensitivity have reduced on-line computational costs and can lead to significantly improved performance. In this study, we extend this concept through a simple reformulation of the NMPC problem and propose the advanced-step NMPC controller. The main result of this extension is that the proposed controller enjoys the same nominal stability properties of the conventional NMPC controller without computational delay. In addition, we establish further robustness properties in a straightforward manner through input-to-state stability concepts. A case study example is presented to demonstrate the concepts.     

基于支持向量机N4SID辨识模型的非线性预测控制

针对工业控制领域中非线性系统的模型辨识与预测控制问题,采用最小二乘支持向量机回归方法构造非线性函数,运用状态子空间（N4SID）模型辨识方法辨识非线性状态空间模型.在此基础上建立非线性预测控制器,利用拟牛顿算法进行非线性预测控制律的求解,从而实现了一种新的基于支持向量机N4SID辨识模型的非线性预测控制算法.仿真实验验证了该算法的有效性和可行性.     

Discrete-time certainty equivalence output feedback: allowing discontinuous control laws including those from model predictive control

We present certainty equivalence output feedback results for discrete-time nonlinear systems that employ possibly discontinuous control laws in the feedback loop. Coupling assumptions of nominal robustness with uniform observability or detectability assumptions, we assert nominally robust stability for output feedback closed loops. We further show that model predictive control (MPC) can be used to generate a feedback control law that is robustly globally asymptotically stabilizing when used in a certainty equivalence output feedback closed loop. Allowing for discontinuous feedback control laws is important for systems employing MPC, since the method can, and sometimes necessarily does, result in discontinuous control laws.     

Data-driven model reduction-based nonlinear MPC for large-scale distributed parameter systems

Model predictive control (MPC) has been effectively applied in process industries since the 1990s. Models in the form of closed equation sets are normally needed for MPC, but it is often difficult to obtain such formulations for large nonlinear systems. To extend nonlinear MPC (NMPC) application to nonlinear distributed parameter systems (DPS) with unknown dynamics, a data-driven model reduction-based approach is followed. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method is first applied off-line to compute a set of basis functions. Then a series of artificial neural networks (ANNs) are trained to effectively compute POD time coefficients. NMPC, using sequential quadratic programming is then applied. The novelty of our methodology lies in the application of POD's highly efficient linear decomposition for the consequent conversion of any distributed multi-dimensional space-state model to a reduced 1-dimensional model, dependent only on time, which can be handled effectively as a black-box through ANNs. Hence we construct a paradigm, which allows the application of NMPC to complex nonlinear high-dimensional systems, even input/output systems, handled by black-box solvers, with significant computational efficiency. This paradigm combines elements of gain scheduling, NMPC, model reduction and ANN for effective control of nonlinear DPS. The stabilization/destabilization of a tubular reactor with recycle is used as an illustrative example to demonstrate the efficiency of our methodology. Case studies with inequality constraints are also presented.