Distributed MPC of polytopic uncertain systems: handling quantised communication and packet dropouts

In this paper, we study the distributed model predictive control (MPC) of polytopic uncertain systems with quantised communication and packet dropouts. The model of the whole plant is divided into a certain number of incomplete subsystems. Due to the nature of the distributed control structure, there is generally a lack of information about the state of the overall system. Each subsystem shares its information with neighbour subsystems via reliable connection. Distributed MPC controllers are designed for each subsystem by solving the linear matrix inequalities optimisation problem. The distributed state feedback laws are quantised and transmitted via communication network. An iterative algorithm is presented to make coordination among distributed state feedback laws. The communication is assumed to be affected by random packet dropouts in a representation of Bernoulli distributed white sequences with known conditional probabilities. A case study is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed distributed MPC technique.     

Distributed Model Predictive Control with Actuator Saturation for Markovian Jump Linear System

This paper is concerned with the distributed model predictive control (MPC) problem for a class of discrete-time Markovian jump linear systems (MJLSs) subject to actuator saturation and polytopic uncertainty in system matrices. The global system is decomposed into several subsystems which coordinate with each other. A set of distributed controllers is designed by solving a min-max optimization problem in terms of the solutions of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). An iterative algorithm is developed to achieve the online computation. Finally, a simulation example is employed to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.      

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.     

Distributed model predictive control for polytopic uncertain systems subject to actuator saturation

In this paper, we present a distributed model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for polytopic uncertain systems subject to actuator saturation. The global system is decomposed into several subsystems. A set invariance condition for polytopic uncertain system with input saturation is identified and a min–max distributed MPC strategy is proposed. The distributed MPC controller is designed by solving a linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) optimization problem. An iterative algorithm is developed for making coordination among subsystems. Case studies are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.     

Application of interval predictor model into robust model predictive control

Here we apply interval prediction model into robust model predictive control (MPC) strategy. After introducing the family of models and some basic information, we present the computational results for the construction of interval predictor model, whose regression parameters are included in a sphere parameter set. Given a size measure to scale the average amplitude of the predictor interval, one optimal model that minimises a size measure is efficiently computed by solving a linear programming problem. We apply the active set approach to solve the linear programming problem and based on these optimisation variables, the predictor interval of the considered model with sphere parameter set can be constructed. As for a fixed non-negative number from the size measure, we propose a better choice by using the optimality conditions. In order to apply interval prediction model into robust MPC, two strategies are proposed to analyse a min-max optimisation problem. After input and output variables are regarded as decision variables, a standard quadratic optimisation is obtained and its dual form is derived, then Gauss–Seidel algorithm is proposed to solve the dual problem and convergence of Gauss–Seidel algorithm is provided too. Finally two simulation examples confirm the theoretical results.     

Distributed output feedback MPC with randomly occurring actuator saturation and packet loss

In this paper, a distributed output feedback model predictive control (OFMPC) algorithm is presented for the polytopic uncertain system subject to randomly occurring actuator saturation and packet loss. Compared with the intensively applied state feedback control in MPC, the OFMPC is more feasible to the real world because the system states are often unmeasurable. With taking both actuator saturation and packet loss into account, the presented OFMPC algorithm is more practical. Moreover, by splitting the controller inputs into two independent parts, the presented dynamic output feedback control (DOFC) strategy provides more freedom to the controller design. With the global system decomposed into some subsystems, the computation complexity is reduced, thus the online designing time can be saved. By defining the estimation error function and forming an augmented system to handle the DOFC and by transforming the nonlinear feedback law into a convex hull of linear feedback laws, the distributed controllers are obtained by solving a linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimization problem. Finally, some simulation examples are employed to show the effectiveness of the techniques proposed in this paper. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mixed H2/H∞ distributed robust model predictive control for polytopic uncertain systems subject to actuator saturation and missing measurements

In this paper, we discuss the mixed H₂/H_∞ distributed robust model predictive control problem for polytopic uncertain systems subject to randomly occurring actuator saturation and packet loss. The global system is decomposed into several subsystems, and all the subsystems are connected by a fixed topology network, which is the definition for the packet loss among the subsystems. To better use the successfully transmitted information via Internet, both the phenomena of actuator saturation and packet loss resulting from the limitation of the communication bandwidth are taken into consideration. A novel distributed controller model is established to account for the actuator saturation and packet loss in a unified representation by using two sets of Bernoulli distributed white sequences with known conditional probabilities. With the nonlinear feedback control law represented by the convex hull of a group of linear feedback laws, the distributed controllers for subsystems are obtained by solving an linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimisation problem. Finally, numerical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.     

Nash-based robust distributed model predictive control for large-scale systems

In this paper, a new robust distributed model predictive control (RDMPC) is proposed for large-scale systems with polytopic uncertainties. The time-varying system is first decomposed into several interconnected subsystems. Interactions between subsystems are obtained by a distributed Kalman filter, in which unknown parameters of the system are estimated using local measurements and measurements of neighboring subsystems that are available via a network. Quadratic boundedness is used to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop system. In the MPC algorithm, an output feedback-interaction feedforward control input is computed by an LMI-based optimization problem that minimizes an upper bound on the worst case value of an infinite-horizon objective function. Then, an iterative Nash-based algorithm is presented to achieve the overall optimal solution of the whole system in partially distributed fashion. Finally, the proposed distributed MPC approach is applied to a load frequency control (LFC) problem of a multi-area power network to study the efficiency and applicability of the algorithm in comparison with the centralized, distributed and decentralized MPC schemes.     

Non-fragile observer-based output feedback control for polytopic uncertain system under distributed model predictive control approach

In this paper, a non-fragile observer-based output feedback control problem for the polytopic uncertain system under distributed model predictive control (MPC) approach is discussed. By decomposing the global system into some subsystems, the computation complexity is reduced, so it follows that the online designing time can be saved.Moreover, an observer-based output feedback control algorithm is proposed in the framework of distributed MPC to deal with the difficulties in obtaining the states measurements. In this way, the presented observer-based output-feedback MPC strategy is more flexible and applicable in practice than the traditional state-feedback one. What is more, the non-fragility of the controller has been taken into consideration in favour of increasing the robustness of the polytopic uncertain system. After that, a sufficient stability criterion is presented by using Lyapunov-like functional approach, meanwhile, the corresponding control law and the upper bound of the quadratic cost function are derived by solving an optimisation subject to convex constraints. Finally, some simulation examples are employed to show the effectiveness of the method.     

Non-fragile robust optimal guaranteed cost control of uncertain 2-D discrete state-delayed systems

This paper is concerned with the problem of non-fragile robust optimal guaranteed cost control for a class of uncertain two-dimensional (2-D) discrete state-delayed systems described by the general model with norm-bounded uncertainties. Our attention is focused on the design of non-fragile state feedback controllers such that the resulting closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and the closed-loop cost function value is not more than a specified upper bound for all admissible parameter uncertainties and controller gain variations. A sufficient condition for the existence of such controllers is established under the linear matrix inequality framework. Moreover, a convex optimisation problem is proposed to select a non-fragile robust optimal guaranteed cost controller stabilising the 2-D discrete state-delayed system as well as achieving the least guaranteed cost for the resulting closed-loop system. The proposed method is compared with the previously reported criterion. Finally, illustrative examples are given to show the potential of the proposed technique.     

Online set-point optimisation cooperating with predictive control of a yeast fermentation process: A neural network approach

Online set-point optimisation which cooperates with model predictive control (MPC) and its application to a yeast fermentation process are described. A computationally efficient multilayer control system structure with adaptive steady-state target optimisation (ASSTO) and a suboptimal MPC algorithm are presented in which two neural models of the process are used. For set-point optimisation, a steady-state neural model is linearised online and the set-point is calculated from a linear programming problem. For MPC, a dynamic neural model is linearised online and the control policy is calculated from a quadratic programming problem. In consequence of linearisation of neural models, the necessity of online nonlinear optimisation is eliminated. Results obtained in the proposed structure are comparable with those achieved in a computationally demanding structure with nonlinear optimisation used for set-point optimisation and MPC.     

Model predictive control of distributed networked control systems with quantization and switching topology

This work is concerned with the robust model predictive control (MPC) for a class of distributed networked control systems (NCSs), in which the input quantization and switching topology are both considered. By utilizing the sector bound approach, the NCSs with quantization are converted into the linear systems with sector bound uncertainties. The topology switching is governed by a switching signal and the dynamic behavior is modeled as a switched control system. A new robust MPC design technique is derived to minimize the upper bound of a weighted quadratic performance index. Moreover, the conditions of both the recursive feasibility of the MPC design and the stability of the resulting closed‐loop system are developed. Finally, simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed MPC design.     

Trajectory-based design of robust non-fragile controllers for a class of uncertain linear continuous-time systems

This paper deals with a design problem of robust non-fragile stabilizing controllers for a class of uncertain linear continuous-time systems. The proposed design approach of robust non-fragile controllers is based on computation of the trajectory for the uncertain linear system and differs from the existing methods based on quadratic stabilization via Lyapunov criterion. In this paper, we show that sufficient conditions for asymptotical stability of the linear system with uncertainties and controller gain variations, and a LMI-based design algorithm of a robust non-fragile controller. Furthermore, we extend the result to the design problem of decentralized robust non-fragile controllers for a class of uncertain large-scale interconnected systems. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme of robust non-fragile controllers is shown through illustrative examples.     

Robust containment tracking of uncertain linear multi-agent systems: a non-smooth control approach

This paper addresses the distributed robust containment tracking problem of networked systems with uncertain linear dynamics and multiple controlled leaders. The uncertainty class considered in this paper satisfies some matched conditions. To achieve containment tracking in such a multi-agent system, some distributed controllers consisting of using relative state-based continuous feedback and a non-smooth manoeuvre are developed. By transforming the containment tracking problem into the global robust stabilisation problem of interconnected systems, it is shown that the states of followers will asymptotically converge to a convex hull formed by those of the leaders if the control parameters in the proposed controllers are appropriately selected. It is clearly pointed out that the involved control parameters can be successfully found for solving the containment tracking problem if each follower can be directly or indirectly influenced by at least one leader, and the nominal dynamics of followers are stabilisable. The important issue of how fast containment can be achieved is also addressed. Finally, some numerical simulations are given for illustration.     

Distributed model predictive control of linear systems with persistent disturbances

This article presents a new form of robust distributed model predictive control (MPC) for multiple dynamically decoupled subsystems, in which distributed control agents exchange plans to achieve satisfaction of coupling constraints. The new method offers greater flexibility in communications than existing robust methods, and relaxes restrictions on the order in which distributed computations are performed. The local controllers use the concept of tube MPC – in which an optimisation designs a tube for the system to follow rather than a trajectory – to achieve robust feasibility and stability despite the presence of persistent, bounded disturbances. A methodical exploration of the trades between performance and communication is provided by numerical simulations of an example scenario. It is shown that at low levels of inter-agent communication, distributed MPC can obtain a lower closed-loop cost than that obtained by a centralised implementation. A further example shows that the flexibility in communications means the new algorithm has a relatively low susceptibility to the adverse effects of delays in computation and communication.     

Synthesis of Mixed Objective Output Feedback Robust Model Predictive Control

Aiming at the constrained polytopic uncertain system with energy‐bounded disturbance and unmeasurable states, a novel synthesis scheme to design the output feedback robust model predictive control(MPC)is put forward by using mixed H₂/H_∞ design approach. The proposed scheme involves an offline design of a robust state observer using linear matrix inequalities(LMIs)and an online output feedback robust MPC algorithm using the estimated states in which the desired mixed objective robust output feedback controllers are cast into efficiently tractable LMI‐based convex optimization problems. In addition, the closed‐loop stability and the recursive feasibility of the proposed robust MPC are guaranteed through an appropriate reformulation of the estimation error bound (EEB). A numerical example subject to input constraints illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed controller.     

Formation control of multiple mecanum-wheeled mobile robots with physical constraints and uncertainties

Aiming at the formation control of multiple Mecanum-wheeled mobile robots (MWMRs) with physical constraints and model uncertainties, a novel robust control scheme that combines model predictive control (MPC) and extended state observer-based adaptive sliding mode control (ESO-ASMC) is proposed in this paper. First, a linear MPC strategy is proposed to address the motion constraints of MWMRs, which can transform the robot formation model based on leader-follower into a constrained quadratic programming (QP) problem. The QP problem can be solved iteratively online by a delay neural network (DNN) to obtain the optimal control velocity of the follower robot. Then, to address the input saturation constraints, model uncertainties and unknown disturbances in the dynamic model, an improved ESO-ASMC is proposed and compared with the robust adaptive terminal sliding mode control (RATSMC) and the conventional sliding mode control (SMC) to prove the effectiveness. The proposed scheme, considering the optimal control velocity obtained by the kinematics controller as the given desired velocity of the dynamics controller, can implement precise formation control, while solving various physical constraints of the robot, and eliminating the effects of model uncertainties and disturbances. Finally, through a comparative simulation case, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are verified.

     

Robust sampled‐data model predictive control for networked systems with time‐varying delay

In this paper, the problem of sampled‐data model predictive control (MPC) is investigated for linear networked control systems with both input delay and input saturation. The delay‐induced nonlinearity is overapproximatively modeled as a polytopic inclusion. The nonlinear behavior of input saturation is expressed as a convex polytope. The resulting closed‐loop systems are represented as linear systems with polytopic and additive norm‐bounded uncertainties. The aim is to determine a robust MPC controller that asymptotically stabilizes the uncertain system at the origin with a certain level of quadratic performance. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by a numerical example.     

Multilinear model decomposition of MIMO nonlinear systems and its implication for multilinear model-based control

In order to accomplish the multilinear model decomposition of MIMO nonlinear processes with multiple scheduling variables, a systematic division algorithm based on gap metric together with a supporting dichotomy gridding algorithm is proposed by using the gap metric as a measuring tool. For a prescribed distance level, this gap metric based division algorithm effectively decomposes a MIMO nonlinear system into a set of linear subsystems which provide enough model information for multilinear model-based controller design without linear model redundancy. Based on the linear models, a set of linear MPC controllers are designed and combined into a global controller for setpoint tracking control. Two benchmark nonlinear processes are studied to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Global nonlinear output regulation: Convergence-based controller design

In this paper we present output-feedback controllers solving the global output regulation problem for a class of nonlinear systems. The proposed controllers are based on the notion of convergent systems. The presented solution extends well-established results on the linear output regulation problem and the local nonlinear output regulation problem to the global case. For Lur’e systems, which are not necessarily in the output-feedback form, the proposed controllers can be found by solving the regulator equations and certain linear matrix inequalities. For systems in the output-feedback form with uncertain parameters and uncertain nonlinearities we provide a robust regulator that does not rely on the minimum phaseness assumption on the system, which is crucial in the previous regulator designs for output-feedback systems. The results are illustrated by examples.