GA based decomposition of large scale distributed model predictive control systems

A novel method is proposed to find the optimal decomposition structure of distributed model predictive control (DMPC) systems. The input clustering decomposition (ICD) is first developed to minimize the coupling effects of subsystems and average the computational balance of each subsystem. To select the inputs and outputs in each subsystem, the input–output pairing decomposition (IOPD) is done. Then the genetic algorithm is used to solve decomposition problems for ICD and IOPD. The proposed method can achieve efficient coordination. Its structure is more flexible than the traditional DMPC. Two examples are used to show the abilities of the proposed method.     

An iterative scheme for distributed model predictive control using Fenchel's duality

We present an iterative distributed version of Han's parallel method for convex optimization that can be used for distributed model predictive control (DMPC) of industrial processes described by dynamically coupled linear systems. The underlying decomposition technique relies on Fenchel's duality and allows subproblems to be solved using local communications only. We investigate two techniques aimed at improving the convergence rate of the iterative approach and illustrate the results using a numerical example. We conclude by discussing open issues of the proposed method and by providing an outlook on research in the field.     

A robust distributed model predictive control algorithm

Although distributed model predictive control (DMPC) has received significant attention in the literature, the robustness of DMPC with respect to model errors has not been explicitly addressed. In this paper, a novel online algorithm that deals explicitly with model errors for DMPC is proposed. The algorithm requires decomposing the entire system into N subsystems and solving N convex optimization problems to minimize an upper bound on a robust performance objective by using a time-varying state-feedback controller for each subsystem. Simulations examples were considered to illustrate the application of the proposed method.     

通讯信息约束下具有全局稳定性的分布式系统预测控制

本文针对一类由状态相互耦合的子系统组成的分布式系统, 提出了一种可以处理输入约束的保证稳定性的非 迭代协调分布式预测控制方法(distributed model predictive control, DMPC). 该方法中, 每个控制器在求解控制率时只与 其它控制器通信一次来满足系统对通信负荷限制; 同时, 通过优化全局性能指标来提高优化性能. 另外, 该方法在优化 问题中加入了一致性约束来限制关联子系统的估计状态与当前时刻更新的状态之间的偏差, 进而保证各子系统优化问 题初始可行时, 后续时刻相继可行. 在此基础上, 通过加入终端约束来保证闭环系统渐进稳定. 该方法能够在使用较少 的通信和计算负荷情况下, 提高系统优化性能. 即使对于强耦合系统同样能够保证优化问题的递推可行性和闭环系统的 渐进稳定性. 仿真结果验证了本文所提出方法的有效性.     

Distributed model predictive control for constrained linear systems

We address the distributed model predictive control (MPC) for a set of linear local systems with decoupled dynamics and a coupled global cost function. By the decomposition of the global cost function, the distributed control problem is converted to the MPC for each local system associated with a cost involving neighboring system states and inputs. For each local controller, the infinite horizon control moves are parameterized as N free control moves followed by a single state feedback law. An interacting compatibility condition is derived, disassembled and incorporated into the design of each local control so as to achieve the stability of the global closed‐loop system. Each local system exchanges with its neighbors the current states and the previous optimal control strategies. The global closed‐loop system is shown to be exponentially stable provided that all the local optimizers are feasible at the initial time. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Distributed model predictive control over network information exchange for large-scale systems

A class of large scale systems, which is naturally divided into many smaller interacting subsystems, are usually controlled by a distributed or decentralized control framework. In this paper, a novel distributed model predictive control (MPC) is proposed for improving the performance of entire system. In which each subsystem is controlled by a local MPC and these controllers exchange a reduced set of information with each other by network. The optimization index of each local MPC considers not only the performance of the corresponding subsystem but also that of its neighbours. The proposed architecture guarantees satisfactory performance under strong interactions among subsystems. A stability analysis is presented for the unconstrained distributed MPC and the provided stability results can be employed for tuning the controller. Experiment of the application to accelerated cooling process in a test rig is provided for validating the efficiency of the proposed method.     

Dual-mode predictive control algorithm for constrained Hammerstein systems

In the process industry, there exist many systems which can be approximated by a Hammerstein model. Moreover, these systems are usually subjected to input magnitude constraints. In this paper, a multi-channel identification algorithm (MCIA) is proposed, in which the coefficient parameters are identified by least squares estimation (LSE) together with a singular value decomposition (SVD) technique. Compared with traditional single-channel identification algorithms, the present method can enhance the approximation accuracy remarkably, and provide consistent estimates even in the presence of coloured output noises under relatively weak assumptions on the persistent excitation (PE) condition of the inputs. Then, to facilitate the following controller design, this MCIA is converted into a two stage single-channel identification algorithm (TS-SCIA), which preserves most of the advantages of MCIA. With this TS-SCIA as the inner model, a dual-mode non-linear model predictive control (NMPC) algorithm is developed. In detail, over a finite horizon, an optimal input profile found by solving a open-loop optimal control problem drives the non-linear system state into the terminal invariant set; afterwards a linear output-feedback controller steers the state to the origin asymptotically. In contrast to the traditional algorithms, the present method has a maximal stable region, a better steady-state performance and a lower computational complexity. Finally, simulation results on a heat exchanger are presented to show the efficiency of both the identification and the control algorithms.     

Stochastic model predictive control: Insights and performance comparisons for linear systems

In this paper, we define several instances of model predictive control (MPC) for linear systems, including both deterministic and stochastic formulations. We show by explicit computation of the associated control laws that, under certain conditions, different formulations lead to identical results. This paper provides insights into the performance of stochastic MPC. Amongst other things, it shows that stochastic MPC and traditional MPC can give identical results in special cases. In cases where the solutions are different, we show that the explicit formulation of the problem can give insight into the performance gap.     

Decomposition principle in model predictive control for linear systems with bounded disturbances

Considering a constrained linear system with bounded disturbances, this paper proposes a novel approach which aims at enlarging the domain of attraction by combining a set-based MPC approach with a decomposition principle. The idea of the paper is to extend the “pre-stabilizing” MPC, where the MPC control sequence is parameterized as perturbations to a given pre-stabilizing feedback gain, to the case where the pre-stabilizing feedback law is given as the linear combination of a set of feedback gains. This procedure leads to a relatively large terminal set and consequently a large domain of attraction even when using short prediction horizons. As time evolves, by minimizing the nominal performance index, the resulting controller reaches the desired optimal controller with a good asymptotic performance. Compared to the standard “pre-stabilizing” MPC, it combines the advantages of having a flexible choice of feedback gains, a large domain of attraction and a good asymptotic behavior.     

Video summarization and retrieval using singular value decomposition

In this paper, we propose novel video summarization and retrieval systems based on unique properties from singular value decomposition (SVD). Through mathematical analysis, we derive the SVD properties that capture both the temporal and spatial characteristics of the input video in the singular vector space. Using these SVD properties, we are able to summarize a video by outputting a motion video summary with the user-specified length. The motion video summary aims to eliminate visual redundancies while assigning equal show time to equal amounts of visual content for the original video program. On the other hand, the same SVD properties can also be used to categorize and retrieve video shots based on their temporal and spatial characteristics. As an extended application of the derived SVD properties, we propose a system that is able to retrieve video shots according to their degrees of visual changes, color distribution uniformities, and visual similarities.     

Cyber-security in networked and distributed model predictive control

Distributed model predictive control (DMPC) schemes have become a popular choice for networked control problems. Under this approach, local controllers use a model to predict its subsystem behavior during a certain horizon so as to find the sequence of inputs that optimizes its evolution according to a given criterion. Some convenient features of this method are the explicit handling of constraints and the exchange of information between controllers to coordinate their actuation and minimize undesired mutual interactions. However, we find that schemes have been developed naively, presenting flaws and vulnerabilities that malicious entities can exploit to gain leverage in cyber-attacks. The goal of this work is to raise awareness about this issue by reviewing the vulnerabilities of DMPC methods and surveying defense mechanisms. Finally, several examples are given to indicate how these defense mechanisms can be implemented in DMPC controllers.     

Robust explicit model predictive control for linear systems via interpolation techniques

This paper presents a novel interpolation‐based model predictive control (IMPC) for constrained linear systems with bounded disturbances. The idea of so‐called ‘pre‐stabilizing’ MPC is extended by making interpolation among several ‘pre‐stabilizing’ MPC controllers, through which the domain of attraction can be magnificently enlarged. Compared with the standard ‘pre‐stabilizing’ MPC, the proposed approach has the advantage of combining the merits of having a large domain of attraction and a good behavior. Furthermore, such an IMPC problem can be solved off‐line by multi‐parametric programming. The optimal solution is given in an explicitly piecewise affine form. A simple algorithm for the implementation of the explicit MPC control laws is also proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

互联电力系统鲁棒分布式模型预测负荷频率控制

负荷频率控制是现代互联电力系统运行的重要保障.本文针对含有不确定因素和负荷扰动的多区域互联电力系统提出了一种基于线性矩阵不等式参数可调节的鲁棒分布式预测控制算法.设计各个区域控制器目标函数引入相邻区域的状态变量和输入变量,同时考虑发电机变化速率约束和阀门位置约束,将求解一组凸优化问题转化成线性矩阵不等式求解,得到各个区域的控制律,在线性矩阵不等式中引入一组可调参数,将优化一个上限值转化成优化吸引区,降低算法的保守性.仿真结果验证了该算法在负荷扰动、系统参数不确定和结构不确定性情况下具有鲁棒性.     

Enhanced information reconfiguration for distributed model predictive control for cyber‐physical networked systems

This paper considers a class of cyber‐physical networked systems, which are composed of many interacted subsystems, and are controlled in a distributed framework. The operating point of each subsystem changes with the varying of working conditions or productions, which may cause the change of the interactions among subsystems correspondingly. How to adapt to this change with good closed‐loop optimization performance and appropriate information connections is a problem. To solve this problem, the impaction of a subsystem's control action on the performance of related closed‐loop subsystems is first deduced for measuring the coupling among subsystems. Then, a distributed model predictive control (MPC) for tracking, whose subsystems online reconfigure their information structures, is proposed based on this impaction index. When the operating points changed, each local MPC calculates the impaction indices related to its structural downstream subsystems. If and only if the impaction index exceeds a defined bound, its behavior is considered by its downstream subsystem's MPC. The aim is to improve the optimization performance of entire closed‐loop systems and avoid the unnecessary information connections among local MPCs. Besides, contraction constraints are designed to guarantee that the overall system converges to the set points. The stability analysis is also provided. Simulation results show that the proposed impaction index is reasonable along with the efficiency of the proposed distributed MPC.     

Robust distributed model predictive control of linear systems with structured time-varying uncertainties

In this work, synthesis of robust distributed model predictive control (MPC) is presented for a class of linear systems subject to structured time-varying uncertainties. By decomposing a global system into smaller dimensional subsystems, a set of distributed MPC controllers, instead of a centralised controller, are designed. To ensure the robust stability of the closed-loop system with respect to model uncertainties, distributed state feedback laws are obtained by solving a min–max optimisation problem. The design of robust distributed MPC is then transformed into solving a minimisation optimisation problem with linear matrix inequality constraints. An iterative online algorithm with adjustable maximum iteration is proposed to coordinate the distributed controllers to achieve a global performance. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed robust distributed MPC algorithm.