Robust performance control of uncertain nonlinear systems: A self-tuning approach

The problem of output regulation with a guaranteed H^∞ performance, besides robust stability, for a class of feedback linearizable nonlinear systems via self-tuning controllers is investigated. The H^∞ performance consists of the desired disturbance attenuation and internal finite L²-gain stability. We show that, under the perturbations of matched parametric uncertainties, the sufficient condition for the existence of a self-tuning controller reduces to the solvability of a single Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs inequality (or algebraic Riccati equation) which indicates that the design can be performed as if the system uncertainties were absent. Under certain situations, the sufficient condition is also necessary. Once a solution of this nonlinear differential inequality (or algebraic equation) is available, a desired self-tuning controller with gradient-type parameter estimator can easily be constructed. The present work falls into the category of singular nonlinear H^∞ control since the desired H^∞ performance does not require any penalty on control input variables. The results also provide an immediate application to H^∞ self-tuning model reference control in linear systems under full state measurement.