Autonomous Vehicle Platoons In Urban Road Networks:A Joint Distributed Reinforcement Learning and Model Predictive Control Approach

In this paper, platoons of autonomous vehicles operating in urban road networks are considered. From a methodological point of view, the problem of interest consists of formally characterizing vehicle state trajectory tubes by means of routing decisions complying with traffic congestion criteria. To this end, a novel distributed control architecture is conceived by taking advantage of two methodologies: deep reinforcement learning and model predictive control. On one hand, the routing decisions are obtained by using a distributed reinforcement learning algorithm that exploits available traffic data at each road junction. On the other hand, a bank of model predictive controllers is in charge of computing the more adequate control action for each involved vehicle. Such tasks are here combined into a single framework:the deep reinforcement learning output(action) is translated into a set-point to be tracked by the model predictive controller;conversely, the current vehicle position, resulting from the application of the control move, is exploited by the deep reinforcement learning unit for improving its reliability. The main novelty of the proposed solution lies in its hybrid nature: on one hand it fully exploits deep reinforcement learning capabilities for decisionmaking purposes;on the other hand, time-varying hard constraints are always satisfied during the dynamical platoon evolution imposed by the computed routing decisions. To efficiently evaluate the performance of the proposed control architecture, a co-design procedure, involving the SUMO and MATLAB platforms, is implemented so that complex operating environments can be used, and the information coming from road maps(links,junctions, obstacles, semaphores, etc.) and vehicle state trajectories can be shared and exchanged. Finally by considering as operating scenario a real entire city block and a platoon of eleven vehicles described by double-integrator models, several simulations have been performed with the aim to put in light the main f eatures of the proposed approach. Moreover, it is important to underline that in different operating scenarios the proposed reinforcement learning scheme is capable of significantly reducing traffic congestion phenomena when compared with well-reputed competitors.

Distributed model predictive control for multiagent systems with improved consistency

This paper addresses an improved distributed model predictive control （DMPC） scheme for multiagent systems with an attempt to improving its consistency. The deviation between what an agent is actually doing and what its neighbors believe that agent is doing is penalized in the cost function of each agent. At each sampling instant the compatibility constraint of each agent is set tighter than the previous sampling instant. Like the traditional approach, the performance cost is utilized as the Lyapunov function to prove closed-looped stability. The closed-loop stability is guaranteed if the weight matrix for deviation in the cost function are sufficiently large. The proposed distributed control scheme is formulated as quadratic programming with quadratic constraints. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Distributed Model Predictive Load Frequency Control of Multi-area Power System with DFIGs

Reliable load frequency control LFC is crucial to the operation and design of modern electric power systems. Considering the LFC problem of a four-Area interconnected power system with wind turbines, this paper presents a distributed model predictive control DMPC based on coordination scheme. The proposed algorithm solves a series of local optimization problems to minimize a performance objective for each control area. The generation rate constraints GRCs, load disturbance changes, and the wind speed constraints are considered. Furthermore, the DMPC algorithm may reduce the impact of the randomness and intermittence of wind turbine effectively. A performance comparison between the proposed controller with and without the participation of the wind turbines is carried out. Analysis and simulation results show possible improvements on closed-loop performance, and computational burden with the physical constraints. © 2014 Chinese Association of Automation.

Resilience Against Replay Attacks:A Distributed Model Predictive Control Scheme for Networked Multi-Agent Systems

In this paper,a resilient distributed control scheme against replay attacks for multi-agent networked systems subject to input and state constraints is proposed.The methodological starting point relies on a smart use of predictive arguments with a twofold aim:1)Promptly detect malicious agent behaviors affecting normal system operations;2)Apply specific control actions,based on predictive ideas,for mitigating as much as possible undesirable domino effects resulting from adversary operations.Specifically,the multi-agent system is topologically described by a leader-follower digraph characterized by a unique leader and set-theoretic receding horizon control ideas are exploited to develop a distributed algorithm capable to instantaneously recognize the attacked agent.Finally,numerical simulations are carried out to show benefits and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Distributed Model Predictive Control for Networked Plant-wide Systems With Neighborhood Cooperation

For large-scale networked plant-wide systems composed by physically(or geographically) divided subsystems, only limited information is available for local controllers on account of region and communication restrictions. Concerning the optimal control problem of such subsystems, a neighbor-based distributed model predictive control(NDMPC) strategy is presented to improve the global system performance. In this scheme, the performance index of local subsystems and that of its neighbors are minimized together in the determination of the optimal control input, which makes the local control decision also beneficial to its neighboring subsystems and further contributes to improving the convergence and control performance of overall system.The stability of the closed-loop system is proved. Moreover, the parameter designing method for distributed synthesis is provided.Finally, the simulation results illustrate the main characteristics and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

DISOPE distributed model predictive control of cascade systems with network communication

A novel distributed model predictive control scheme based on dynamic integrated system optimization and parameter estimation （DISOPE） was proposed for nonlinear cascade systems under network environment. Under the distributed control structure, online optimization of the cascade system was composed of several cascaded agents that can cooperate and exchange information via network communication. By iterating on modified distributed linear optimal control problems on the basis of estimating parameters at every iteration the correct optimal control action of the nonlinear model predictive control problem of the cascade system could be obtained, assuming that the algorithm was convergent. This approach avoids solving the complex nonlinear optimization problem and significantly reduces the computational burden. The simulation results of the fossil fuel power unit are illustrated to verify the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed algorithm.

Model-based Predictive Control for Spatially-distributed Systems Using Dimensional Reduction Models

In this paper, a low-dimensional multiple-input and multiple-output （MIMO） model predictive control （MPC） configuration is presented for partial differential equation （PDE） unknown spatially-distributed systems （SDSs）. First, the dimension reduction with principal component analysis （PCA） is used to transform the high-dimensional spatio-temporal data into a low-dimensional time domain. The MPC strategy is proposed based on the online correction low-dimensional models, where the state of the system at a previous time is used to correct the output of low-dimensional models. Sufficient conditions for closed-loop stability are presented and proven. Simulations demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methodologies.

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. © 2014 Chinese Association of Automation.

The Design of Output Feedback Distributed Model Predictive Controller for a Class of Nonlinear Systems

For a class of nonlinear systems whose states are immeasurable, when the outputs of the system are sampled asynchronously, by introducing a state observer, an output feedback distributed model predictive control algorithm is proposed. It is proved that the errors of estimated states and the actual system's states are bounded. And it is guaranteed that the estimated states of the closed-loop system are ultimately bounded in a region containing the origin. As a result, the states of the actual system are ultimately bounded. A simulation example verifies the effectiveness of the proposed distributed control method.

Distributed model predictive control based on adaptive sampling mechanism

In this work,an adaptive sampling control strategy for distributed predictive control is proposed.According to the proposed method,the sampling rate of each subsystem of the accused object is determined based on the periodic detection of its dynamic behavior and calculations made using a correlation function.Then,the optimal sampling interval within the period is obtained and sent to the corresponding sub-prediction controller,and the sampling interval of the controller is changed accordingly before the next sampling period begins.In the next control period,the adaptive sampling mechanism recalculates the sampling rate of each subsystem’s measurable output variable according to both the abovementioned method and the change in the dynamic behavior of the entire system,and this process is repeated.Such an adaptive sampling interval selection based on an autocorrelation function that measures dynamic behavior can dynamically optimize the selection of sampling rate according to the real-time change in the dynamic behavior of the controlled object.It can also accurately capture dynamic changes,meaning that each sub-prediction controller can more accurately calculate the optimal control quantity at the next moment,significantly improving the performance of distributed model predictive control(DMPC).A comparison demonstrates that the proposed adaptive sampling DMPC algorithm has better tracking performance than the traditional DMPC algorithm.

Networked Cooperative Distributed Model Predictive Control Based on State Observer

Although distributed model predictive control has caused significant attention and received many good results, the results are mostly under the assumption that the system states can be observed. However, the states are difficult to be observed in practice. In this paper, a novel distributed model predictive control is proposed based on state observer for a kind of linear discrete-time systems where states are not measured. Firstly, an output feedback control law is designed based on Lyapunov function and state observer. And the stability domain is described. Furthermore, the stability domain as a terminal constraint is added into the constraint conditions of the algorithm to make systems stable outside the stability domain. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Consensus of Multi-Agent Systems with Input Constraints Based on Distributed Predictive Control Scheme

Consensus control of multi-agent systems has attracted compelling attentions from various scientific communities for its promising applications.This paper presents a discrete-time consensus protocol for a class of multi-agent systems with switching topologies and input constraints based on distributed predictive control scheme.The consensus protocol is not only distributed but also depends on the errors of states between agent and its neighbors.We focus mainly on dealing with the input constraints and a distributed model predictive control scheme is developed to achieve stable consensus under the condition that both velocity and acceleration constraints are included simultaneously.The acceleration constraint is regarded as the changing rate of velocity based on some reasonable assumptions so as to simplify the analysis.Theoretical analysis shows that the constrained system steered by the proposed protocol achieves consensus asymptotically if the switching interaction graphs always have a spanning tree.Numerical examples are also provided to illustrate the validity of the algorithm.

Virtually coupled train set control subject to space-time separation:A distributed economic MPC approach with emergency braking configuration

The emerging virtual coupling technology aims to operate multiple train units in a Virtually Coupled Train Set(VCTS)at a minimal but safe distance.To guarantee collision avoidance,the safety distance should be calculated using the state-of-the-art space-time separation principle that separates the Emergency Braking(EB)trajectories of two successive units during the whole EB process.In this case,the minimal safety distance is usually numerically calculated without an analytic formulation.Thus,the constrained VCTS control problem is hard to address with space-time separation,which is still a gap in the existing literature.To solve this problem,we propose a Distributed Economic Model Predictive Control(DEMPC)approach with computation efficiency and theoretical guarantee.Specifically,to alleviate the computation burden,we transform implicit safety constraints into explicitly linear ones,such that the optimal control problem in DEMPC is a quadratic programming problem that can be solved efficiently.For theoretical analysis,sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the recursive feasibility and stability of DEMPC,employing compatibility constraints,tube techniques and terminal ingredient tuning.Moreover,we extend our approach with globally optimal and distributed online EB configuration methods to shorten the minimal distance among VCTS.Finally,experimental results demonstrate the performance and advantages of the proposed approaches.

A Composite Model Predictive Control Strategy for Furnaces

Tube furnaces are essential and primary energy intensive facilities in petrochemical plants. Operational optimization of furnaces could not only help to improve product quality but also benefit to reduce energy consumption and exhaust emission. Inspired by this idea, this paper presents a composite model predictive control(CMPC)strategy, which, taking advantage of distributed model predictive control architectures, combines tracking nonlinear model predictive control and economic nonlinear model predictive control metrics to keep process running smoothly and optimize operational conditions. The controllers connected with two kinds of communication networks are easy to organize and maintain, and stable to process interferences. A fast solution algorithm combining interior point solvers and Newton's method is accommodated to the CMPC realization, with reasonable CPU computing time and suitable online applications. Simulation for industrial case demonstrates that the proposed approach can ensure stable operations of furnaces, improve heat efficiency, and reduce the emission effectively.

Distributed Economic MPC for Synergetic Regulation of the Voltage of an Island DC Micro-Grid

In this paper,distributed model predictive control(DMPC) for island DC micro-grids(MG) with wind/photovoltaic(PV)/battery power is proposed,which coordinates all distributed generations(DG) to stabilize the bus voltage together with the insurance of having computational efficiency under a real-time requirement.Based on the feedback of the bus voltage,the deviation of the current is dispatched to each DG according to cost over the prediction horizon.Moreover,to avoid the excessive fluctuation of the battery power,both the discharge-charge switching times and costs are considered in the model predictive control(MPC) optimization problems.A Lyapunov constraint with a time-varying steady-state is designed in each local MPC to guarantee the stabilization of the entire system.The voltage stabilization of the MG is achieved by this strategy with the cooperation of DGs.The numeric results of applying the proposed method to a MG of the Shanghai Power Supply Company shows the effectiveness of the distributed economic MPC.

CBF-Based Distributed Model Predictive Control for Safe Formation of Autonomous Mobile Robots

A distributed model predictive control(DMPC)method based on robust control barrier function(RCBF)is developed to achieve the safe formation target of multi-autonomous mobile robot systems in an uncertain disturbed environment.The first step is to analyze the safety requirements of the system during safe formation and categorize them into collision avoidance and distance connectivity maintenance.RCBF constraints are designed based on collision avoidance and connectivity maintenance requirements,and security constraints are achieved through a combination.Then,the specified safety constraints are integrated with the objective of forming a multi-autonomous mobile robot formation.To ensure safe control,the optimization problem is integrated with the DMPC method.Finally,the RCBF-DMPC algorithm is proposed to ensure iterative feasibility and stability while meeting the constraints and expected objectives.Simulation experiments illustrate that the designed algorithm can achieve cooperative formation and ensure system security.

Virtual target guidance-based distributed model predictive control for formation control of multiple UAVs

The paper proposes a Virtual Target Guidance(VTG)-based distributed Model Predictive Control(MPC) scheme for formation control of multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs).First, a framework of distributed MPC scheme is designed in which each UAV only shares the information with its neighbors, and the obtained local Finite-Horizon Optimal Control Problem(FHOCP) can be solved by swarm intelligent optimization algorithm.Then, a VTG approach is developed and integrated into the distributed MPC scheme to achieve trajectory tracking and obstacle avoidance.Further, an event-triggered mechanism is proposed to reduce the computational burden for UAV formation control, which takes into consideration the predictive state errors as well as the convergence of cost function.Numerical simulations show that the proposed VTG-based distributed MPC scheme is more computationally efficient to achieve formation control of multiple UAVs in comparison with the traditional distributed MPC method.

Application of distributed model predictive control based on neighborhood optimization in gauge-looper integrated system of tandem hot rolling

To solve the coupling relationship between the strip automatic gauge control and the looper control in traditional control strategy of tandem hot rolling,a distributed model predictive control(DMPC)strategy for the tandem hot rolling was explored,and a series of simulation experiments were carried out.Firstly,based on the state space analysis method,the multivariable dynamic transition process of hot strip rolling was studied,and the state space model of a gauge-looper integrated system in tandem hot rolling was established.Secondly,DMPC strategy based on neighborhood optimization was proposed,which fully considered the coupling relationship in this integrated system.Finally,a series of experiments simulating disturbances and emergency situations were completed with actual rolling data.The experimental results showed that the proposed DMPC control strategy had better performance compared with the traditional proportional-integral control and centralized model predictive control,which is applicable for the gauge-looper integrated system.

Distributed Model Predictive Contouring Control for Real-Time Multi-Robot Motion Planning

Existing motion planning algorithms for multi-robot systems must be improved to address poor coordination and increase low real-time performance.This paper proposes a new distributed real-time motion planning method for a multi-robot system using Model Predictive Contouring Control(MPCC).MPCC allows separating the tracking accuracy and productivity,to improve productivity better than the traditional Model Predictive Control(MPC)which follows a time-dependent reference.In the proposed distributed MPCC,each robot exchanges the predicted paths of the other robots and generates the collision-free motion in a parallel manner.The proposed distributed MPCC method is tested in industrial operation scenarios in the robot simulation platform Gazebo.The simulation results show that the proposed distributed MPCC method realizes real-time multi-robot motion planning and performs better than three commonly-used planning methods(dynamic window approach,MPC,and prioritized planning).