Uncertainty and disturbance estimator-based model predictive control for wet flue gas desulphurization system

Wet flue gas desulphurization technology is widely used in the industrial process for its capability of efficient pollution removal.The desulphurization control system,however,is subjected to complex reaction mechanisms and severe disturbances,which make for it difficult to achieve certain practically relevant control goals including emission and economic performances as well as system robustness.To address these challenges,a new robust control scheme based on uncertainty and disturbance estimator(UDE)and model predictive control(MPC)is proposed in this paper.The UDE is used to estimate and dynamically compensate acting disturbances,whereas MPC is deployed for optimal feedback regulation of the resultant dynamics.By viewing the system nonlinearities and unknown dynamics as disturbances,the proposed control framework allows to locally treat the considered nonlinear plant as a linear one.The obtained simulation results confirm that the utilization of UDE makes the tracking error negligibly small,even in the presence of unmodeled dynamics.In the conducted comparison study,the introduced control scheme outperforms both the standard MPC and PID(proportional-integral-derivative)control strategies in terms of transient performance and robustness.Furthermore,the results reveal that a lowpass-filter time constant has a significant effect on the robustness and the convergence range of the tracking error.

Path-Following Based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control with Adaptive Path Preview

This paper presents a Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller(NMPC)for the path following of autonomous vehicles and an algorithm to adaptively adjust the preview distance.The prediction model includes vehicle dynamics,path following dynamics,and system input dynamics.The single-track vehicle model considers the vehicle’s coupled lateral and longitudinal dynamics,as well as nonlinear tire forces.The tracking error dynamics are derived based on the curvilinear coordinates.The cost function is designed to minimize path tracking errors and control effort while considering constraints such as actuator bounds and tire grip limits.An algorithm that utilizes the optimal preview distance vector to query the corresponding reference curvature and reference speed.The length of the preview path is adaptively adjusted based on the vehicle speed,heading error,and path curvature.We validate the controller performance in a simulation environment with the autonomous racing scenario.The simulation results show that the vehicle accurately follows the highly dynamic path with small tracking errors.The maximum preview distance can be prior estimated and guidance the selection of the prediction horizon for NMPC.

Constrained predictive control based on T-S fuzzy model for nonlinear systems

A constrained generalized predictive control （GPC） algorithm based on the T-S fuzzy model is presented for the nonlinear system. First, a Takagi-Sugeno （T-S） fuzzy model based on the fuzzy cluster algorithm and the orthogonalleast square method is constructed to approach the nonlinear system. Since its consequence is linear, it can divide the nonlinear system into a number of linear or nearly linear subsystems. For this T-S fuzzy model, a GPC algorithm with input constraints is presented. This strategy takes into account all the constraints of the control signal and its increment, and does not require the calculation of the Diophantine equations. So it needs only a small computer memory and the computational speed is high. The simulation results show a good performance for the nonlinear systems.

Nonlinear system PID-type multi-step predictive control

A compound neural network was constructed during the process of identification and multi-step prediction. Under the PID-type long-range predictive cost function, the control signal was calculated based on gradient algorithm. The nonlinear controller’s structure was similar to the conventional PID controller. The parameters of this controller were tuned by using a local recurrent neural network on-line. The controller has a better effect than the conventional PID controller. Simulation study shows the effectiveness and good performance.

Model predictive control synthesis algorithm based on polytopic terminal region for Hammerstein-Wiener nonlinear systems

An improved model predictive control algorithm is proposed for Hammerstein-Wiener nonlinear systems.The proposed synthesis algorithm contains two parts:offline design the polytopic invariant sets,and online solve the min-max optimization problem.The polytopic invariant set is adopted to replace the traditional ellipsoid invariant set.And the parameter-correlation nonlinear control law is designed to replace the traditional linear control law.Consequently,the terminal region is enlarged and the control effect is improved.Simulation and experiment are used to verify the validity of the wind tunnel flow field control algorithm.

PREDICTIVE VARIABLE STRUCTURE CONTROL FOR A CLASS OF NONLINEAR SYSTEM

Nonlinear sliding m ode predictive controller is designed for a class of nonlinear system w ith unm odeled dynam ic characteristics and nonlinear term . The m ethod is based on nonlinear opti- m alpredictive control. The variable structure controllaw m inim izes the quadratic index ofa predic- tive sliding m ode, w hich contains thecostfunction ofcontrolpreventing the controleffectfrom satu- ration for in m ostpracticalim plem entation the controlinputs are bounded by physicalconstraints and energy constraints. According to the im m easurable states, the variable structure observer for nonlin- ear system sisadapted. The variablestructure system m ethod isaptto therealization ofobserverw ith variable param eters and uncertainty. The proofshow s thatthe states ofthe observer asym ptotically convergence to the realstates ofthe system although itisofuncertainty and nonlinear term s. Final- ly, the digitalsim ulation results prove the effectiveness ofthe proposed m ethod.

Dynamic optimization oriented modeling and nonlinear model predictive control of the wet limestone FGD system

Nonlinear model predictive control(NMPC)scheme is an effective method of multi-objective optimization control in complex industrial systems.In this paper,a NMPC scheme for the wet limestone flue gas desulphurization(WFGD)system is proposed which provides a more flexible framework of optimal control and decision-making compared with PID scheme.At first,a mathematical model of the FGD process is deduced which is suitable for NMPC structure.To equipoise the model’s accuracy and conciseness,the wet limestone FGD system is separated into several modules.Based on the conservation laws,a model with reasonable simplification is developed to describe dynamics of different modules for the purpose of controller design.Then,by addressing economic objectives directly into the NMPC scheme,the NMPC controller can minimize economic cost and track the set-point simultaneously.The accuracy of model is validated by the field data of a 1000 MW thermal power plant in Henan Province,China.The simulation results show that the NMPC strategy improves the economic performance and ensures the emission requirement at the same time.In the meantime,the control scheme satisfies the multiobjective control requirements under complex operation conditions(e.g.,boiler load fluctuation and set point variation).The mathematical model and NMPC structure provides the basic work for the future development of advanced optimized control algorithms in the wet limestone FGD systems.

An improved constrained model predictive control approach for Hammerstein-Wiener nonlinear systems

Many industry processes can be described as Hammerstein-Wiener nonlinear systems. In this work, an improved constrained model predictive control algorithm is presented for Hammerstein-Wiener systems. In the new approach, the maximum and minimum of partial derivative for input and output nonlinearities are solved in the neighbourhood of the equilibrium. And several parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions, each one corresponding to a different vertex of polytopic descriptions models, are introduced to analyze the stability of Hammerstein-Wiener systems, but only one Lyapunov function is utilized to analyze system stability like the traditional method. Consequently, the conservation of the traditional quadratic stability is removed, and the terminal regions are enlarged. Simulation and field trial results show that the proposed algorithm is valid. It has higher control precision and shorter blowing time than the traditional approach.

Constrained predictive control of nonlinear stochastic systems

The receding horizon control（RHC） problem is considered for nonlinear Markov jump systems which can be represented by Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models subject to constraints both on control inputs and on observe outputs.In the given receding horizon,for each mode sequence of the T-S modeled nonlinear system with Markov jump parameter,the cost function is optimized by constraints on state trajectories,so that the optimization control input sequences are obtained in order to make the state into a terminal invariant set.Out of the receding horizon,the stability is guaranteed by searching a state feedback control law.Based on such stability analysis,a linear matrix inequality approach for designing receding horizon predictive controller for nonlinear systems subject to constraints both on the inputs and on the outputs is developed.The simulation shows the validity of this method.

Boiler-turbine control system design using continuous-time nonlinear model predictive control

A continuous-time nonlinear model predictive controller(NMPC) was designed for a boiler-turbine unit.The controller was designed by optimizing a receding-horizon performance index,with the nonlinear system approximated by its Taylor series expansion with a certain order,the magnitude saturation constraints on the inputs satisfied by increasing the predictive time,and the rate saturation conditions on the actuators satisfied by tuning the time constant of the reference trajectories in a reference governor.Simulation results showed that the controller can drive the drum pressure and output power of the nonlinear boiler-turbine unit to follow their respective reference trajectories throughout a varying operation range and keep the water level deviation within tolerances.Comparison of the NMPC scheme with the generic model control(GMC) scheme indicated that the responses are slower and there are more oscillations in the responses of the water level,fuel flow input and feed water flow input in the GMC scheme when the boiler-turbine unit is operating over a wide range.

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.

Model⁃Free Predictive Control for a Kind of High Order Nonlinear Systems

For a type of high⁃order discrete⁃time nonlinear systems(HDNS)whose system models are undefined,a model⁃free predictive control(MFPC)algorithm is proposed in this paper.At first,an estimation model is given by the improved projection algorithm to approach the controlled nonlinear system.Then,on the basis of the estimation model,a predictive controller is designed by solving the finite time domain rolling optimization quadratic function,and the controller’s explicit analytic solution is also obtained.Furthermore,the closed⁃loop system's stability can be ensured.Finally,the results of simulation reveal that the presented control strategy has a faster convergence speed as well as more stable dynamic property compared with the model⁃free sliding mode control(MFSC).

LS-SVM model based nonlinear predictive control for MCFC system

This paper describes a nonlinear model predictive controller for regulating a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC). In order to improve MCFC’s generating performance, prolong its life and guarantee safety, it must be controlled efficiently. First, the output voltage of an MCFC stack is identified by a least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) method with radial basis function (RBF) kernel so as to implement nonlinear predictive control. And then, the optimal control sequences are obtained by applying genetic algorithm (GA). The model and controller have been realized in the MATLAB environment. Simulation results indicated that the proposed controller exhibits satisfying control effect.

An Integrated Control Framework for Torque Vectoring and Active Suspension System

Four-wheel independently driven electric vehicles(FWID-EV)endow a flexible and scalable control framework to improve vehicle performance.This paper integrates the torque vectoring and active suspension system(ASS)to enhance the vehicle’s longitudinal and vertical motion control performance.While the nonlinear characteristic of the tire model leads to a relatively heavier computational burden.To facilitate the controller design and ease the load,a half-vehicle dynamics system is built and simplified to the linear-time-varying(LTV)model.Then a model predictive controller is developed by formulating the objective function by comprehensively considering the safety,energy-saving and comfort requirements.The in-wheel motor efficiency and the power loss of tire slip are treated as optimization indices in this work to reduce energy consumption.Finally,the effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified through the rapid-control-prototype(RCP)test.The results demonstrate the enhancement of the energy-saving as well as comfort on the basis of vehicle stability.

Path Tracking Controller Design of Automated Parking Systems via NMPC with an Instructible Solution

Parking difficulties have become a social issue that people have to solve.Automated parking system is practicable for quick par operations without a driver which can also greatly reduces the probability of parking accidents.The paper proposes a Lyapunov-based nonlinear model predictive controller embedding an instructable solution which is generated by the modified rear-wheel feedback method(RF-LNMPC)in order to improve the overall path tracking accuracy in parking conditions.Firstly,A discrete-time RF-LNMPC considering the position and attitude of the parking vehicle is proposed to increase the success rate of automated parking effectively.Secondly,the RF-LNMPC problem with a multi-objective cost function is solved by the Interior-Point Optimization,of which the iterative initial values are described as the instructable solutions calculated by combining modified rear-wheel feedback to improve the performance of local optimal solution.Thirdly,the details on the computation of the terminal constraint and terminal cost for the linear time-varying case is presented.The closed-loop stability is verified via Lyapunov techniques by considering the terminal constraint and terminal cost theoretically.Finally,the proposed RF-LNMPC is implemented on a selfdriving Lincoln MKZ platform and the experiment results have shown improved performance in parallel and vertical parking conditions.The Monte Carlo analysis also demonstrates good stability and repeatability of the proposed method which can be applied in practical use in the near future.

Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Based on Support Vector Machine with Multi-kernel

Multi-kernel-based support vector machine （SVM） model structure of nonlinear systems and its specific identification method is proposed, which is composed of a SVM with linear kernel function followed in series by a SVM with spline kernel function. With the help of this model, nonlinear model predictive control can be transformed to linear model predictive control, and consequently a unified analytical solution of optimal input of multi-step-ahead predictive control is possible to derive. This algorithm does not require online iterative optimization in order to be suitable for real-time control with less calculation. The simulation results of pH neutralization process and CSTR reactor show the effectiveness and advantages of the presented algorithm.

Robust Adaptive Gain Higher Order Sliding Mode Observer Based Control-constrained Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Spacecraft Formation Flying

This work deals with the development of a decentralized optimal control algorithm, along with a robust observer,for the relative motion control of spacecraft in leader-follower based formation. An adaptive gain higher order sliding mode observer has been proposed to estimate the velocity as well as unmeasured disturbances from the noisy position measurements.A differentiator structure containing the Lipschitz constant and Lebesgue measurable control input, is utilized for obtaining the estimates. Adaptive tuning algorithms are derived based on Lyapunov stability theory, for updating the observer gains,which will give enough flexibility in the choice of initial estimates.Moreover, it may help to cope with unexpected state jerks. The trajectory tracking problem is formulated as a finite horizon optimal control problem, which is solved online. The control constraints are incorporated by using a nonquadratic performance functional. An adaptive update law has been derived for tuning the step size in the optimization algorithm, which may help to improve the convergence speed. Moreover, it is an attractive alternative to the heuristic choice of step size for diverse operating conditions. The disturbance as well as state estimates from the higher order sliding mode observer are utilized by the plant output prediction model, which will improve the overall performance of the controller. The nonlinear dynamics defined in leader fixed Euler-Hill frame has been considered for the present work and the reference trajectories are generated using Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire equations of unperturbed motion. The simulation results based on rigorous perturbation analysis are presented to confirm the robustness of the proposed approach.

SVM with Quadratic Polynomial Kernel Function Based Nonlinear Model One-step-ahead Predictive Control

A support vector machine (SVM) with quadratic polynomial kernel function based nonlinear model one-step-ahead predictive controller is presented. The SVM based predictive model is established with black-box identification method. By solving a cubic equation in the feature space, an explicit predictive control law is obtained through the predictive control mechanism. The effect of controller is demonstrated on a recognized benchmark problem and on the control of continuous-stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Simulation results show that SVM with quadratic polynomial kernel function based predictive controller can be well applied to nonlinear systems, with good performance in following reference trajectory as well as in disturbance-rejection.

High-Order Volterra Model Predictive Control and Its Application to a Nonlinear Polymerisation Process

Model Predictive Control (MPC) has recently found wide acceptance in the process industry, but existing design and implementation methods are restricted to linear process models. A chemical process, however, involves severe nonlinearity which cannot be ignored in practice. This paper aims to solve this nonlinear control problem by extending MPC to accommodate nonlinear models. It develops an analytical framework for nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC). It also offers a third-order Volterra series based nonparametric nonlinear modelling technique for NMPC design, which relieves practising engineers from the need for deriving a physical-principles based model first. An on-line realisation technique for implementing NMPC is then developed and applied to a Mitsubishi Chemicals polymerisation reaction process. Results show that this nonlinear MPC technique is feasible and very effective. It considerably outperforms linear and low-order Volterra model based methods. The advantages of the developed approach lie not only in control performance superior to existing NMPC methods, but also in eliminating the need for converting an analytical model and then convert it to a Volterra model obtainable only up to the second order. Keywords Model predictive control - Volterra series - process control - nonlinear control Yun Li is a senior lecturer at University of Glasgow, UK, where has taught and researched in evolutionary computation and control engineering since 1991. He worked in the UK National Engineering Laboratory and Industrial Systems and Control Ltd, Glasgow in 1989 and 1990. In 1998, he established the IEEE CACSD Evolutionary Computation Working Group and the European Network of Excellence in Evolutionary Computing (EvoNet) Workgroup on Systems, Control, and Drives. In summer 2002, he served as a visiting professor to Kumamoto University, Japan. He is also a visiting professor at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. His research interests are in parallel processing, design automation and discovery of engineering systems using evolutionary learning and intelligent search techniques. Applications include control, system modelling and prediction, circuit design, microwave engineering, and operations management. He has advised 12 Ph.D.s in evolutionary computation and has 140 publications.Hiroshi Kashiwagi received B.E, M.E. and Ph.D. degrees in measurement and control engineering from the University of Tokyo, Japan, in 1962, 1964 and 1967 respectively. In 1967 he became an Associate Professor and in 1976 a Professor at Kumamoto University. From 1973 to 1974, he served as a visiting Associate Professor at Purdue University, Indiana, USA. From 1990 to 1994, he was the Director at Computer Center of Kumamoto University. He has also served as a member of Board of Trustees of Society of Instrument and Control Engineers (SICE), Japan, Chairman of Kyushu Branch of SICE and General Chair of many international conferences held in Japan, Korea, Chin and India. In 1994, he was awarded SICE Fellow for his contributions to the field of measurement and control engineering through his various academic activities. He also received the Gold Medal Prize at ICAUTO’95 held in India. In 1997, he received the “Best Book Award” from SICE for his new book entitled “M-sequence and its application” written in Japanese and published in 1996 by Shoukoudou Publishing Co. in Japan. In 1999, he received the “Best Paper Award” from SICE for his paper “M-transform and its application to system identification”. His research interests include signal processing and applications, especially pseudorandom sequence and its applications to measurement and control engineering.