Finite Sample Properties of Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning Control

In this paper, finite sample properties of virtual reference feedback tuning control are considered, by using the theory of finite sample properties from system identification. To design a controller in closed loop system structure, the idea of virtual reference feedback tuning is proposed to avoid the identification process corresponding to the plant model. After constructing one identification cost without any knowledge of plant model, the author derives one bound on the difference between the expected identification cost and its sample identification cost under the condition that the number of data points is finite. Also the correlation between the plant input and external noise is considered in the derivation of this bound. Furthermore, the author continues to derive one probability bound to quantify this difference by using some probability inequalities and control theory.

Data-driven nonlinear control of a solid oxide fuel cell system

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are considered to be one of the most important clean,distributed resources. However,SOFCs present a challenging control problem owing to their slow dynamics,nonlinearity and tight operating constraints. A novel data-driven nonlinear control strategy was proposed to solve the SOFC control problem by combining a virtual reference feedback tuning (VRFT) method and support vector machine. In order to fulfill the requirement for fuel utilization and control constraints,a dynamic constraints unit and an anti-windup scheme were adopted. In addition,a feedforward loop was designed to deal with the current disturbance. Detailed simulations demonstrate that the fast response of fuel flow for the current demand disturbance and zero steady error of the output voltage are both achieved. Meanwhile,fuel utilization is kept almost within the safe region.