Self-Adjusting Prescribed Performance Control for Nonlinear Systems with Input Saturation

Core Concepts

This work proposes a self-tuning method for the decay rate of the prescribed performance function (PF) to achieve faster steady-state convergence while avoiding the risk of error violation beyond the PF's envelopes, which may arise from input saturation and improper decay rate selection in traditional prescribed performance control (PPC) methods.

Abstract

The key highlights and insights of this work are:

It introduces a performance index function (PIF) as a reference criterion, based on which the self-adjusting rates of the PFs are designed for different cases. This eliminates the need to prespecify the initial values of the PFs and can accommodate arbitrary magnitudes of initial errors while avoiding excessive initial control efforts.

Considering actuator saturation, the proposed method can not only reduce the decay rates of the PFs when necessary to avoid violation of the PFs, but also increase the decay rates to accelerate system convergence when there is remaining control capacity. This is in contrast to previous methods that could only relax the PF when input saturation occurs and gradually restore it as saturation subsides.

The self-tuning decay rate design ensures that the overall trend of the tracking error is always decaying, with the rate of decay changing adaptively. The final steady-state accuracy is not relaxed as the decay rate of the PF decreases.

Stability analysis shows that all signals in the closed-loop system are ultimately uniformly bounded, and the PF is never violated by the system output error.

Numerical simulations on a mass-spring-damper system demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method compared to previous PPC approaches with fixed exponential decay rates.

Stats

The system parameters are: m = 1 kg, c = 2 N·s/m, k = 8 N/m, and the input saturation limit is 20 N.

Quotes

"This work proposes a self-tuning method for the decay rate of the prescribed performance function (PF) to achieve faster steady-state convergence while avoiding the risk of error violation beyond the PF's envelopes, which may arise from input saturation and improper decay rate selection in traditional prescribed performance control (PPC) methods."
"The self-tuning decay rate design ensures that the overall trend of the tracking error is always decaying, with the rate of decay changing adaptively. The final steady-state accuracy is not relaxed as the decay rate of the PF decreases."

Key Insights Distilled From

Self-Adjusting Prescribed Performance Control for Nonlinear Systems with Input Saturation

by Zhuwu Shao,Y... at arxiv.org 04-23-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.13714.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the proposed self-tuning method be extended to handle more general classes of nonlinear systems, such as those with time-varying parameters or uncertainties

To extend the proposed self-tuning method to handle more general classes of nonlinear systems, such as those with time-varying parameters or uncertainties, several modifications and enhancements can be considered:

Adaptive Parameter Estimation: Incorporating adaptive parameter estimation techniques, such as adaptive observers or adaptive control algorithms, can help in handling time-varying parameters. By continuously updating the estimates of the uncertain parameters, the controller can adapt to changes in the system dynamics over time.

Robust Control Strategies: Introducing robust control strategies, such as robust adaptive control or sliding mode control, can enhance the system's ability to handle uncertainties. These techniques can provide stability guarantees and performance robustness in the presence of varying system parameters.

Online System Identification: Implementing online system identification methods can improve the controller's ability to adapt to changing system dynamics. By continuously updating the system model based on real-time data, the controller can adjust its parameters to accommodate uncertainties.

Nonlinear Control Techniques: Utilizing advanced nonlinear control techniques, such as backstepping control or sliding mode control, can offer improved performance in handling complex nonlinearities and uncertainties. These methods can provide better tracking accuracy and disturbance rejection capabilities.

By integrating these approaches into the self-tuning framework, the controller can effectively handle a broader range of nonlinear systems with varying parameters and uncertainties, ensuring robust performance and stability.

What are the potential applications of the self-adjusting prescribed performance control approach in real-world engineering problems, and how can it be further optimized for specific use cases

The self-adjusting prescribed performance control approach has various potential applications in real-world engineering problems, including but not limited to:

Robotics and Automation: In robotic systems, the self-adjusting control approach can enhance trajectory tracking accuracy, improve disturbance rejection, and ensure safety in dynamic environments. It can be applied to robotic manipulators, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation systems.

Aerospace and Aviation: The approach can be utilized in aircraft control systems to achieve precise maneuvering, robust performance in the presence of disturbances, and compliance with safety regulations. It can enhance flight control systems, autopilots, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Power Systems: In power grid control and renewable energy systems, the self-adjusting control approach can optimize energy generation, improve grid stability, and enhance fault tolerance. It can be applied to smart grids, wind turbines, and energy storage systems.

Biomedical Engineering: The approach can be used in medical devices and systems to ensure accurate control of drug delivery, patient monitoring, and surgical robots. It can enhance the performance and safety of healthcare technologies.

To further optimize the approach for specific use cases, considerations can include:

Customized Performance Metrics: Tailoring the performance index function to specific requirements and constraints of the application.
Hardware Integration: Integrating the control approach with hardware components to minimize latency and improve real-time responsiveness.
Machine Learning Integration: Incorporating machine learning algorithms for adaptive tuning and optimization based on data-driven insights.
Fault Detection and Isolation: Implementing fault detection and isolation mechanisms to enhance system reliability and robustness.
By customizing the approach to the unique demands of each application domain and incorporating advanced optimization techniques, the self-adjusting prescribed performance control can be further optimized for specific use cases.

The self-tuning mechanism in this work is based on the performance index function (PIF) and the relative distance between the system error and the envelope of the PIF. Are there alternative approaches to determine the self-adjusting rates of the prescribed performance functions that could offer additional benefits or flexibility

While the self-tuning mechanism in this work is based on the performance index function (PIF) and the relative distance between the system error and the envelope of the PIF, alternative approaches can offer additional benefits or flexibility in determining the self-adjusting rates of the prescribed performance functions:

Adaptive Learning Algorithms: Implementing adaptive learning algorithms, such as reinforcement learning or neural networks, can dynamically adjust the performance function's decay rates based on real-time system behavior. This adaptive approach can optimize the control performance in varying operating conditions.

Model Predictive Control (MPC): Utilizing MPC techniques can enable predictive adjustments of the performance function's parameters to optimize future system behavior. By considering future system states and constraints, MPC can enhance the control performance and responsiveness.

Fuzzy Logic Control: Employing fuzzy logic control can provide a more flexible and interpretable framework for adjusting the prescribed performance functions. Fuzzy logic systems can capture complex relationships between system variables and adapt the control parameters accordingly.

Multi-Objective Optimization: Incorporating multi-objective optimization techniques can balance conflicting control objectives and constraints effectively. By optimizing multiple performance criteria simultaneously, the control system can achieve a more robust and versatile performance.

By exploring these alternative approaches and combining them with the existing self-tuning mechanism, the control system can benefit from enhanced adaptability, improved performance, and increased flexibility in handling complex nonlinear systems and uncertainties.