Data-Driven Controller Tuning Using Frequency Domain Specifications

A model-free PID controller tuning approach is presented in this paper. The method can handle different stability and performance indicators in the frequency domain. The phase margin, gain margin, crossover frequency and more advanced indicators which are the infinity-norm of the sensitivity functions can be considered as well for the design. The actual values of the design parameters are measured directly on the system thanks to closed-loop experiments. A frequency criterion is then defined as the weighted sum of squared errors between the measured and desired values of the design parameters. The minimization is done iteratively using the Gauss-Newton algorithm. The approach presented does not require any parametric model of the plant and can be applied to a wide range of industrial applications. Simulation examples show the rapid convergence of the algorithm and the effectiveness of the method for PID controller tuning.

Frequency-Domain Control Design in Power Systems

Christoph Manuel Kammer

The scope of this thesis encompasses two main subjects: fixed-structure data-driven control design on one side, and control design in power systems on the other. The overall goal is to identify challenging and relevant problems in power systems, to express them as rigorous specifications from the viewpoint of control systems, and to solve them by developing and applying advanced methods in robust control. This work aims to combine expertise from both fields to open up a holistic perspective and bridge the gap between control and power systems. First, the derivation of a novel fixed-structure, data-driven frequency-domain control design method for multivariable systems is described. A key feature of the method is that only the frequency response of the plant is required for the design, and no parametric model is required. The designed controllers are fully parametrized in terms of matrix polynomial functions and can take a centralized, decentralized or distributed structure. The controller performance is formulated as H_2 and H_infinity constraints on any loop transfer function. A convex formulation of the optimization problem is derived, and it is shown that the solution converges to a locally optimal solution of the original problem. The versatility of the design method is demonstrated in various simulation examples, as well as in experiments on two electromechanical setups. Next, a frequency-domain modeling approach for power grids is discussed. A model based on dynamic phasors is developed that represents the electromagnetic and electromechanic dynamics of lines, inverters, synchronous machines and constant power loads. It also offers a modular structure that makes it straightforward to combine white-, grey- and blackbox models in a single framework. Then, the control design method and dynamic phasor model are applied in two relevant power systems case studies. First, the design of a decentralized current controller for parallel, grid-connected voltage source inverters in a typical distribution grid is considered. It is shown how performance specifications can be formulated as frequency-domain constraints in order to attenuate the resonances introduced by the output filters and coupling effects, and to provide robustness against model uncertainties and grid topology changes. The controllers for all VSIs are designed in a single step, and stability and performance is guaranteed by design. Furthermore, an approach for plug-and-play control design is presented. The results are validated in numerical simulation as well as in power-hardware-in-the-loop experiments. The second study concerns the design of a distributed controller that combines primary and secondary frequency and voltage control for an islanded, meshed low-voltage grid with any number of voltage source inverters and synchronous generators in a single framework. No assumption on the R/X-ratio of the lines is made, and it is shown how advanced control specifications such as proportional active power sharing, zero frequency steady-state error and decoupling can be formulated as constraints on the norm of weighted sensitivity functions. Furthermore, the communication delays of the distributed controller are considered exactly during the design. The controller is implemented in numerical simulation, and results show significantly improved performance as compared to the classical hierarchical structure.

EPFL2018

The Design and Control of the Multi-Modal Locomotion Origami Robot, Tribot

Mohsen Falahi, Jamie Paik, Zhenishbek Zhakypov

Origami robots (Robogamis) use architecture to strategically activate different sets and sequence of actuators to achieve large variety of reconfigurable forms. Tribot is a unique mobile origami robot that can simultaneously choose between two modes of locomotion: jumping and crawling. When assembled, Tribot measures 64 x 34 x 20 mm^3, weighs 4 g, crawls at 17% of its body length per gait cycle and jumps seven times its height repeatedly without needing to be reset. To optimize the practicality of the nominally 2D design, we made two different approaches to build the prototypes. For one of them, we used the "traditional", monolithic, layer-by-layer robogami fabrication method and the second, we printed out most parts using a multi-material 3D printer. By showing the performance of two prototypes side-by-side, we show that with the 3D printer, we can minimize the number of functional layers and reduce the fabrication time. The embedded sensors allow Tribot's crawling gait pattern and jumping height to be modulated with a closed loop control. We compare the expected gait step size and displacement to that of the presented prototype while describing the design and control parameters to achieve the experimental results. We also illustrated the preliminary graphical design tool platform developed to optimize the next design iteration of Tribot.

2015

Uncooperative Rendezvous in Space: Design of an Electronic Architecture for High Performance Avionic with Multi Sensor Input and Intensive Data Rate.

Michaël Yannick Juillard

Active Debris Removal missions consist of sending a satellite in space and removing one or more debris from their current orbit. A key challenge is to obtain information about the uncooperative target. By gathering the velocity, position, and rotation of the desired object, the satellite is able to plan its trajectory and define the sequence of approach. It requires the use of a variety of sensors with often a high data rate. For this task, a dedicated payload computer is envisioned with the responsibility of processing the information from the various rendezvous sensors. This component has the goal to provide meaningful information to the main satellite computer about the targeted debris. The focus of this work is on the data processing, the number of elements, and the electrical energy with constraints due to internal communication.First, an avionic testbench was built at the EPFL Space Center to assess early hardware and software architectures. The goal is to enable Hardware-In-the-Loop testing while developing the payload computer. A communication data bus has been implemented between the Platform and the Payload On-Board Computer. Emphasis was placed on the reliability of the high-level protocol and multiple concepts for improvement were analyzed.In a second phase, the testbench has been extended to support other data buses. The aim was to develop a reliable and efficient backup or fall-back data bus in case of failure in the main link. Four data buses have been tested with extensive analyses on their resilience to error and the efficiency of their data exchange.In parallel, extensive work has been performed to develop a simulation and optimization tool. Its goal is to support the design of payload avionic architectures for ADR missions by providing trade-offs and analyses. In the first iteration, a simulator has been created with instances of various high-level elements modeled.The second iteration introduced the additional dimension of optimization. It is trying to determine the best set of instruments and algorithms to use. With this capability, numerous analyses have been conducted on the influence of various parameters linked to the general optimizer behavior. It allows us to better understand the strength and limitations of the tool.The third step regarding the tool was to start its verification. The task has been to develop an Hardware-In-the-Loop architecture to compare its behavior with the results of the optimizer. The implementation of various mock-up algorithms enables the verification of their models in the tool. These analyses guarantee the feasibility of the outputted solution.The last part was dedicated to the creation and analysis of a realistic payload avionic architecture. The goal was to test the capability of the tool with hardware elements inspired by actual components. This work has shown the procedure to efficiently use the tool in the design phase of a mission.In conclusion, the work on the communication between the Payload and the Platform On-Board Computer has brought valuable lessons and experiences to the projects. They can now be used for the establishment of the high-level protocol into ClearSpace-1 flight software. In addition, the optimizer created allows tackling the design of complex payload avionic architecture where mass saving and processing resources are crucial. It is an essential point to develop a highly efficient payload computer for an Active Debris Removal satellite.