The study of non-linear input-output maps can be summarized by three concepts: Gain, Positivity and Dissipativity. However, in order to make efficient use of these theorems it is necessary to use loop transformations and weightings, or so called ”multipliers”.The first problem this thesis studies is the feedback interconnection of a Linear Time Invariant system with a memoryless bounded and monotone non-linearity, or so called Absolute Stability problem, for which the test for stability is equivalent to show the existence of a Zames-Falb multiplier. The main advantage of this approach is that Zames–Falb multipliers can be specialized to recover important tools such as Circle criterion and the Popov criterion. Albeit Zames-Falb multipliers are an efficient way of describing non-linearities in frequency domain, the Fourier transform of the multiplier does not preserve the L1 norm. This problem has been addressed by two paradigms: mathematically complex multipliers with exact L1 norm and multipliers with mathematically tractable frequency domain properties but approximate L1 norm. However, this thesis exposes a third factor that leads to conservative results: causality of Zames-Falb multipliers. This thesis exposes the consequences of narrowing the search Zames-Falb multipliers to causal multipliers, and motivated by this argument, introduces an anticausal complementary method for the causal multiplier synthesis in [1].The second subject of this thesis is the feedback interconnection of two bounded systems. The interconnection of two arbitrary systems has been a well understood problem from the point of view of Dissipativity and Passivity. Nonetheless, frequency domain analysis is largely restricted for passive systems by the need of canonically factorizable multipliers, while Dissipativity mostly exploits constant multipliers. This thesis uses IQC to show the stability of the feedback interconnection of two non-linear systems by introducing an equivalent representation of the IQC Theorem, and then studies formally the conditions that the IQC multipliers need. The result of this analysis is then compared with Passivity and Dissipativity by a series of corollaries.

[pt] Nos últimos anos, os robôs móveis têm emergido como uma solução alternativa para o aumento do nível de automação e mecanização na agricultura. Neste contexto, o foco da agricultura de precisão é a otimização do uso de insumos, redução de perdas nas lavouras, redução do desperdício de água e melhorar a produtividade em áreas cada vez menores, tornando a produção mais eficiente e sustentável. Os robôs agrícolas, ou AgBots podem ser controlados remotamente ou atuar de forma autônoma, utilizando diferentes sistemas de locomoção, bem como serem equipados com atuadores e sensores que lhes permitem realizar diversas tarefas agrícolas, tais como plantio, colheita, poda, fenotipagem, monitoramento e coleta de dado, entre outros. Neste trabalho será realizado um estudo em robôs móveis com rodas direcionado para os modelos de tração diferencial e no modelo similar ao carro (com atuação do sistema de direção) e suas aplicações em navegação autônoma em ambientes agrícolas. A modelagem e o projeto de controle baseiam-se em técnica clássicas e avançadas, utilizando abordagens de controle robusto por modo deslisante, tanto de primeira como de segunda ordens (Super Twisting Algorithm) para lidar com incertezas e interferências externas, comumente encontradas no tipo de ambiente agrícola a que se destina. Teste de verificação e validação são realizados através de simulações numéricas (MATLAB) e em ambiente de virtualização 3D (Gazebo). Testes experimentais preliminares são incluídos para ilustrarem as possibilidades de aplicação das metodologias de controle propostas em um ambiente real. Conclusões a respeito do trabalho são apresentadas, desenvolvendo uma discussão sobre os seus pontos mais relevantes, bem como sobre as perspectivas de melhorias futuras e pontos que ainda podem ser melhor pesquisados. / [en] In the last years, mobile robots have emerged as an alternative solution for increasing the levels of automation and mechanization in agricultural fields. In this context, the key idea of precision agriculture is to optimize the use of production inputs, crop losses, waste of water and to increase the crop production in small areas, in an efficient and sustainable manner. Agricultural robots or AgBots may be autonomous or remotely controlled, being endowed with different types of locomotion apparatus, actuation and sensory systems, as well as specialized tools which enable them to carry out a number of agricultural tasks such as, seeding, pruning, harvesting, phenotyping, monitoring and data collection. In this work, we perform a study on two type of wheeled mobile robots (i.e., differential-drive and car-like) and their application for autonomous navigation in agricultural fields. The modeling and control design is based on classical and advanced approaches, using robust control approaches such as Sliding Mode Control (first order) and Super Twisting Algorithm (second order) to deal with parametric uncertainties and external disturbances, commonly founded in agricultural fields. Verification and validation are carried out by means of numerical simulations in MATLAB and 3D computer simulations in Gazebo. Preliminary experimental tests are included to illustrate the performance and feasibility of the proposed modeling and control methodologies. Concluding remarks and perspectives are presented to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solution and to suggest the scope for future improvements.

[pt] Esta tese apresenta o estudo dinâmico de três sistemas pendulares e de um sistema de corpo livre no espaço com 3 graus de liberdade. O primeiro sistema pendular consiste de um pêndulo acoplado ao centro de uma roda, que rola sem escorregar na direção horizontal, enquanto o segundo, se baseia num pêndulo simples, porém com comprimento variável, que ao mudar seu tamanho consegue ganhar/perder energia para aumentar/diminuir a amplitude de seu movimento e finalmente o terceiro está baseado num pêndulo duplo que, a despeito de restrições impostas ao movimento consegue inserir/retirar energia do sistema de forma similar ao segundo. O modelo de corpo livre no espaço está baseado na suspensão cardânica de um giroscópio e se utiliza de um modelo didático real de um giroscópio para observação das características dinâmicas. A partir destes exemplos estudou-se formas de controle não-linear para movimentar os sistemas de maneira a utilizar-se da mudança de posição interna do centro de massa para injetar e retirar energia dos sistemas. Foram gerados modelos matemáticos simulados no Simulink valendo-se do Matlab para análise, e geradas animações também com o Matlab para melhor observação dos efeitos. Em paralelo, para dois destes sistemas foram construídos em bancada experimentos para comprovação dos resultados numéricos, e os resultados são comparados em cada caso, analisando as diferenças. Ao final, todas as observações sobre os estudos foram analisadas, e comentários feitos baseados nos resultados, além de sugerir trabalhos futuros. / [en] This thesis presents the study of the dynamics of three pendulum systems and a 3DoF free body in space. The first pendular system is based on a simple pendulum coupled to the center of a wheel that translates horizontally without slip; while the second system is based on a simple pendulum, with variable length, which is able to acquire/lose energy to grow/diminish the amplitude of its movement; and finally the third one is based on a double pendulum that, in spite of movement restrictions, can as well inject/drop energy like the second system. The free body in space is based on a real gyroscope for didactical use, which is helpful for the observation of the dynamic characteristics of the motion. Using these examples a non-linear control was designed to drive the system by using the property that changing the internal position of the center of mass it is possible to inject or to subtract energy from the systems. Mathematical models were simulated with Simulik software, Matlab was used for the analysis, and animations were created also with Matlab for a better sight of the effects. In parallel, there were developed 2 test rig systems for verification of the numerical results. In the conclusions all the considerations about the study were analyzed, and comments made on the results, as well also future developments are suggested.

Les structures de conversion multi-niveaux parallèles permettent de faire transiter de fortscourants tout en gardant une bonne puissance massique ; celles-ci sont réalisées en parallélisantdes cellules de commutation. Cette parallélisation permet de réduire le courant dans chaquecellule et ainsi de revenir dans des gammes plus standard de composants de puissance. Laparallélisation, en utilisant une commande adaptée, améliore les formes d’onde en sortie duconvertisseur. Ce manuscrit se focalisera sur une structure de conversion multiniveaux parallèlespécifique constituée de bras de hacheur dévolteur en parallèles couplés magnétiquement. Eneffet du fait de la commande entrelacée mise en place, l’ondulation du courant de sortie se voitréduite mais en contrepartie l’utilisation d’inductances séparées sur chaque bras entraine uneaugmentation de l’ondulation des courants de bras, directement liée au nombre de cellules decommutation, en fonction de l’ondulation du courant de sortie. Afin de palier à ce problème cesinductances sont remplacées par un (ou plusieurs) coupleur(s) magnétique(s) qui permet(tent) deréduire l’ondulation de courant dans chaque bras. Cependant dans le but de garantir la nonsaturation ainsi qu’une bonne intégration des coupleurs il est nécessaire de s’assurer del’équilibrage des courants de chaque bras malgré une différence entre les paramètres. Ainsi cemanuscrit s’est axé vers la détermination de différentes méthodes de modélisation découplant lesystème permettant le maintien de l’égale répartition des courants en utilisant des différences derapports cycliques. Ces méthodes de modélisation ont été généralisées afin de réaliser unalgorithme permettant de générer des lois de commande quel que soit le nombre de cellules enparallèle. Dans une dernière partie ces lois de commande ont été testées sur un prototype en lesimplémentant sur FPGA afin de procéder à une vérification expérimentale / The parallel multilevel converters allow high current with a high power-weight ratio by associatingcommutation cells in parallel. This parallelization reduces the current in each cells and so onpermits to use standard range of components. With an adapted command the quality of the outputwaveforms is improved. This report will focus on a specific structure made off Buck converter withmagnetic coupling. Indeed thanks to the interleaved command, the output current ripple is reducedbut in return using separated inductances on each leg leads an increasing of the leg current ripple,directly linked to the number of leg and the ripple of the output current. In order to avoid thisproblem those inductances are replaced by one or more intercell transformers (ICT) that reducethe ripple of each leg current. However in a way to ensure unsaturated ICTs and good integrationit is necessary to balance the current of each leg despite parameter variation. Thus this report isfocused on modeling uncoupling methods for the system ensuring an equal distribution of thecurrents with duty cycles differences. Those modeling methods were generalized to achieve to analgorithm which generate control law whatever the number of leg. In the last part those controllaws are tested on a test bench by implementing them on a FPGA board to validate experimentallythe results

La qualité de la dérivation numérique en ligne d’un signal bruité joue un rôle primordial dans diverses applications touchant différents domaines (1D et 2D). Dans le travail présenté, nous nous sommes intéressés aux dérivateurs type "signal". Nos travaux s’inscrivent dans ce contexte et abordent des aspects théoriques et applicatifs. Du point de vue théorique, une étude de deux familles de dérivateurs a été effectuée. En premier lieu, nous avons étudié les dérivateurs de nature algébrique [travaux du projet INRIA-Non-A] et en deuxième lieu les différentiateurs modes glissants d’ordre supérieur [travaux de Levant]. Cette étude nous a permis de décrire les points forts et les points faibles de chacune de ces approches. Suite à cette étude, une nouvelle version des dérivateurs modes glissants a été proposée. Du point de vue applicatif, une première application dans le domaine 1D est présentée et qui consiste à utiliser le dérivateur proposé pour l’identification paramétrique en ligne d’un robot SCARA à deux axes. La méthode d’identification est validée expérimentalement par comparaison des résultats obtenus avec ceux donnés par d’autres méthodes (méthode en ligne et hors ligne). La deuxième application touche au domaine 2D. Dans ce cas, nous proposons l’application du différentiateur pour la détection des contours dans une image. Pour la validation des résultats, différents essais sont réalisés pour différents types de bruits. Une étude comparative avec des méthodes classiques est effectuée. Pour pouvoir tester l’efficacité du différentiateur dans des boucles de commande nous nous sommes intéressés aux systèmes électrohydrauliques. Le système physique étudié est un servo-vérin électrohydraulique à hautes performances ayant différents modes de fonctionnement. Après une succession d’hypothèses effectuées sur le modèle de simulation, des modèles de commande sont fournis. La dernière partie de ces travaux est dédiée à la synthèse de stratégie de commande via la technique du Backstepping pour le positionnement de l’axe électrohydraulique afin de tester l’efficacité l’algorithme proposé dans des boucles de commande. Comme base de comparaison, la version classique des algorithmes modes glissants est aussi utilisée. / The quality of the on-line differentiation with a noisy signal plays an important role in various applications involving different areas (1D and 2D). In the present work, we were interested particularly to differentiation method which requires a minimal knowledge on the noise and/or the input signal. Our work is registred in this context and address both aspects theoretical and applications. From the theoretical point of view, a study of two families of differentiation algorithm was performed. Firstly, we studied the algorithm based on the algebraic development [the work of the project INRIA-ALIEN] and secondly the differentiators of higher order sliding modes [work Levant] for detailed study. This study allowed us to describe the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Following this study, a new version of sliding modes differentiator was proposed, this last one being the main theoretical contribution of this thesis. To test the efficiency of the proposed version, differents applications were carried out. The first application in 1D is shown, which consists in use the proposed differentiator for online parametric identification of a two-axis SCARA robot. The identification method is validated experimentally by comparing the results obtained with those given by other methods (method online and offline). The second application relates to the 2D domain. In this case, we propose the implementation of the differentiator for the edge detection in an image. To validate the results, various tests are carried out for different types of noise. In order to have some comparison basis, we use the filter Canny and Prewitt masks and the gradient. To test the effectiveness of the differentiator in control loops we are interested in electrohydraulic systems. For this, a model of the hydraulic and mechanical system is made. After a consideration of some assumptions on the simulation model, the control models are provided. To separate the dynamic servovalve/ actuator, a local study is performed. The last part of this work is dedicated to the synthesis of control strategy through the backstepping technique for the positioning of the electro-hydraulic axis in order to test the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in the control loop. As a basis for comparison, the classic version of sliding mode algorithm is also used.

La commande des actionneurs électropneumatiques a été un sujet largement traité au cours des dernières décennies. Le caractère fortement non-linéaire de son comportement en a fait un cas d'étude particulièrement pertinent dans le cadre d'une démarche d'application de la théorie de la commande des systèmes non-linéaires. L'utilisation de ces techniques a été comparée aux approches linéaires traditionnelles et généralement jugée largement supérieure notamment en termes de précision ou de temps de réponse. Dans ce manuscrit nous abordons très spécifiquement l'aspect multivariable du système et introduisons la transformée A-T, similaire à la transformée de Park appliquée classiquement aux systèmes électriques, afin de donner une forme strict feedback à son modèle d'état, de clarifier les phénomènes physiques mis en jeu lors de sa commande et de distinguer les deux degrés de liberté du système. Cette transformée permet en outre une comparaison directe avec les moteurs électriques décrits dans le repère de Park. Ce parallèle rend notamment possible la solution du problème délicat de l'observation de la position à vitesse nulle en transférant des méthodologies déjà validées sur des systèmes électriques. L'exploitation des deux degrés de liberté est illustrée par la synthèse de lois de commande combinant le suivi d'une trajectoire de position du piston au respect d'un second critère variable (réglage de la pressurisation moyenne, optimisation de la consommation instantanée). L'utilisation d'un actionneur électropneumatique asservi comme actionneur à compliance variable est étudiée. Une loi de commande basée sur la transformée A-T est proposée pour contrôler simultanément la position et la raideur pneumatique de l'actionneur. Une méthodologie de réglage des gains de commande est proposée pour définir l'impédance en boucle fermée du système. L'influence de la raideur pneumatique sur la raideur en boucle fermée est étudiée. L'utilisation d'une source d'énergie alternative (de l'hélium sous pression) est également pour la première fois mise en œuvre. L'influence du changement de gaz sur le dimensionnement de l'actionneur électropneumatique est étudiée et une méthodologie permettant d'utiliser les lois de commande prévues pour de l'air est proposée. L'ensemble des propositions faites dans ce manuscrit est testée et validée sur un banc d'essais à la structure inédite. Ce dernier allie deux actionneurs, l'un électropneumatique (l'actionneur étudié) et l'autre, un moteur plat électrique (l'actionneur de charge). L'utilisation de celui-ci permet la génération d'efforts perturbateurs dans une large bande passante ainsi que la modification en temps réel des paramètres mécaniques dynamiques de la charge. / Control of electropneumatic actuator is a subject which has been thoroughly dealt with in the past decades. The strongly non-linear behavior of those systems made them a particularly relevant case study for applications of the non linear control theory. The use of those techniques has been compared to the traditional linear approaches and is generally considered as more efficient in terms of precision and response time. In this work, we specifically deal with the multivariable character of this actuator and we introduce the A-T transformation, similar to the Park Transformation used for electrical systems study, in order to give a strict feedback form to its state model, clarify the physical phenomena occurring during its control and distinguish the system's two degrees of freedom. This transformation allows a comparison with electrical motors described in the Park's frame. This parallel allows to solution the complex problem of zero speed observation of the piston's position by transferring the methodologies which have been previously used on electrical systems. The utilization of the two degrees of freedom is illustrated by the synthesis of control law which combines the piston position trajectory tracking with the respect of a given criterion (which can be the pressurization level or the instantaneous gas consummation optimization). The use of an electropneumatic actuator as a variable stiffness actuator (VSA) is studied. A control law base on the A-T transform is proposed in order to simultaneously control the position and the pneumatic stiffness of the actuator. A control gains tuning strategy is proposed to allow the system closed loop impedance tuning. The influence of the pneumatic stiffness over the closed loop stiffness is studied. An alternative energy source (pressurized helium) is also used for the first time. The influence of the change of gas over the actuator sizing is studied and a methodology allowing using control laws designed for air applications is proposed. Every proposition are tested and validated using an innovative test bench with a unique structure. The latter combines two actuators. One is an electropneumatic actuator (the one studied) and the other one is a linear motor (used as the load actuator). The use of the latter allows disturbance generation in a wide bandwidth and the real-time tuning of the load dynamic characteristics. Finally, the tools developed in this PHD are used in order to validate the implementation of an electropneumatic solution to the thrust vector control problem of a nano scale space launcher. Data provided by the CNES (the French National Space Agency) are used to de ne specific requirements and the flight conditions are reproduced on the test bench to assess the solution quality.

Abstract not available

The nonlinear simulation model of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in MATLAB&reg / /Simulink&reg / environment is developed by taking into consideration all the possible major system components such as actuators, gravity, engine, atmosphere, wind-turbulence models, as well as the aerodynamics components in the 6 DOF equations of motion. Trim and linearization of the developed nonlinear model are accomplished and various related analyses are carried out. The model is validated by comparing with a similar UAV data in terms of open loop dynamic stability characteristics. Using two main approaches / namely, classical and optimal, linear controllers are designed. For the classical approach, Simulink Response Optimization (SRO) tool of MATLAB&reg / /Simulink&reg / is utilized, whereas for the optimal controller approach, linear quadratic (LQ) controller design method is implemented, again by the help of the tools put forth by MATLAB&reg / . The controllers are designed for control of roll, heading, coordinated turn, flight path, pitch, altitude, and airspeed, i.e., for the achievement of all low-level control functions. These linear controllers are integrated into the nonlinear model, by carrying out gain scheduling with respect to airspeed and altitude, controller input linearization regarding the perturbed states and control inputs, and anti integral wind-up scheme regarding the possible wind-up of the integrators in the controller structures. The responses of the nonlinear model controlled with the two controllers are compared based on the military flight control requirements. The advantages and disadvantages of these two frequently used controllers in industry are investigated and discussed. These results are to be evaluated by the designers themselves based on the design criteria of a project that is worked on.

The objective of this research is to verify the three degree of freedom capabilities of a bio-inspired quad flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle in simulation and in hardware. The simulation employs a nonlinear plant model and input-output feedback linearization controller to verify the three degree of freedom capabilities of the vehicle. The hardware is a carbon fiber test bench with four flapping wings and an embedded avionics system which is controlled via a PD linear controller. Verification of the three degree of freedom capabilities of the quad flapping-wing concept is achieved by analyzing the response of both the simulation and test bench to pitch, roll, and yaw attitude commands.

Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο, γίνεται μία αναφορά στις ανανεώσιμες πηγές ενέργειας και αναλύεται περισσότερο η αιολική. Αναφέρεται η πορεία αξιοποίησής της, και παραθέτονται πληροφορίες για την τωρινή χρήση της στην παραγωγή ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας αλλά και μελλοντικές βλέψεις. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται τα χαρακτηριστικά του ανέμου και οι εξισώσεις της ανεμογεννήτριας που μας επιτρέπουν να απομαστεύουμε ενέργεια από τον άνεμο μέσω των ανεμογεννητριών. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται τα δομικά στοιχεία και ο τρόπος με τον οποίο γίνεται η κατηγοριοποίηση των ανεμογεννητριών, οι έλεγχοι που χρησιμοποιούνται και τα είδη των ανεμογεννητριών που χρησιμοποιούνται σήμερα στη βιομηχανία. Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται οι τεχνικές απαιτήσεις για τους αιολικούς σταθμούς στο ελληνικό Σ.Η.Ε. Στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο, γίνεται η προσομοίωση μέσω του προγράμματος Matlab - Simulink ενός μη γραμμικού ελέγχου ισχύος ανεμογεννητριών DFIG για ενσωμάτωση σε εικονικούς σταθμού ισχύος (V.P.P). / In the first chapter, there is a general description about renewable energy resources and more specific, about the wind energy. We present the current worldwide electrical power production and the future requirements for electrical power production in Europe and Greece. In the second chapter, we study the features of the wind performance and the equations that allows us to drain energy from the wind ,using a wind turbine. The third chapter presents the components, the kinds of control and the categories of wind turbines that are in use in industry nowadays. The fourth chapter presents the technical requirements for the wind farms in the Greek System of Electrical Energy. In the fifth chapter we use the program Matlab - Simulink in order to simulate a non-linear direct power control of DFIG wind turbines for Virtual Power Plant (V.P.P.) integration.