This thesis focuses on developing algorithms for brushless AC motor control. First part of the thesis contains derivation of mathematical model and overview of selected sensor and sensorless control methods. Second part introduces simulation model of the motor, developed in Matlab/Simulink environment, with usage of SimPowerSystems toolbox. Following chapter describes realization of control algorithm, utilizing Hall sensors and position estimation. After that, sensorless rotor position estimation module is developed, and its implementation into the model is mentioned. Last chapters deal with development of graphical user interface, meant for changing selected motor and control parameters, and they also summarize and compare achieved results.

This dissertation is a detailed scientific study concerning a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which is coupled to a DC-to-DC converter as the power processor, serving as a power source. The novel aspect of the dissertation is the use of a new controller or nonlinear observer to predict parameter estimation of the fuel cell and the DC-to-DC converter as the load potential changes for the automated control system. Nonlinear control algorithms, which include nonlinear observers, were developed for such systems. / acase@tulane.edu

This paper presents the development of a novel decentralized freeway merge assistance system using the Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) technology. The system provides visual advisories on a Google map through a smart phone application. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first implementation of a DSRC-based freeway merging assistance system-integrated with smart phone application via Bluetooth-that has been tested in real-world on an interstate highway in an uncontrolled environment. Results from field operational tests indicate that this system can successfully advise drivers towards a collaborative and smooth merging experience on typical "Diamond" interchanges.

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Uncertainty involved in the safe and comfort design of the structures is a major concern of civil engineers. Traditionally, the uncertainty has been overcome by utilizing various and relatively large safety factors for loads and structural properties. As a result in conventional design of for example tall buildings, the designed structural elements have unnecessary dimensions that sometimes are more than double of the ones needed to resist normal loads. On the other hand the requirements for strength and safety and comfort can be conflicting. Consequently, an alternative approach for design of the structures may be of great interest in design of safe and comfort structures that also offers economical advantages. Recently, there has been growing interest among the researchers in the concept of structural control as an alternative or complementary approach to the existing approaches of structural design. A few buildings have been designed and built based on this concept. The concept is to utilize a device for applying a force (known as control force) to encounter the effects of disturbing forces like earthquake force. However, the concept still has not found its rightful place among the practical engineers and more research is needed on the subject. One of the main problems in structural control is to find a proper algorithm for determining the optimum control force that should be applied to the structure. The investigation reported in this thesis is concerned with the application of active control to civil engineering structures. From the literature on control theory. (Particularly literature on the control of civil engineering structures) problems faced in application of control theory were identified and classified into two categories: 1) problems common to control of all dynamical systems, and 2) problems which are specially important in control of civil engineering structures. It was concluded that while many control algorithms are suitable for control of dynamical systems, considering the special problems in controlling civil structures and considering the unique future of structural control, many otherwise useful control algorithms face practical problems in application to civil structures. Consequently a set of criteria were set for judging the suitability of the control algorithms for use in control of civil engineering structures. Various types of existing control algorithms were investigated and finally it was concluded that predictive optimal control algorithms possess good characteristics for purpose of control of civil engineering structures. Among predictive control algorithms, those that use ARMA stochastic models for predicting the ground acceleration are better fitted to the structural control environment because all the past measured excitation is used to estimate the trends of the excitation for making qualified guesses about its coming values. However, existing ARMA based predictive algorithms are devised specially for earthquake and require on-line measurement of the external disturbing load which is not possible for dynamic loads like wind or blast. So, the algorithms are not suitable for tall buildings that experience both earthquake and wind loads during their life. Consequently, it was decided to establish a new closed loop predictive optimal control based on ARMA models as the first phase of the study. In this phase it was initially established that ARMA models are capable of predicting response of a linear SDOF system to the earthquake excitation a few steps ahead. The results of the predictions encouraged a search for finding a new closed loop optimal predictive control algorithm for linear SDOF structures based on prediction of the response by ARMA models. The second part of phase I, was devoted to developing and testing the proposed algorithm The new developed algorithm is different from other ARMA based optimal controls since it uses ARMA models for prediction of the structure response while existing algorithms predict the input excitation. Modeling the structure response as an AR or ARMA stochastic process is an effective mean for prediction of the structure response while avoiding measurement of the input excitation. ARMA models used in the algorithm enables it to avoid or reduce the time delay effect by predicting the structure response a few steps ahead. Being a closed loop control, the algorithm is suitable for all structural control conditions and can be used in a single control mechanism for vibration control of tall buildings against wind, earthquake or other random dynamic loads. Consequently the standby time is less than that for existing ARMA based algorithms devised only for earthquakes. This makes the control mechanism more reliable. The proposed algorithm utilizes and combines two different mathematical models. First model is an ARMA model representing the environment and the structure as a single system subjected to the unknown random excitation and the second model is a linear SDOF system which represents the structure subjected to a known past history of the applied control force only. The principle of superposition is then used to combine the results of these two models to predict the total response of the structure as a function of the control force. By using the predicted responses, the minimization of the performance index with respect to the control force is carried out for finding the optimal control force. As phase II, the proposed predictive control algorithm was extended to structures that are more complicated than linear SDOF structures. Initially, the algorithm was extended to linear MDOF structures. Although, the development of the algorithm for MDOF structures was relatively straightforward, during testing of the algorithm, it was found that prediction of the response by ARMA models can not be done as was done for SDOF case. In the SDOF case each of the two components of the state vector (i.e. displacement and velocity) was treated separately as an ARMA stochastic process. However, applying the same approach to each component of the state vector of a MDOF structure did not yield satisfactory results in prediction of the response. Considering the whole state vector as a multi-variable ARMA stochastic vector process yielded the desired results in predicting the response a few steps ahead. In the second part of this phase, the algorithm was extended to non-linear MDOF structures. Since the algorithm had been developed based on the principle of superposition, it was not possible to directly extend the algorithm to non-linear systems. Instead, some generalized response was defined. Then credibility of the ARMA models in predicting the generalized response was verified. Based on this credibility, the algorithm was extended for non-linear MDOF structures. Also in phase II, the stability of a controlled MDOF structure was proved. Both internal and external stability of the system were described and verified. In phase III, some problems of special interest, i.e. soil-structure interaction and control time delay, were investigated and compensated for in the framework of the developed predictive optimal control. In first part of phase III soil-structure interaction was studied. The half-space solution of the SSI effect leads to a frequency dependent representation of the structure-footing system, which is not fit for control purpose. Consequently an equivalent frequency independent system was proposed and defined as a system whose frequency response is equal to the original structure -footing system in the mean squares sense. This equivalent frequency independent system then was used in the control algorithm. In the second part of this phase, an analytical approach was used to tackle the time delay phenomenon in the context of the predictive algorithm described in previous chapters. A generalized performance index was defined considering time delay. Minimization of the generalized performance index resulted into a modified version of the algorithm in which time delay is compensated explicitly. Unlike the time delay compensation technique used in the previous phases of this investigation, which restricts time delay to be an integer multiplier of the sampling period, the modified algorithm allows time delay to be any non-negative number. However, the two approaches produce the same results if time delay is an integer multiplier of the sampling period. For evaluating the proposed algorithm and comparing it with other algorithms, several numerical simulations were carried during the research by using MATLAB and its toolboxes. A few interesting results of these simulations are enumerated below: ARM A models are able to predict the response of both linear and non-linear structures to random inputs such as earthquakes. The proposed predictive optimal control based on ARMA models has produced better results in the context of reducing velocity, displacement, total energy and operational cost compared to classic optimal control. Proposed active control algorithm is very effective in increasing safety and comfort. Its performance is not affected much by errors in the estimation of system parameters (e.g. damping). The effect of soil-structure interaction on the response to control force is considerable. Ignoring SSI will cause a significant change in the magnitude of the frequency response and a shift in the frequencies of the maximum response (resonant frequencies). Compensating the time delay effect by the modified version of the proposed algorithm will improve the performance of the control system in achieving the control goal and reduction of the structural response.

A identificação para controle é baseada especificamente na construção de modelos matemáticos a partir de dados experimentais, cuja finalidade é encontrar uma relação entre um conjunto de entradas e saídas de um processo dinâmico. Estes modelos são de fundamental importância para o projeto de controladores em processos industriais. No presente trabalho é realizada a identificação e o desenvolvimento do sistema de controle para uma planta piloto de neutralização de pH. O procedimento de identificação é baseado na coleta de dados reais do processo de neutralização de pH, operando em malha fechada. A estimativa dos modelos é realizada de duas formas: (1) estimar modelos que representem o comportamento de todo o sistema, incluindo os controladores PID do processo e (2) estimar modelos do processo com os dados coletados dos sinais de controle e as variáveis de saída do processo. Com os modelos do processo estimados projeta-se uma estratégia de controle MPC (Model Predictive Control), envolvendo dois esquemas de controle. O primeiro esquema calculará os set points ótimos que ingressarão nas malhas do processo. O segundo esquema calculará os sinais de controle ótimos que ingressarão diretamente no processo. O tipo de controlador MPC adotado é o QDMC (Quadratic Dynamic Matrix Control), permitindo restringir os sinais de entrada e saída do processo. A avaliação destes esquemas de controle é realizada mediante a mudança do set point das malhas do processo e a influência de perturbações. As perturbações são baseadas no aumento da vazão do ácido que ingressa no reator. / Identification for control system is based specifically on the mathematical models construction from experimental data, whose aim is to find a relationship between a set of inputs and outputs of a dynamic process. These models are fundamentally important for the industrial processes controllers design. In this work is performed the identification and development of the control system for a pH neutralization pilot plant. The identification procedure is based on the real data collected from pH neutralization process, operating in closed loop. The models estimation is performed in two forms: (1) estimating models that represent all system behavior, including process PID controllers and (2) estimating process models with collecting data of the control signals and process output variables. The process models parameters estimation is performed with the algorithms studied in Chapter 4. With the estimated process models is a MPC (Model Predictive Control) control strategy was designed, creating two control schemes. First scheme will compute the optimal set points that will enter to the process-loops. The second scheme will compute the optimal control signals that will enter to the process. The type of MPC controller adopted is a QDMC (Quadratic Dynamic Matrix Control), allowing restriction of the input and output signals. The control schemes evaluation is performed by changing the set point of the process-loops and the disturbance influence. This disturbance is based on acid flow increased that enters the reactor.

In this thesis, focusing on the quality of service (QoS) improvement using per-packet power control algorithm in Ad Hoc Cognitive Packet Networks (AHCPN). A power control mechanism creates as a network-assisted function of ad hoc cognitive packet-based routing and aims at reducing both energy consumption in nodes and QoS requirements. The suggested models facilitate transmission power adjustments while also taking into account the effects on network performance. The thesis concentrate on three main contributions. Firstly, a power control algorithm, namely the adaptive Distributed Power management algorithm (DISPOW) was adopted. Performance of DISPOW was compared to existing mechanisms and the results showed 27, 13, 9, and 40 percent improvements in terms of Delay, Throughput, Packet Loss, and Energy Consumption respectively. Secondly, the DISPOW algorithm was enhanced, namely a Link Expiration Time Aware Distributed Power management algorithm (LETPOW). This approach periodically checks connectivity, transmission power, interference level, routing overhead and Node Mobility in AHCPN. The results show that LETPOW algorithm improves the performance of system. Results show further improvement from DISPOW by 30,25,30,42 percent in terms of delay, packet loss ratio , path lengths and energy consumption respectively. Finally,Hybrid Power Control Algorithm (HLPCA) has presented is a combination of Link Expiration Time Aware Distributed Power management algorithm (LETPOW) and Load Power Control Algorithm (LOADPOW); deal with cross-layer power control applied for transmitting information across the various intermediate layers. LOADPOW emphasis on the concept of transmission Power, Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), and the suitable distance between the receiver and the sender. The proposed algorithm outperforms DISPOW and LETPOW by 31,15,35,34,44 percent in terms of Delay, Throughput, Packet Loss,path length and Energy Consumption respectively. From this work, it can be concluded that optimized power control algorithm applied to Ad-hoc cognitive packet network results in significant improvement in terms of energy consumption and QoS.

abstract: Coordination and control of Intelligent Agents as a team is considered in this thesis. Intelligent agents learn from experiences, and in times of uncertainty use the knowl- edge acquired to make decisions and accomplish their individual or team objectives. Agent objectives are defined using cost functions designed uniquely for the collective task being performed. Individual agent costs are coupled in such a way that group ob- jective is attained while minimizing individual costs. Information Asymmetry refers to situations where interacting agents have no knowledge or partial knowledge of cost functions of other agents. By virtue of their intelligence, i.e., by learning from past experiences agents learn cost functions of other agents, predict their responses and act adaptively to accomplish the team’s goal. Algorithms that agents use for learning others’ cost functions are called Learn- ing Algorithms, and algorithms agents use for computing actuation (control) which drives them towards their goal and minimize their cost functions are called Control Algorithms. Typically knowledge acquired using learning algorithms is used in con- trol algorithms for computing control signals. Learning and control algorithms are designed in such a way that the multi-agent system as a whole remains stable during learning and later at an equilibrium. An equilibrium is defined as the event/point where cost functions of all agents are optimized simultaneously. Cost functions are designed so that the equilibrium coincides with the goal state multi-agent system as a whole is trying to reach. In collective load transport, two or more agents (robots) carry a load from point A to point B in space. Robots could have different control preferences, for example, different actuation abilities, however, are still required to coordinate and perform load transport. Control preferences for each robot are characterized using a scalar parameter θ i unique to the robot being considered and unknown to other robots. With the aid of state and control input observations, agents learn control preferences of other agents, optimize individual costs and drive the multi-agent system to a goal state. Two learning and Control algorithms are presented. In the first algorithm(LCA- 1), an existing work, each agent optimizes a cost function similar to 1-step receding horizon optimal control problem for control. LCA-1 uses recursive least squares as the learning algorithm and guarantees complete learning in two time steps. LCA-1 is experimentally verified as part of this thesis. A novel learning and control algorithm (LCA-2) is proposed and verified in sim- ulations and on hardware. In LCA-2, each agent solves an infinite horizon linear quadratic regulator (LQR) problem for computing control. LCA-2 uses a learning al- gorithm similar to line search methods, and guarantees learning convergence to true values asymptotically. Simulations and hardware implementation show that the LCA-2 is stable for a variety of systems. Load transport is demonstrated using both the algorithms. Ex- periments running algorithm LCA-2 are able to resist disturbances and balance the assumed load better compared to LCA-1. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Electrical Engineering 2018

A identificação para controle é baseada especificamente na construção de modelos matemáticos a partir de dados experimentais, cuja finalidade é encontrar uma relação entre um conjunto de entradas e saídas de um processo dinâmico. Estes modelos são de fundamental importância para o projeto de controladores em processos industriais. No presente trabalho é realizada a identificação e o desenvolvimento do sistema de controle para uma planta piloto de neutralização de pH. O procedimento de identificação é baseado na coleta de dados reais do processo de neutralização de pH, operando em malha fechada. A estimativa dos modelos é realizada de duas formas: (1) estimar modelos que representem o comportamento de todo o sistema, incluindo os controladores PID do processo e (2) estimar modelos do processo com os dados coletados dos sinais de controle e as variáveis de saída do processo. Com os modelos do processo estimados projeta-se uma estratégia de controle MPC (Model Predictive Control), envolvendo dois esquemas de controle. O primeiro esquema calculará os set points ótimos que ingressarão nas malhas do processo. O segundo esquema calculará os sinais de controle ótimos que ingressarão diretamente no processo. O tipo de controlador MPC adotado é o QDMC (Quadratic Dynamic Matrix Control), permitindo restringir os sinais de entrada e saída do processo. A avaliação destes esquemas de controle é realizada mediante a mudança do set point das malhas do processo e a influência de perturbações. As perturbações são baseadas no aumento da vazão do ácido que ingressa no reator. / Identification for control system is based specifically on the mathematical models construction from experimental data, whose aim is to find a relationship between a set of inputs and outputs of a dynamic process. These models are fundamentally important for the industrial processes controllers design. In this work is performed the identification and development of the control system for a pH neutralization pilot plant. The identification procedure is based on the real data collected from pH neutralization process, operating in closed loop. The models estimation is performed in two forms: (1) estimating models that represent all system behavior, including process PID controllers and (2) estimating process models with collecting data of the control signals and process output variables. The process models parameters estimation is performed with the algorithms studied in Chapter 4. With the estimated process models is a MPC (Model Predictive Control) control strategy was designed, creating two control schemes. First scheme will compute the optimal set points that will enter to the process-loops. The second scheme will compute the optimal control signals that will enter to the process. The type of MPC controller adopted is a QDMC (Quadratic Dynamic Matrix Control), allowing restriction of the input and output signals. The control schemes evaluation is performed by changing the set point of the process-loops and the disturbance influence. This disturbance is based on acid flow increased that enters the reactor.

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are nowadays in almost every new building, develop or improve better control strategies for them is very common, looking to have more energy efficiency and require less input parameters from the user. In this project, new control strategies based in previous theory models has been used with a new approach in order to find a good solution for irregular occupied spaces. In this new approach a feed-forward filter with a fixed preheating time, using an algorithm based on an identified model, calculates how much degrees the temperature room can be decreased and regulate the power of the radiators to do it.The results of this project displays that the chosen model have to be changed but the idea is interesting, because the simulations of the reference building give, with a preheating timeof 2 hours, around 3ºC of temperature reduction during 18 days and savings of 33% of the heat energy needed for the whole month.Considering that buildings and the residential sector currently account for 40 percent of Sweden's energy consumption and around 25 percent of other countries like USA or Spain, and that irregular spaces are more or less a 10% of the governmental, institutional, academic or public buildings, the potential savings are not negligible. The evaluation of this control strategy with its mathematical model as well as its resultsduring the month of January and the behavior of the system along the year have been made with the help of IDA program for simulation of the reference building and its energy system.