Reliability and safety assessment of wireless networked control systems

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Reliability and safety are primary concerns with industrial systems, especially in safety-critical applications. People are reluctant to adopt new technologies, if there is any uncertainty that it might endanger public safety. Therefore, reliability and safety assessment is of paramount importance for the successful application of new technologies in safety-critical engineering systems.Wireless Networked Control System (WNCS) is an emerging technology that links system nodes (sensors, controllers and actuators) through a wireless communication network. There are many advantages of WNCS over conventional control systems: lower costs, less maintenance, faster deployment, and more flexibility. However, when a wireless network is introduced into a control system, many challenges arise. This research program aims to investigate the reliability and safety of WNCS, and to improve its performance through risk-informed decision-making involving communication scheduling and controller design.This research program will have potential benefits to several industries in Canada. For example, the nuclear industry is heavily burdened by costs associated with cables. The aerospace industry desires lighter controllers. Wireless networked control could be highly advantageous for these industries. The reliability and safety assessment performed in this research will gain a fundamental understanding of reliability and safety of WNCS and build confidence, when adopting such systems in industrial applications.This research program will also provide training opportunities for M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. students. These graduate students will gain valuable experience in reliability and safety assessment, as well as simulation and experimental design of WNCS.