Morphing controllers for nonlinear systems

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Developing controllers to track complex processing conditions profiles in advanced manufacturing, petrochemical industries, renewable energy systems and aerospace (eg. Canada Arm) is much needed in order to provide effective and energy efficient control. Researchers in the field of control theory and practical applications have produced sound findings and results that have solved challenging problems in nonlinear control. Tracking complex trajectories for fast reacting nonlinear systems, as well as for multivariable processes is challenging and requires an enhanced control concept or approach methodology. Based on this background, the research proposal focuses on theoretical formulations, simulations and practical implementations of a unique morphing control strategy for tracking unusual setpoint profiles for nonlinear systems. While many researchers have worked on this research topic which is thriving and ongoing, the research here aims directly at the formulation of a new control engine or method to address the problem of nonlinear control. The applicant's research is aimed at formulating a generic morphing controller that is suitable for handling several nonlinear attributes such as stiction, hysteresis, saturation, manipulated variable or control move dependent process gain and time constants, nonlinear deadzone and other nonlinear attributes. Four graduate students will conduct research, two at the MScE level and two at the PhD level. The two MScE and one PhD will focus on developing a generic intelligent modeling scheme that can be operate offline, as well as operating in realtime during closed-loop control for many types of nonlinear systems. The second PhD student will focus on developing a generic controller capable of handling a wide range of nonlinear systems. The student will combine the intelligent modelling and control algorithms and methodologies resulting in the morphing nonlinear control strategy. The applicant expects this research program will have significant impact on providing effective control performance for tracking complex trajectories and processing conditions, providing a minimum energy path.