A convection/reaction/switching system

We consider a spatially distributed hybrid system consisting of a convection/reaction system in which the reaction switches discontinuously in time between modes, independently at each spatial point on reaching “switching thresholds”. The model involves a novel formulation for evolution of the free boundary between the modal regions.     

Hybrid port–Hamiltonian systems: From parameterized incidence matrices to hybrid automata

This paper shows how to formally design a hybrid automaton model for a wide class of dissipative physical systems with sources and switching topology. This method is based on a mathematical representation of the dynamic network graph and of its dual graph, using the hybrid incidence matrix, and on a constructive method for analyzing admissible and constrained configurations. The port–Hamiltonian representation associated with the set of hybrid system configurations, parameterized by the discrete state of the switches, is synthesized to be part of the hybrid automaton of the system. This is a further step towards a generic control synthesis for physical switching systems.     

Stability and stabilization of impulsive switched system with inappropriate impulsive switching signals under asynchronous switching

The main objective of this paper is to study the stability and stabilization problems for a class of impulsive switched systems with inappropriate impulsive switching signals under asynchronous switching. Here, “inappropriate” means that the impulse jump moment may be inconsistent with the asynchronous switching moment or the system switching moment. And “asynchronous” implies that the switching of controller modes lags behind that of system modes. The hybrid case of stable or unstable subsystems combining with stable and unstable impulses is explored. A novel Lyapunov-like function is constructed, which is discontinuous at some special instants, including the switching instants, the instants when the system modes and filter modes are matched, and the impulse jump instants. Based on the novel multiple Lyapunov-like function, the sufficient conditions for the closed loop system to be globally uniformly exponentially stable (GUES) are obtained with admissible edge-dependent switching signals. Furthermore, by excogitating the state-feedback switching controller, the gain matrix of the controller can be obtained by solving the linear matrix inequalities. Finally, two numerical examples and simulation results are given to prove the effectiveness of our main results.     

Robust tube-based MPC of constrained piecewise affine systems with bounded additive disturbances

In this article, we propose a robust tube-based MPC formulation for a class of hybrid systems, namely autonomously switched PWA systems, with bounded additive disturbances. The term tube-based refers to those control techniques whose objective is to maintain all possible trajectories of the uncertain system inside a tube which is a set around the nominal (or reference) system trajectory, that is free from disturbances. Common methods in tube-based control systems consider an error dynamical system as the difference between the state of the nominal system and the state of the perturbed system. However, this definition of the error dynamical system leads to a complicated switched affine system for PWA systems. Therefore, we use a new notion of the reference system similar to the nominal system except that the switching between the various modes of the PWA system is driven by the state of the real system. Using this reference system instead of the nominal system leads us to an error dynamical system that can be modeled as a switched linear system. We employ a switched linear controller to stabilize this error system under arbitrary switching. This auxiliary controller forces the states of the uncertain system to remain in a tube confined to the invariant set around the state of the reference system. We add new constraints and tighten some other constraints of the nominal hybrid MPC for the reference system, in order to ensure convergence of the uncertain system and to guarantee robust exponential stability of the closed-loop system.     

Digital idle speed control of automotive engines: A safety problem for hybrid systems

We address the idle speed control problem in automotive electronics using hybrid methods to derive a digital control law with guaranteed properties. Associating a switching system with the hybrid system that describes the engine operation is crucial to developing a computationally feasible approach. For switching systems with minimum and maximum dwell times and controlled resets, we are able to derive digital control strategies with guaranteed properties that ensure safety. The proposed methodology, while motivated by the idle control problem, is of general interest for hybrid systems for which minimum and maximum dwell times can be established. In our modeling approach, we do not assume synchronization between sampling time and switching time. This is an important technical aspect in general, and in particular for our application, where there is no reason why sampling and switching should be synchronized. Some simulation results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.     

Online clustering of switching models based on a subspace framework

This paper deals with the modelling of switching systems and focuses on the characterization of the local functioning modes using the online clustering approach. The system considered is represented as a weighted sum of local linear models where each model could have its own structure. This implies that the parameters and the order of the switching system could change when the system switches. Moreover, possible constants of the local models are also unknown. The method presented consists of two steps. First, an online estimation method of the Markov parameters matrix of the local linear models is established. Secondly, the labelling of these parameters is done using a dynamical decision space worked out with learning techniques; each local model being represented by a cluster. The paper ends with an example and a discussion with an aim of illustrating the method’s performance.     

Modeling and Analysis of Modal Switching in Networked Transport Systems

We consider networked transport systems defined on directed graphs: the dynamics on the edges correspond to solutions of transport equations with space dimension one. In addition to the graph setting, a major consideration is the introduction and propagation of discontinuities in the solutions when the system may discontinuously switch modes, naturally or as a hybrid control. This kind of switching has been extensively studied for ordinary differential equations, but not much so far for systems governed by partial differential equations. In particular, we give well-posedness results for switching as a control, both in finite horizon open loop operation and as feedback based on sensor measurements in the system.     

Optimality of D-Policies for an M/G/1 Queue with a Removable Server

We consider an M/G/1 queue with a removable server. When a customer arrives, the workload becomes known. The cost structure consists of switching costs, running costs, and holding costs per unit time which is a nonnegative nondecreasing right-continuous function of a current workload in the system. We prove an old conjecture that D-policies are optimal for the average cost per unit time criterion. It means that for this criterion there is an optimal policy that either runs the server all the time or switches the server off when the system becomes empty and switches it on when the workload reaches or exceeds some threshold D.     

A parameter estimation scheme for a class of sequential hybrid systems

It may happen that the equations governing the response of dynamical systems have some parameters whose values may not be known a priori and have to be obtained using parameter estimation schemes. In this article, we present a parameter estimation scheme for a class of sequential hybrid systems. By hybrid systems, we refer to those systems whose response is described by different governing equations corresponding to various regimes/modes of operation along with some criteria to switch between the same. In a sequential hybrid system, the different modes are arranged in a specific sequence and the system can switch from a given mode to either the previous mode or the following mode in this sequence. Here, we consider those systems whose governing equations consist of ordinary differential equations and algebraic equations. The conditions for switching between the various modes (referred to as transition conditions) are in the form of linear inequalities involving the system output. We shall first consider the case where the transition conditions are known completely. We present a parameter update scheme along with sufficient conditions that will guarantee bounded parameter estimation errors. Then, we shall consider the case where the transition conditions are not known in the sense that some parameters in these conditions are not known. We present a parameter estimation scheme for this case. We illustrate the performance of the parameter estimation scheme in both cases with some examples.     

Applications of numerical optimal control to nonlinear hybrid systems

This paper develops a technique for numerically solving hybrid optimal control problems. The theoretical foundation of the approach is a recently developed methodology by S.C. Bengea and R.A. DeCarlo [Optimal control of switching systems, Automatica. A Journal of IFAC 41 (1) (2005) 11–27] for solving switched optimal control problems through embedding. The methodology is extended to incorporate hybrid behavior stemming from autonomous (uncontrolled) switches that results in plant equations with piecewise smooth vector fields. We demonstrate that when the system has no memory, the embedding technique can be used to reduce the hybrid optimal control problem for such systems to the traditional one. In particular, we show that the solution methodology does not require mixed integer programming (MIP) methods, but rather can utilize traditional nonlinear programming techniques such as sequential quadratic programming (SQP). By dramatically reducing the computational complexity over existing approaches, the proposed techniques make optimal control highly appealing for hybrid systems. This appeal is concretely demonstrated in an exhaustive application to a unicycle model that contains both autonomous and controlled switches; optimal and model predictive control solutions are given for two types of models using both a minimum energy and minimum time performance index. Controller performance is evaluated in the presence of a step frictional disturbance and parameter uncertainties which demonstrates the robustness of the controllers.     

Estimate of the attraction domain for a class of nonlinear switched systems

We consider a hybrid dynamical system composed of a family of subsystems of nonlinear differential equations and a switching law which determines the order of their operation. It is assumed that subsystems are homogeneous with homogeneity degrees less than one, and zero solutions of all subsystems are asymptotically stable. Using the Lyapunov direct method and the method of differential inequalities, we determine classes of switching laws providing prescribed estimates of domains of attraction for zero solutions of the corresponding hybrid systems. The developed approaches are used for the stabilization of a double integrator.     

Problem of Stabilizing a Switching System Using a Piecewise-Linear Control System

The problem of stabilizing a mathematical hybrid system with switchings between the operating modes is solved. Each of these modes is associated with nonlinear differential equations that have control parameters. The switching instances (conditions) are control components. A stabilizer must be designed in positional form that allows the trajectory of the entire nonlinear system to reach the target set in the phase space for a (prescribed) finite time. To solve the problem, k]an apparatus of continuous piecewise-linear Lyapunov functions is used along with the corresponding piecewise-linear control functions. A theorem concerning the sufficient conditions for the stabilizability of a hybrid system in the considered class of controls is proved. An algorithm for constructing the Lyapunov functions and the stabilizer is given.

     

Switched control of a nonholonomic mobile robot

We present a switched control algorithm to stabilize a car-like mobile robot which possesses velocity level nonholonomic constraint. The control approach rests on splitting the system into several second-order subsystems and then stabilizing the system sequentially using finite-time controllers, finally resulting in the mobile robot being moved from one point to another point. State dependent switching control is employed in which the controllers switches on a thin surface in the state-space. Robustness analysis is presented by redefining the switching signal using relaxed switching surface. Both, non-robust and robust controllers are validated through numerical simulation.     

Distributed adaptive switching consensus control of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with switched leader dynamics

In this paper, the leader-following distributed consensus control problem is addressed for general linear multi-agent systems with heterogeneous uncertain agent dynamics and switched leader dynamics. Different from most existing results with a single linear time-invariant (LTI) leader dynamics, the leader dynamics under consideration is composed by a family of LTI models and a switching logic governing the switches among them, which is capable of generating more diverse and sophisticated reference signals to accommodate more complicated consensus control design tasks. A novel distributed adaptive switching consensus protocol is developed by incorporating the model reference adaptive control mechanism and arbitrary switching control technique, which can be synthesized by following a two-layer hierarchical design scheme. A numerical example has been used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

Hybrid dynamical control based on consensus algorithms for current sharing in DC-bus microgrids

The main objective of this work is to propose a novel paradigm for the design of two layers of control laws for DC-bus microgrids in islanded mode. An intensive attention will be paid to the inner control level for the regulation of DC–DC electronic power converters, where the use of Hybrid Dynamical System theory will be crucial to formulate and exploit switching control signals in view of reducing the dissipated energy and improving system performance. Indeed, this recent theory is well suited for analysing power electronic converters, since they combine continuous (voltage and currents) and discrete (on–off state of switches) signals avoiding, in this way, the use of averaged models. Likewise, an outer control level for controlling DC-bus microgrids will be developed to provide a distributed strategy that makes the microgrid scalable and robust with respect to blackouts of sources and/or loads, as well as, to provide a balance in the system of charge of the batteries, following the principle of Multi-Agent System theory. In this distributed strategy, they are several crucial and innovative aspects to be regarded such as the different converter architectures, the hybrid and nonlinear nature of these converters. Stability properties are guaranteed by using singular perturbation analysis.     

Stabilization of switched DAEs via fast switching

Switched differential algebraic equations (switched DAEs) can model dynamical systems with state constraints together with sudden structural changes (switches). These switches may lead to induced jumps and can destabilize the system even in the case that each mode is stable. However, the opposite effect is also possible; in particular, the question of finding a stabilizing switching signal is of interest. Two approaches are presented how to stabilize a switched DAE via fast switching. (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The reliability analysis of probabilistic and interval hybrid structural system

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the reliability of probabilistic and interval hybrid structural system. The hybrid structural system includes two kinds of uncertain parameters—probabilistic parameters and interval parameters. Based on the interval reliability model and probabilistic operation, a new probabilistic and interval hybrid reliability model is proposed. Firstly, we use the interval reliability model to analyze the performance function, and then sum up reliability of all regions divided by the failure plane. Based on the presented optimal criterion enumerating the main failure modes of hybrid structural system and the relationship of failure modes, the reliability of structure system can be obtained. By means of the numerical examples, the hybrid reliability model and the traditional probabilistic reliability model are critically contrasted. The results indicate the presented reliability model is more suitable for analysis and design of these structural systems and it can ensure the security of system well, and it only needs less uncertain information.     

Hybrid dynamical systems with controlled discrete transitions

This invited survey focuses on a new class of systems–hybrid dynamical systems with controlled discrete transitions. A type of system behavior referred to as the controlled infinitesimal dynamics is shown to arise in systems with widely divergent dynamic structures and application domains. This type of behavior is demonstrated to give rise to a new dynamic mode in hybrid system evolution–a controlled discrete transition. Conceptual and analytical frameworks for modeling of and controller synthesis for such transitions are detailed for two systems classes: one requiring bumpless switching among controllers with different properties, and the other–exhibiting single controlled impacts and controlled impact sequences under collision with constraints. The machinery developed for the latter systems is also shown to be capable of analysing the behavior of difficult to model systems characterized by accumulation points, or Zeno-type behavior, and unique system motion extensions beyond them in the form of sliding modes along the constraint boundary. The examples considered demonstrate that dynamical systems with controlled discrete transitions constitute a general class of hybrid systems.     

A robust and informative method for solving large-scale power flow problems

Solving power flow problems is essential for the reliable and efficient operation of an electric power network. However, current software for solving these problems have questionable robustness due to the limitations of the solution methods used. These methods are typically based on the Newton–Raphson method combined with switching heuristics for handling generator reactive power limits and voltage regulation. Among the limitations are the requirement of a good initial solution estimate, the inability to handle near rank-deficient Jacobian matrices, and the convergence issues that may arise due to conflicts between the switching heuristics and the Newton–Raphson process. These limitations are addressed by reformulating the power flow problem and using robust optimization techniques. In particular, the problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem in which the objective function incorporates prior knowledge about power flow solutions, and solved using an augmented Lagrangian algorithm. The prior information included in the objective adds convexity to the problem, guiding iterates towards physically meaningful solutions, and helps the algorithm handle near rank-deficient Jacobian matrices as well as poor initial solution estimates. To eliminate the negative effects of using switching heuristics, generator reactive power limits and voltage regulation are modeled with complementarity constraints, and these are handled using smooth approximations of the Fischer–Burmeister function. Furthermore, when no solution exists, the new method is able to provide sensitivity information that aids an operator on how best to alter the system. The proposed method has been extensively tested on real power flow networks of up to 58k buses.     

Weakly invariant sets of hybrid systems

We consider a mathematical model of a hybrid system in which the continuous dynamics generated at any point in time by one of a given finite family of continuous systems alternates with discrete operations commanding either an instantaneous switching from one system to another, or an instantaneous passage from current coordinates to some other coordinates, or both operations simultaneously. As a special case, we consider a model of a linear switching system. For a hybrid system, we introduce the notion of a weakly invariant set and analyze its structure. We obtain a representation of a weakly invariant set as a union of sets of simpler structure. For the latter sets, we introduce special value functions, for which we obtain expressions by methods of convex analysis. For the same functions, we derive equations of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman type, which permit one to pass from the problem of constructing weakly invariant sets to the control synthesis problem for a hybrid system.