Observer-based predictive control with disturbance rejection is a sophisticated control strategy used in multi-motor speed regulation systems to achieve precise and robust control performance. This approach combines concepts from predictive control, disturbance rejection, and observer design to handle complex and uncertain systems effectively. Here are the key principles of this control strategy:
Predictive Control Framework: Observer-based predictive control relies on a predictive control framework, where future control actions are computed by optimizing a cost function over a finite prediction horizon. The predicted system behavior is used to determine the optimal control inputs that will minimize a specified performance criterion, such as tracking accuracy or control effort.
Multi-Motor System Modeling: The first step is to develop a mathematical model that describes the dynamics of the multi-motor system. This model includes parameters that represent the motors' physical characteristics, such as inertia, friction, and electrical properties. The model should also account for interactions between motors and possible disturbances that affect the system.
State Estimation (Observer Design): Since it's not always possible to measure all states of the system directly, an observer (also known as a state estimator) is designed to estimate the unmeasured states based on available measurements. In the context of multi-motor speed regulation, the observer provides estimates of motor speeds and other relevant states, allowing the controller to make informed decisions even with incomplete information.
Disturbance Rejection: Disturbances are external factors that can affect the system's performance. In observer-based predictive control, the controller is designed to actively reject disturbances by considering their potential impact on the system's future behavior. The predictive nature of the control strategy allows the controller to anticipate disturbances and compensate for them proactively.
Optimization Problem: At each control time step, the control problem is formulated as an optimization problem. The objective is to minimize a cost function that incorporates both the desired reference trajectory and the predicted future behavior of the system, while also accounting for control effort and disturbance rejection. The optimization is subject to system dynamics, state constraints, control constraints, and any other relevant operational limits.
Prediction Horizon and Control Horizon: The prediction horizon defines how far into the future the controller predicts the system's behavior, while the control horizon determines the number of future control actions to be computed. A longer prediction horizon can provide better disturbance rejection, but it may also increase computational complexity.
Online Computations: Observer-based predictive control requires solving the optimization problem online at each control time step. This involves calculating the optimal control actions based on the current state estimates, reference trajectory, and disturbance predictions. Modern optimization algorithms are employed to efficiently solve these complex optimization problems in real-time.
Adaptation and Learning: To improve the controller's performance over time and in the face of changing system dynamics or disturbances, adaptive and learning mechanisms can be incorporated. These mechanisms continuously update the controller's parameters or online model to enhance its predictive capabilities and disturbance rejection.
In summary, observer-based predictive control with disturbance rejection for multi-motor speed regulation is a sophisticated control approach that combines predictive control, observer design, and disturbance rejection techniques to achieve accurate and robust control of a complex multi-motor system. It leverages predictive models, state estimation, and optimization to anticipate and counteract disturbances, leading to improved control performance and stability.