Parametric Piecewise-Affine Approximation of Nonlinear Systems: A Cut-Based Approach

Piecewise-affine (PWA) approximations are widely used among hybrid modeling frameworks as a way to increase computational efficiency in nonlinear control and optimization problems. A variety of approaches to construct PWA approximations have been proposed, most of which are tailored to specific application areas by using some prior knowledge...

Signal selection for local module identification in linear dynamic networks: A graphical approach

In a dynamic network of interconnected transfer functions, it is not necessary to use all the node signals for estimating a local transfer function. Given the network topology, detailed conditions are available for selecting inputs and outputs in a (MIMO) predictor model that warrants consistent and minimum variance estimation of a target...

Max-Min-Plus-Scaling Systems in a Discrete-Event Framework with an Application in Urban Railway

In this paper we discuss modelling and control of discrete-event systems using max-min-plus-scaling systems. We analyse how the basic operations max, min, plus, and scaling occur in the modelling phase and we discuss some general forms for the system. Because of the different/deviating character of the signals in a discrete-event MMPS model,...

Approximate dynamic programming for constrained linear systems: A piecewise quadratic approximation approach

Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) faces challenges in dealing with constraints in control problems. Model predictive control (MPC) is, in comparison, well-known for its accommodation of constraints and stability guarantees, although its computation is sometimes prohibitive. This paper introduces an approach combining the two methodologies...

A conceptual design of two-stream alkali-activated materials

To properly control the reaction kinetics and fresh properties evolution in conventional alkali-activated materials (AAMs), a conceptual design of two-stream AAMs has been proposed in this study. This is achieved by dividing the solid and liquid components in AAMs, including blast furnace slag (BFS) and electric arc furnace slag (EFS)...

Distributed Adaptive Synchronization in Euler Lagrange Networks with Uncertain Interconnections

In this work we propose a new practical synchronization protocol for multiple Euler Lagrange (EL) systems without structural linear-in-the-parameters (LIP) knowledge of the uncertainty and where the agents can be interconnected before control design by unknown state-dependent interconnection terms. This setting is meant to overcome two...

Model Reference Adaptive Stabilizing Control with Application to Leaderless Consensus

This article describes an extension of the well-known model reference adaptive control (MRAC) approach. The extension relies on explicitly involving the tracking error in the feedback control law: it is shown that including this term along with its appropriate extra adaptive gain allows one to handle possibly unstable reference dynamics....

An identification algorithm of switched Box-Jenkins systems in the presence of bounded disturbances: An approach for approximating complex biological wastewater treatment models

This paper focuses on the development of linear Switched Box–Jenkins (SBJ) models for approximating complex dynamical models of biological wastewater treatment processes. We discuss the adaptation of these processes to the SBJ framework, showing the model's generality and flexibility as a class of switched systems that can offer accurate...

Effects of mixing conditions and activator anionic species on the rheology of silicate-activated slag concrete

The proper control of the rheological performance of silicate-based alkali-activated slag (AAS) mixtures is problematic, as the conventional superplasticizers become less effective in alkaline media. Nevertheless, several methods have been proposed to improve the workability of silicate-activated AAS, such as by extending the mixing time, and...

Optimization of Long Trajectories of Dual-Wing AWE Systems with Many Cycles

Rigid-Wake Lifting-Line Vortex Modeling in a Single-Kite AWE Optimal Control Problem

Economic Value of Dual-Wing AWE Systems: a Case Study