SCO-31306 Systems and Control Theory

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Expected knowledge on:

SCO-20306 Modelling Dynamic Systems

Continuation courses:

SCO-31806 Parameter estimation and Model Structure Identification; SCO-21306 Control Engineering and Process Control

Contents:

People want to be in control. In Wageningen most systems to be controlled are non-linear. Examples are chemical reactors, batch bioreactors , mechanical systems such as robots, climate control systems, environmental systems, but also management systems. This course teaches you how to optimally control such systems based on a mathematical model of the system in state-space form and a criterion reflecting the control objectives. Since the model is hardly ever a perfect description of reality, measurements will be used to improve the information concerning the state of the system. Retrieving this information is performed by so called state observers. Therefore the design and properties of state observers is another important subject considered in this course. Algorithms needed for the implementation of an optimal control strategy will also be presented. The controller designs and their software implementation in a real-time controller will be tested on a computer and on laboratory setups.

Learning outcomes:

The students are expected to:
- know how to represent and analyse dynamic systems in state-space and in input-output form;
- know how to design state observers;
- know the structure of an optimal control system consisting of an open loop and feedback part;
- be able to specify control objectives mathematically using a cost function that is minimised;
- know the necessary optimality conditions for open loop optimal control in terms of a two point boundary value problem that contains the cost function and the systems state-space model;
- know how to apply the theory of optimal filtering and control in practice.

Activities:

- lectures;
- tutorials;
- computer exercises to apply the theory in a Matlab environment;
- design and implementation of state observers and controllers for laboratory setups;
- self-education.

Examination:

Six take-home exams, containing one or two exercises, and a report of the practicals.

Literature:

Course information, lecture notes and chapters from several well-known books on system and control theory will be available at the start of the course. The manuals for the computer exercises can be obtained during the lectures.