Neurofuzzy network based self-tuning control with offset eliminating

Abstract

The design of nonlinear controllers involves first selecting the input and then determining the nonlinear functions for the controllers. Since systems described by smooth nonlinear functions can be approximated by linear models in the neighbourhood of the selected operating points, the input of the nonlinear controller at these operating points can be chosen to be identical to those of the local linear controllers. Following this approach, it is proposed that the input of the nonlinear controller are similarly chosen, and that the local linear controllers are designed based on the integrating and k-incremental suboptimal control laws for their ability to remove offsets. Neurofuzzy networks are used to implement the nonlinear controllers for their ability to approximate nonlinear functions with arbitrary accuracy, and to be trained from experimental data. These nonlinear controllers are referred to as neurofuzzy controllers for convenience. As the integrating and k-incremental control laws have also been applied to implement self-tuning controllers, the proposed neurofuzzy controllers can also be interpreted as self-tuning nonlinear controllers. The training target for the neurofuzzy controllers is derived, and online training of the neurofuzzy controllers using a simplified recursive least squares (SRLS) method is presented. It is shown that using the SRLS method, computing time to train the neurofuzzy controllers can be drastically reduced and the ability to track varying dynamics improved. The performance of the neurofuzzy controllers and their ability to remove offsets are demonstrated by two simulation examples involving a linear and a nonlinear system, and a case study involving the control of the drum water level in the boiler of a power generation system.