Model-free finite-horizon optimal tracking control of discrete-time linear systems

Abstract

Conventionally, the finite-horizon linear quadratic tracking (FHLQT) problem relies on solving the time-varying Riccati equations and the time-varying non-causal difference equations as the system dynamics is known. In this paper, with unknown system dynamics being considered, a Q-function-based model-free method is developed to solve the FHLQT problem. First, an augmented system consisting of the controlled system and the desired trajectory system is formulated, and the FHLQT problem transforms to the finite-horizon linear quadratic regulator (FHLQR) problem with the augmented system. Then, a time-varying Q-function which depends explicitly on the control input is defined. With the defined time-varying Q-function, a model-free finite-horizon control method is developed to approximate the solutions of the time-varying Riccati equations of the transformed FHLQR problem. At last, simulation studies are carried out to verify the validity of the developed method.