Novel consensus framework on discrete-time positive multi-agent systems

Abstract

This paper investigates the consensus of discrete-time positive multi-agent systems. A framework on the consensus of positive multi-agent systems is constructed. By introducing a finite point and a self-feedback term, a novel consensus protocol is proposed to drive all states to common nonnegative finite values. An improved error model is established for positive multi-agent systems. Based on the consensus error model, the consensus of the agents is transformed into the stability of the error systems. Under the proposed consensus protocol and the new consensus error model, the consensus of agents is realized. A copositive Lyapunov function is chosen to derive the consensus of the multi-agent systems. Such a consensus approach is extended for time-delay multi-agent systems. All positivity and consensus conditions can be solved by virtue of linear programming. The main novelties of this paper lie in that: (i) A novel consensus error model is established, (ii) A finite value consensus is achieved, and (iii) Linear programming-based conditions are presented for the consensus design. Finally, two illustrated examples are given to verify the validity of the theoretical findings.