On Selection of Control Parameters for H∞ Output Feedback

Abstract

In this paper, an H∞ direct output feedback control algorithm through minimizing the entropy, a performance index measuring the tradeoff between H∞ optimality and H2 optimality, is employed to design the control system in reducing structural responses due to dynamic loads such as earthquakes. The control forces are obtained from the multiplication of direct output measurements by a pre-calculated time-invariant feedback gain matrix. To achieve optimal control performance, the strategy to select both control parameters γ and α is extensively investigated. The decrease of γ or increase of α results in better control effectiveness, but larger control force requirement. For a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) damped structure, exact solutions of output feedback gains and control parameters are derived. It can be proved analytically that the LQR control is a special case of the proposed H∞ control. Direct velocity feedback control is effective in reducing structural responses with very small number of sensors and controllers compared with the DOFs of the structure. In active control of a real structure, control force execution time delay cannot be avoided. Relatively small delay time not only can render the control ineffective, but also may cause system instability. In this study, explicit formulas to calculate maximum allowable delay time and critical control parameters are derived for the design of a stable control system. Some solutions are also proposed to increase the maximum allowable delay time.