OPTIMAL CONTROL OF AN ACTUATOR OF A ROBOTIC GEARBOX

Abstract

Problem. Despite the vigorous development of electric vehicles, the task of facilitating the driver to handle with elements of mechanical transmission remains relevant. For this purpose, the automation of mechanical transmission units is performed. For instance, so-called robotic gearboxes are widespread. The principle of operation of such gearboxes is similar to mechanical ones, but special separate actuators carry out the selection and shifting into the desired gear. The design of a robotic gearbox was proposed at the Automobile Department of Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University. At this gearbox, two DC motors are used as actuators. The efficiency of this gearbox largely depends on the efficiency of the DC motors control system, which should provide smooth but at the same time fast and accurate positioning of their shafts. In previous works, PID controllers were used to controlling the actuator of the gearbox. However, although the PID controller provides satisfactory quality of the control system, it is not an optimal controller. Goal. The goal of this paper is to develop an optimal controller for the actuators of the robotic gearbox mentioned above. Methodology. To meet this goal, it was proposed to use a linear-quadratic controller (LQR). The analysis of the impact on transient processes in the control system of the values of the weighting factors in the quadratic performance criterion is performed. Results. The LQR synthesized provides high speed of response (within of 0.5 s) at the desired gear selecting and more than two times less overshoot compared to the PID regulator. Originality. The regularities in the gearbox drive performance when changing the values of the weighting factors in the performance criterion have been established. An optimal control system for the robotic gearbox actuator has been developed. Practical value. The implementation of the designed controller will increase the efficiency of the gearbox under consideration.