Position Control of a 2D Nonlinear Gantry Crane System Using Model Predictive Controller

Abstract

This paper presents the application of model predictive controller for controlling a nonlinear 2D gantry crane system with a DC motor as an actuator. The gantry crane system (GCS) dynamics is derived using Lagrange equation method. A model predictive controller is designed based on the linearised GCS and prediction cost function to ensure accurate positioning and oscillation reduction. Simulation via MATLAB and Simulink was performed to investigate the performance of the model predictive controller on the GCS. The controller test was done under several elements altering the behaviour of the system. The closed loop system was analysed considering different cable length, payload mass and trolley position. It was found that the closed loop control meets the main goal of this work, trolley positioning as fast as possible with minimum payload swinging all within a robust input voltage.