Feedforward Compensation Research Articles

Aerodynamic Feedforward-Feedback Architecture for Tailsitter Control in Hybrid Flight Regimes

This paper presents a guidance-control design methodology for the autonomous maneuvering of tailsitter transitioning unmanned aerial systems (t-UASs) in hybrid flight regimes (i.e., the dynamics between VTOL and fixed-wing regimes). The tailsitter guidance-control architecture consists of a trajectory planner, an outer-loop position controller, an inner-loop attitude controller, and a control allocator. The trajectory planner uses a simplified tailsitter model, with aerodynamic and wake effect considerations, to generate a set of transition trajectories with associated aerodynamic force estimates based on an optimization metric specified by a human operator (minimum time transition). The outer-loop controller then uses the aerodynamic force estimate computed by the trajectory planner as a feedforward signal alongside feedback linearization of the outer-loop dynamics for 6DOF position control. The inner-loop attitude controller is a standard nonlinear dynamic inversion control law that generates the desired pitch, roll, and yaw moments, which are then converted to the appropriate rotor speeds by the control allocator. Analytical conditions for robust stability are derived for the outer-loop position controller to guarantee performance in the presence of uncertainty in the feedforward aerodynamic force compensation. Finally, both tracking performance and stability of the control architecture are evaluated on a high-fidelity flight dynamics simulation of a quadrotor biplane tailsitter for flight missions that demand high maneuverability in transition between flight modes.

An active disturbance rejection control approach to vibration control on flexible systems based on frequency response

AbstractActive disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is considerably applied due to its advantage of focusing on merely dominant parameters. Research on flexible systems frequently confronting perplexing disturbances can utilize this method to simplify irrelevant items as a single variable. In this paper, we focused on vibration control problems in flexible systems with the application of ADRC and constructed a second‐order system model under the guideline of fundamental principles of ADRC and an innovative algorithm for tuning feedforward compensation ADRC. During the simulation, we discussed three cases in which each solely one parameter varies while others are kept invariant. Time, open‐loop frequency, and close‐loop frequency responses were respectively analyzed in all cases as to determine the stability of the system. According to the simulation results, we arrived at the conclusion: we should choose the specification of a flexible system within an intermediate range and evade from critical system parameters to procure stability and efficiency.

Quasi-Infinite Horizon Model Predictive Control with Fixed-Time Disturbance Observer for Underactuated Surface Vessel Path Following

As a flexible, autonomous and intelligent motion platform, underactuated surface vessels (USVs) are expected to be an ideal means of transport in dangerous and complex marine environments. The success and efficiency of maritime missions performed by USVs depend on their ability to accurately follow paths and remain robust against wind and wave disturbances. To this end, this paper focuses on accurate and robust path following control for USVs under wave disturbances. Model predictive control with a quasi-infinite horizon is proposed which converts the objective function from an infinite horizon to an approximate finite horizon, providing the convergence performance in long prediction horizons and reducing the computation load explicitly. To enhance robustness against disturbances, a fixed-time disturbance observer is applied to estimate the time-varying and bounded disturbances. The estimated value is provided to the controller input to form a robust control framework with disturbance feedforward compensation and predictive control feedback correction, which is substantially different from existing works. The convergence and optimality of the proposed algorithm are presented mathematically. Finally, we demonstrate the advantages of the algorithm in both theory and simulation.

Combined Control for a Piezoelectric Actuator Using a Feed-Forward Neural Network and Feedback Integral Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control.

In recent years, there has been significant interest in incorporating micro-actuators into industrial environments; this interest is driven by advancements in fabrication methods. Piezoelectric actuators (PEAs) have emerged as vital components in various applications that require precise control and manipulation of mechanical systems. These actuators play a crucial role in the micro-positioning systems utilized in nanotechnology, microscopy, and semiconductor manufacturing; they enable extremely fine movements and adjustments and contribute to vibration control systems. More specifically, they are frequently used in precision positioning systems for optical components, mirrors, and lenses, and they enhance the accuracy of laser systems, telescopes, and image stabilization devices. Despite their numerous advantages, PEAs exhibit complex dynamics characterized by phenomena such as hysteresis, which can significantly impact accuracy and performance. The characterization of these non-linearities remains a challenge for PEA modeling. Recurrent artificial neural networks (ANNs) may simplify the modeling of the hysteresis dynamics for feed-forward compensation. To address these challenges, robust control strategies such as integral fast terminal sliding mode control (IFTSMC) have been proposed. Unlike traditional fast terminal sliding mode control methods, IFTSMC includes integral action to minimize steady-state errors, improving the tracking accuracy and disturbance rejection capabilities. However, accurate modeling of the non-linear dynamics of PEAs remains a challenge. In this study, we propose an ANN-based IFTSMC controller to address this issue and to enhance the precision and reliability of PEA positioning systems. We implement and validate the proposed controller in a real-time setup and compare its performance with that of a PID controller. The results obtained from real PEA experiments demonstrate the stability of the novel control structure, as corroborated by the theoretical analysis. Furthermore, experimental validation reveals a notable reduction in error compared to the PID controller.

Feedforward Compensation for Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge DC–DC Converter Under Peak Current Mode Control

Feedforward Compensation for Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge DC–DC Converter Under Peak Current Mode Control

Friction compensation control method for a typical excavator system based on the accurate friction model

Traditional identification methods make it difficult to accurately determine the parameters of the friction model. Based on the LuGre friction model, a hybrid optimization algorithm (HO) is presented to address such aspects. This algorithm combines the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) to obtain the globally optimal solutions. It incorporates three main improvements: introducing selection and crossover operations into the PSO algorithm, utilizing a variable inertia weight coefficient, and applying variable learning coefficients for enhanced performance. Compared to the static optimal solutions of the GA and PSO algorithms, the HO algorithm can improve the optimal solution by 40.68 % and 35.89 % respectively. The HO algorithm can achieve the highest model accuracy: the maximum identified friction error with the HO algorithm is only 1.70 kN, compared to 3.69 kN with the GA method and 8.52 kN with the PSO algorithm. Furthermore, a novel adaptive friction compensation controller (AC) is introduced based on the identification results to improve the stability and accuracy of the electro-hydraulic proportional systems of a 23-ton robotic excavator. Comparisons with existing proportional integral differential (PID) and feedforward compensation controllers (FC) highlight the superiority of the proposed adaptive controller in terms of trajectory accuracy and robustness. In sinusoidal trajectory tracking experiments, the AC method can achieve the highest tracking performance among the three controllers, and the maximum tracking error is only 11.56 mm. Compared to the FC controller, the control accuracy with the AC controller can be improved by 43.38 %. Experiments and simulations have shown that the friction compensation controller can effectively mitigate friction and other disturbances. As a result, the phenomena of crawling and flat peak phenomena can be eliminated.

Sliding mode observer-based model predictive tracking control for Mecanum-wheeled mobile robot

This paper proposes a novel adaptive variable power sliding mode observer-based model predictive control (AVPSMO-MPC) method for the trajectory tracking of a Mecanum-wheeled mobile robot (MWMR) with external disturbances and model uncertainties. First, in the absence of disturbances and uncertainties, a model predictive controller that considers various physical constraints is designed based on the nominal dynamics model of the MWMR, which can transform the tracking problem into a constrained quadratic programming (QP) problem to solve the optimal control inputs online. Subsequently, to improve the anti-jamming ability of the MWMR, an AVPSMO is designed as a feedforward compensation controller to suppress the effects of external disturbances and model uncertainties during the actual motion of the MWMR, and the stability of the AVPSMO is proved via Lyapunov theory. The proposed AVPSMO-MPC method can achieve precise tracking control while ensuring that the constraints of MWMR are not violated in the presence of disturbances and uncertainties. Finally, comparative simulation cases are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.

Active compound shape/vibration control of piezo-actuated variable camber wing section via hybrid feedback/feedforward control scheme

The new concept of compliant morphing wings with piezoelectric conformal actuators has presented its unique advantages compared with rigid morphing wings, but it has also brought a new challenge to design and control. In this study, a compound shape/vibration control strategy for one kind of piezocomposite actuated wing with variable camber is proposed with the purpose to realize a fast, smooth shape morphing process, while overcoming epiphytic vibration problems due to the necessary structural flexibility. A piezo-actuated variable trailing edge wing section was designed by using a compliant corrugated structure installed with actuators made of Macro Fiber Composite (MFC). A compound shape/vibration control system was designed in terms of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) strategy combined with a feedforward compensator for the MFC actuators to eliminate the nonlinear hysteretic/creep issues. An experimental device was established for verification. The experimental results show that rapid, accurate shape morphing can be achieved with the proposed hybrid feedforward/feedback control scheme while suppressing structural vibration. The compound control of low-frequency shape control and high-frequency vibration suppression can be synergistically realized, and the deformation and stability while controlling such compliant morphing wings can be properly balanced. The proposed compound control strategy is a feasible way to realize favorable dynamic control performance of compliant morphing wings in the future.

GRU-ESO Strategy for a Distributed Coil Magnetically Levitated Planar Micromotor.

Traditional magnetic levitation planar micromotors suffer from poor controllability, short travel range, low interference resistance, and low precision. To address these issues, a distributed coil magnetically levitated planar micromotor with a gated recurrent unit (GRU)-extended state observer (ESO) control strategy is proposed in this paper. First, the structural design of the distributed coil magnetically levitated planar micromotor employs a separation of levitation and displacement, reducing system coupling and increasing controllability and displacement range. Then, theoretical analysis and model establishment of the system are conducted based on the designed distributed coil magnetically levitated planar micromotor and its working principles, followed by simulation verification. Finally, based on the established system model, a GRU-ESO controller is designed. An ESO feedback control term is introduced to enhance the system's anti-interference capability, and the GRU feedforward compensation control term is used to improve the system's tracking control accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate the reliability of the designed distributed coil magnetic levitation planar micromotor and the effectiveness of the controller.

Adaptive output feedback control system design for nonlinear systems via neural networks

AbstractAdaptive output feedback control based on output feedback exponential passivity (OFEP) has a simple structure and strong robustness in regard to disturbances and system uncertainties. However, it is difficult for most nonlinear systems to satisfy the conditions of OFEP. Thus, the introduction of a suitable parallel feedforward compensator (PFC) to construct an OFEP‐augmented system with the controlled system has been used, but the control output cannot achieve perfect tracking because of the output of the introduced PFC. As a solution, introducing a feedforward (FF) input to build a 2 degree of freedom (2‐DOF) is a simple and effective way to solve this problem. In this paper, we propose the design schemes for suitable PFC and FF input of nonlinear systems via the use of neural networks (NN), respectively. Besides, to cope with possibly present input disturbances, we also provide a method to achieve disturbance compensation based on NN to reduce their interference. Finally, the effectiveness of all proposed design schemes is confirmed through numerical simulations.

Research on layered control of path tracking for unmanned industrial vehicles based on fully hydraulic steering leakage compensation

Industrial vehicles work in complex terrain, the variable centre of mass position, leakage nonlinearity of full hydraulic steering and other issues lead to poor path tracking stability and accuracy. In this paper, an intelligent hierarchical controller for industrial vehicles’ path tracking is designed with full hydraulic steering leakage compensation, including an upper decision layer and a lower execution layer. The upper decision layer observes the pavement-tyre adhesion coefficients through an extended Kalman filter algorithm, and uses the real-time observations of the adhesion coefficients to establish a variable constraint control for the linear time-varying MPC, and thus performs the path tracking control. The lower actuator layer receives the upper layer’s target steering wheel angle output and performs steering operations. Based on the establishment of a mathematical model of full hydraulic steering considering the leakage characteristics, it analyses the leakage disturbance factors and constructs a fuzzy feed-forward steering leakage compensation controller to compensate for the leakage disturbances in real time for path tracking steering. Simulation and experimental results show that the lateral acceleration, sideslip angle, tyre side slip angle and tracking error of intelligent industrial vehicles under different loads and working conditions are improved by more than 32.4%, 35.8%, 40.2% and 45.8% respectively, and the designed hierarchical controller for the path tracking of intelligent industrial vehicles, which considers the compensation of all-hydraulic steering leakage, can effectively improve the path tracking stability and tracking accuracy of intelligent industrial vehicles under different loads and working conditions.

Current coordinated distribution and voltage optimization control for multi-VSGs system considering nonlinear and negative sequence loads

In a microgrid system where multiple virtual synchronous generators (VSGs) are interconnected through high impedance cables, the total output negative sequence and harmonic current of multiple VSGs cannot be coordinated based on the capacity of each power conversion system (PCS). In addition, there is significant distortion in the voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC). Because the impedance amplitude and impedance angle of the cable change with the harmonic frequency, the resistive virtual impedance reshaping method and fixed impedance angle virtual impedance reshaping method used in the current research cannot solve the harmonic current distribution problem. To solve the above problems, a multi-frequency points VSG impedance reshaping control strategy is proposed in this paper, which can adjust the resistive and inductive output impedance of each harmonic frequency independently. The strategy is based on the harmonic separation algorithm of LPF with Feedforward Compensation (FCLPF) and the voltage controller of Vector Proportional Integral (VPI) in fundamental dq rotation coordinate system, which effectively improve the flexibility and accuracy of harmonic impedance reshaping. Among them, FCLPF harmonic separation algorithm has the characteristics of target frequency bandpass and non-target frequency notch, and can eliminate the coupling interference of each harmonic virtual impedance when accumulating virtual impedance voltage references at various frequency points. The closed-loop transfer function of the multi-parallel VPI voltage controller has the characteristics of unit gain and zero phase shift at each harmonic frequency point, which means the static response error of virtual impedance voltage command can be almost completely eliminated. Under the proposed control strategy, the fundamental positive power can be allocated according to the droop coefficient, the fundamental negative current and harmonic current can be allocated according to the sum of the reshaped virtual impedance and the actual line impedance. Reshaping virtual impedance at each harmonic frequency to negative value can also compensate the harmonic voltage drop on the high impedance cable and improve the voltage quality at the PCC.

Online identification and feed-forward compensation of nonlinear friction in servo system based on RBF neural network model

In this paper, an online identification and compensation method of nonlinear friction based on radial basis function (RBF) neural network model is proposed for the influence of nonlinear friction on machining accuracy in the low speed process of servo feed system of CNC machine tools. First, a three-layer single-input-output RBF neural network model is established for describing the nonlinear friction of servo feeding system. Second, the neural network online learning algorithm is improved based on adaptive gain, which improves the stability and accuracy of the algorithm. Finally, experiments were carried out on a three-axis milling machine to compensate the friction in the servo feed system in real time based on the online identification results. The results show that the method can effectively improve the online identification accuracy and convergence rate, and effectively improved the low-speed performance of the servo feed system.

Trajectory tracking of a wheeled mobile robot based on the predefined‐time sliding mode control scheme

AbstractIn this paper, a double‐loop control method is proposed to improve the trajectory tracking performance of a wheeled mobile robot (WMR) with slippage properties and external disturbances. Considering the strong robustness and the ability to enable the system to converge in a short time, the predefined‐time sliding mode control (PTSMC) strategy is applied to the design of a double‐loop controller. Furthermore, a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is adopted to comply with the feedforward compensation of the external disturbances. In turn, the controller only needs to deal with the internal disturbance of the system under the premise of using the NDO, thereby reducing the burden of the sliding mode controller. Based on Lyapunov methods, the stability of the double‐loop controller and the NDO is analyzed. Finally, the feasibility of the double‐loop control strategy is proven by simulations of the WMR operating along circular, sin‐shaped, and eight‐shaped roads.

A 65 nm 75 MHz–260 MHz sixth-order Active-RC bandpass filter

-A sixth-order Chebyshev-I active-RC bandpass filter was fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS process. An operational amplifier (OPA) with an improved feedforward compensation structure is achieved, which significantly increases bandwidth and gain while reducing power consumption. The tuning module enables the filter to measure a center frequency of 75 MHz–260 MHz, and the bandwidth, Q-factor and gain can be configured according to different application requirements. The effective area of the filter chip is 0.64 mm2, and it can operate at a voltage of 2.5 V with a current dissipation of 34.3 mA.

Adaptive backstepping sliding mode compensation control for electro‐hydraulic load simulator with backlash links

AbstractWhen a mechanical backlash between the loading piston rod and the steering gear piston rod connection of the electro‐hydraulic load simulator (EHLS), it will lead to poor loading accuracy. To solve this problem, an adaptive backstepping sliding mode controller based on the backlash feedforward compensation and state observer is proposed. First, the mechanism of surplus force generation in the EHLS is analyzed, and a mathematical model containing position disturbance and backlash nonlinearity is established based on the analysis results. Second, a state observer is designed to estimate the system state and the parameter adaptive law is designed to estimate the system parameters. Third, the adaptive backstepping method is combined with the non‐singular terminal sliding mode control (NTSMC) strategy to deal with the position disturbance and parameter uncertainty and to enhance the system's dynamic performance. Finally, a backlash feed‐forward compensator is engineered to restrain the detrimental effects caused by the backlash nonlinearity, and the simulation experimental results show that the designed new method can realize the precise loading of the EHLS under different working conditions, and the surplus force is suppressed better at the same time.

Chattering Free Sliding-Mode Controller Design for Underactuated Tower Cranes With Uncertain Disturbance

Tower cranes are widely used in various industrial sites and require a high level of anti-disturbance performance from the crane controller due to the variability of the application environment. Although sliding mode control is a typical anti-disturbance control method, most sliding mode controllers suffer from output chattering and do not reflect well under severe external disturbances. To address these issues from a practical application perspective, a finite time sliding mode control method using the super-twisting algorithm (STA) is proposed for underactuated tower cranes operating in the presence of external disturbances. The proposed method includes a finite-time chattering-free sliding mode controller that eases the output torque chattering problem and a finite-time sliding mode observer based on STA to observe the uncertain disturbances. The observed values are then applied to the controller through feedforward compensation. Experimental results show that the proposed control method effectively weakens output torque chattering, compensates for disturbance quickly, and accurately completes control tasks.

A fully actuated system approach: Desired compensation adaptive robust control for uncertain nonlinear systems

A desired compensation adaptive robust control (DCARC) framework is presented for two types of fully actuated systems (FASs) subject to both parametric and nonlinear uncertainties based on the Lyapunov theory. The designed controller consists of three parts: (i) a fundamental linear state error feedback term; (ii) an adaptive feedforward compensation term; (iii) a robust compensation term. Different from the existing FAS approaches, the adaptive compensation in the proposed controller relies on the noise-free desired trajectory and online parameter estimate only. A better overall tracking performance with an accelerated transient response is expected, arising from significantly reducing interaction between the robustness part and the adaptation part. Through theoretical analysis, the proposed controller ensures that the estimation error of the unknown parameter vector and the tracking error finally converge to a bounded ellipsoid. The comparative simulation of a permanent magnet (PM) stepper motor demonstrates the effectiveness of the presented approach.

An Attitude Adaptive Integral Sliding Mode Control Algorithm with Disturbance Observer for Microsatellites to Track High-Speed Moving Targets

Gaze tracking of high-speed moving targets is a novel application mode for low Earth orbit microsatellites. In this mode, small satellites are equipped with high-resolution, narrow-field-of-view video cameras for stable gaze-tracking imaging of high-speed moving targets. This paper proposes a high-precision attitude adaptive integral sliding mode control method with a feedforward compensation disturbance observer to enhance the capability of a microsatellite attitude control system for gaze tracking of high-speed moving targets. Specifically, first, we present the attitude control system model for microsatellites and the calculation method for the desired attitude of target tracking based on image feedback. Then, an adaptive integral sliding mode attitude control algorithm with a feedforward compensation disturbance observer, which meets the requirements of high-precision tracking control, is designed. The developed algorithm utilizes the disturbance observer to observe the friction torque of the flywheel and compensates for it through feedforward control. It also employs the adaptive integral sliding mode control algorithm to reduce the impact of uncertain disturbances, decrease the steady-state error of the system, and enhance attitude control precision. Simulation experiments demonstrated that the designed disturbance observer can successfully observe the frictional disturbance torque of the flywheel. The attitude Euler angle control precision for high-speed moving target tracking reached 0.03°, and the angular velocity control precision reached 0.005°/s, validating the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Frequency drift characterization of a laser stabilized to an optical fiber delay line

Lasers stabilized to optical fiber delay lines have been shown to deliver a comparable short-term (<1 s) frequency noise performance to that achieved by lasers stabilized to ultra-low expansion (ULE) cavities, once the linear frequency drift has been removed. However, for continuous stable laser operations, the drift can be removed only when it can be predicted, e.g., when it is linear over very long timescales. To date, such long-term behaviour of the frequency drift in fiber delay lines has not been, to the best of our knowledge, characterised. In this work we experimentally characterise the frequency drift of a laser stabilised to a 500 m-long optical fiber delay line over the course of several days. We show that the drift still follows the temperature variations even when the spool temperature is maintained constant with fluctuations below tens of mK. Consequently, the drift is not linear over long timescales, preventing a simple feed-forward compensation. However, here we show that the drift can be reduced by exploiting the high level of correlation between laser frequency and the fiber temperature. In our demonstration, by applying a frequency correction proportional to temperature readings, a calculated frequency drift of less than 16 Hz/s over the several days of our test was obtained, corresponding to a 23-fold improvement from uncorrected values.