Anna Maria Perdon

The output regulation problem with stability for linear switching systems: A geometric approach

Abstract This work presents a solution for the output regulation problem with quadratic stability under arbitrary switching in linear switching systems. The extension to other stability requirements, like asymptotic stability in particular, is also considered and it is shown to affect only few specific features of the proposed solution. The main reason is that the geometric approach, which is at the basis of the developed methodology, establishes a neat separation between the structural aspects and the stability aspects of the problem. For the same reason, continuous-time systems and discrete-time systems are given a unified treatment as far as the structural issues are concerned, while different technicalities characterize the discussion of the stability issues.

A necessary condition for disturbance decoupling with quadratic stability in switched linear systems

This paper deals with the problem of decoupling by feedback a disturbance input from the output of a switched linear system, while achieving, by a suitable choice of the switching rule, quadratic stability. Using geometric methods, a structural obstruction to the solvability of the problem is found and a necessary condition is stated.

An Unknown Input Observer for Singular Time-Delay Systems

The problem of state reconstruction is discussed for linear singular systems with a finite number of commensurable point delays using as models systems with coefficients in a ring. A geometric notion of conditioned invariant submodule is introduced for this class of systems over a ring and a design procedure is presented for constructing an observer in presence of unknown inputs

A simulation environment for the analysis of home automation systems

Using multiple agent system theory, a paradigm for modeling and analyzing home automation systems has been introduced in previous papers. In order to tackle the problem of developing systematic design and validation procedures for control strategies, a rich, versatile simulation/emulation environment is constructed. Global performance indices for the system are introduced and simulation is shown to be an efficient way to estimate them in realistic situations. Relating the indices to suitable control parameters, it is possible to evaluate the efficacy and the efficiency of distributed control strategies and to tune accordingly the control algorithms.

Multi-Agent System Theory for Modelling a Home Automation System

A paradigm for modelling and analysing Home Automation Systems is introduced, based on Multi-Agent System theory. A rich and versatile environment for Home Automation System simulation is constructed for investigating the performances of the system. The exploitation of limited resources (electricity, gas, hot water) depends on behavioural parameters of the individual appliances. In order to deal with the problem of developing systematic design and validation procedures for control strategies, global performance indices for the system are introduced. Different strategies for allocating resources and establishing priorities in their use can therefore be tested and compared.

Unknown input observers for linear delay systems: a geometric approach

The problem of constructing an observer for a delay differential system in presence of an unknown input is considered. Using mathematical models with coefficients in a ring the problem is analyzed in geometric terms and the existence of solutions is related to the possibility of assigning the coefficients of a specific subsystem. The results provide a better insight into the geometry of the problem and allow the algorithmic construction of the solutions.

Model matching problems for switching linear systems

Abstract This paper investigates the problem of designing a feedback compensator to force the response of a plant modeled by a switching linear system to match that of a prescribed, switching linear model, for any choice of the switching law. The problem is stated by considering both the situation in which the state of the model is measurable and that in which it is not. Accordingly, static compensators or, alternatively, dynamic ones will be sought. The additional requirement of asymptotic stability of the compensated system is introduced by reasonably restricting the class of admissible switching laws. Using geometric methods, that extend classic ones to the framework of switching systems, a complete solution, in terms of necessary and sufficient conditions that are algorithmically checkable, is given for matching without stability and for matching with asymptotic stability for a mildly restricted class of plants.

A Geometric Approach to Output Regulation for Linear Switching Systems

Abstract This paper considers the problem of asymptotic output regulation by output dynamic feedback for continuous-time linear switching systems, with the requirement of asymptotic stability of the regulation loop. Using tools and methods of the geometric approach, necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions, under suitable assumptions, are found. A synthesis procedure is outlined in case a stronger sufficient condition holds. The case of different stability requirements, in particular that of quadratic stability, is discussed.

The disturbance decoupling problem with stability for switching dynamical systems

Abstract The disturbance decoupling problem with stability is dealt with by means of the geometric approach for switching systems. The existence of feedbacks which decouple the disturbance and, at the same time, assure stability is difficult to characterize, since the action of the feedback couples with that of the switching law. Under suitable conditions, it is shown that the above requirement can be dealt with in separate ways and this allows us to state a checkable necessary condition and, on that basis, also a sufficient condition for solvability of the problem.

Optimising Home Automation Systems: A comparative study on Tabu Search and Evolutionary Algorithms

We use the Multi Agent System paradigm to model and analyse Home Automation System performance in exploiting limited resources such as electricity and hot water. In this paper we evaluate several approaches to the optimisation of Home Automation System performance using Tabu Search, and Single and Multi-objective Genetic Algorithms. The results show that the Genetic Algorithms achieve faster convergence than Tabu Search. Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm provides a diverse set of solutions for the decision maker.