Study and development of control strategies for energy efficiency in wireless networked control systems

Abstract

Recent advances in wireless networking technology and the proliferation of industrial wireless sensors have led to an increasing interest in using wireless networks in networked control systems (NCSs). NCSs represent the evolution of networked control architectures providing greater modularity and control decentralization, ease of maintenance and diagnosis and lower cost, and its application has been widely researched in several areas. The main advantages of Wireless Networked Control Systems (WNCSs) are the reconfigurability, easy commissioning and the possibility of installation in places where cabling is impossible. Despite these advantages, the challenge in developing a WNCS is mitigating the effects of nonlinearities and restrictions imposed by the communication network on the closed loop that impact its performance and stability. In addition, there are two main problems that must be considered for practical implementations of WNCSs. One problem is the sampling period constraint of industrial wireless sensors. This problem is related to the energy cost of the wireless transmission, since the power supply is limited, which precludes the use of these sensors in several closed-loop controls. The other technological concern in WNCS is the energy efficiency of the devices. As the sensors are powered by batteries, the lowest possible consumption is required to extend battery lifetime. This project seeks to study and develop new control strategies for energy efficiency in industrial applications of WNCSs. The expected results include design techniques and innovative control strategies focused on adaptability, robustness and reliability, responsible not only for ensuring the WNCS control requirements but also maximizing their energy efficiency. The energy optimization is focused on reducing energy expenditure of the WNCS wireless devices, by reducing the wireless transmissions and consequently increasing the battery life of these devices. (AU)