EGH445 Modern Control

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2023, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This unit develops fundamental concepts and methods used for modelling, analysis and control design of complex engineering systems. The unit introduces a general class of models for complex systems known as state-space. This class of models allows the development of control techniques and designs that shape and modify the behavior of the system. In particular, the classical state and output-feedback regulators, integral action, observer design, and optimal control are studied and used to solve stabilisation problems. The control design problem is discussed in both continuous-time and discrete-time domains, allowing for the study of both ideal and real systems. The implementation of digital controllers is included, building knowledge in the practical application of control designs into real systems. Thus, this unit provides a set of modern tools for control design of engineering systems currently used in real-life applications.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Model and design discrete time control systems.
2. Model and design state space feedback control systems.
3. Design linear-quadratic optimal control systems.

Content

Learning Approaches

Total hours per week: 5
Lectures: 2 hours per week
Tutorial: 1 hour per week
Computer Lab/Practical session: 2 hours per week

The teaching of control systems engineering requires a careful blend of theory and practice. The unit needs to introduce several new principles and theories that are unfamiliar to you. Each principle requires repeated engagement from different perspectives for you to gain sufficient understanding to apply the theory in appropriate practice. The unit uses a three pronged approach to engaging you with the principles of control systems engineering:

1. Interactive lectures: Lectures are used to provide an introduction to material, and immediate application of the material with small focussed problems to be completed in the lecture. Solutions are discussed and resolved in class, and compared to a benchmark solution. Principles are introduced, discussed and dissected in the lecture, treating each principle deeply.
2. Single problem tutorials: Tutorials focus on a single integrated problem that brings together material from multiple units. Early material is reinforced as necessary, and used as a foundation for learning the new material. Principles are integrated with material from previous modules and grounded in application scenarios. Computer labs are used to refine and verify hand calculated answers.
3. Laboratory experience: Simulation work is conducted in structured numerical experiments that provide exposure to advanced feedback control systems. The numerical experiments link the theoretical elements of the lectures and tutorials to practice. Computer labs are conducted individually, and assessed by demonstrations and reports.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You are given weekly integrated theory problems in the tutorials which will allow self-assessment of performance and formative assessment by tutorial staff. You will be able to submit your tutorial solutions to the tutorial staff for individual feedback.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment will be based on a labratory/practical (40%), a quiz (10%) and a final exam (50%). The labratory/practical is assessed via demos and a written report of the computer labs. The theory performance is assessed in the quiz and in the final exam, which consists of multi-part integrated questions that require synthesis and application of knowledge across multiple modules. The final exam is open book to increase emphasis on understanding rather than memorisation.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Examination (written)

The exam will consist of a multi-part, integrated problem requiring the development of a state space, discrete time, and optimal control systems. The exam is open book.

Relates to learning outcomes
1, 2 and 3 (CLO 1-2, 1-3, 1-5, 2-1, 2-2)

“On Campus invigilated Exam. If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.”

Assessment: Laboratory/Practical

A system description and control objective will be provided. The objective of the lab/prac is to use MATLAB Simulink to design a state space control system to command a simulated physical system.

Assessment is in three parts:
1. A demonstration of your continuous state space control system in simulation (Demonstration 10%)
2. A demonstration of your discrete state space control system in simulation (Demonstration 10%).
3. A written report on your simulated control system (Report 20%).

Relates to learning outcomes
1, 2, 3 (CLOs 1-5, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 4-2)

Assessment: Quiz/Test

Mid-semester quiz on continuous state space control system model and design.

Relates to learning outcomes
1 (CLO 1-2, 1-3, 2-1, 2-3, 2-4, 3-3, 3-4)

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of the academic and technical staff of the School. In any laboratory practicals you will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes). You will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the practical sessions and will be issued with a safety induction card. If you do not have a safety induction card you will be denied access to laboratories.