MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Industrial Experience

Year of entry: 2027

Course unit details:
Applied Optimal Control and Estimation

Course unit fact file
Unit code EEEN40122
Credit rating 15
Unit level Level 6
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Offered by Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

The unit delves into the principles of optimal control and estimation, addressing both theoretical foundations and the practical challenges associated with implementing these techniques in real-world scenarios. It covers key topics such as dynamic programming, linear quadratic regulators (LQR), linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) methods, and Kalman filtering, ensuring a robust understanding of the underlying mathematics and algorithms. A significant emphasis is placed on the discrete-time implementation of these methods, exploring how they can be effectively applied in digital systems. Additionally, the unit integrates practical case studies across various engineering applications, providing insights into the limitations, trade-offs, and adaptations required for successful deployment in diverse contexts, such as robotics, aerospace, and industrial automation. Through hands-on exercises and problem-solving, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for tackling complex control and estimation challenges in modern engineering systems. 


The course unit aims to:
•    Introduce students to the fundamentals of LQR and KF 
•    Introduce students to the fundamentals of LQG control
•    Introduce students to the fundamentals of robustness analysis, robust control law synthesis and robust control design
 

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Control Systems II EEEN30231 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Linear Systems Theory EEEN40221 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
To select Unit EEEN40122, you need to have selected EEEN30231 Control Systems II in your 3rd year AND select EEEN40221 Linear Systems Theory in your 4th Year.

Aims

The course unit aims to:


•    Introduce students to the fundamentals of LQR and KF 
 

•    Introduce students to the fundamentals of LQG control
 

•    Introduce students to the fundamentals of robustness analysis, robust control law synthesis and robust control design

Brief Description of the unit

•    Quadratic Lyapunov functions for linear systems
•    LQR (optimal state feedback) control in both Continuous-Time and Discrete-Time
•    Robustness of LQR control in both Continuous-Time and Discrete-Time
•    Kalman filter (optimal observers) in both Continuous-Time and Discrete-Time
•    Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control (combining LQR state feedback and optimal observer) in both Continuous-Time and Discrete-Time
•    Loop transfer recovery
•    Adding integral action
•    H2 norms and H2 optimal control
•    Connection of LQG control and MPC (Model Predictive Control)
•    Practical considerations in optimal control and estimation
 

Learning outcomes

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:


ILO 1    Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of optimal control theory   


ILO 2    Explain the process of synthesising optimal controllers.    


ILO 3    Develop strategies for controlling systems in scenarios where accurate mathematical models are unavailable.     


ILO 4    Implement optimal control methods in systems across various technological domains.    


ILO 5    Employ optimal estimation techniques in a range of practical applications.    


ILO 6    Utilise design methodologies for developing controllers in real-world systems.    


ILO 7    Adapt and utilise the learned methods effectively in diverse applications.    
 

Teaching and learning methods

Theoretical knowledge is delivered over lectures and demonstrated over tutorial. 

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 20%
Written exam 80%

3 hour Unseen Written Examination (80%)

Coursework Assessment (20%)

Feedback methods

Written Exam

Feedback is provided after exam board.

Coursework 

Individual feedback is provided 3 weeks after submission  

Recommended reading

1 Applied optimal control: optimization, estimation and control. Bryson, Arthur Earl. Routledge, 2018.


2 Optimal Control. Lewis, Frank L. John Wiley & Sons 2012
 

3 Multivariable feedback control : analysis and design. Skogestad, Sigurd. John Wiley, 2005
 

4 Linear optimal control Anderson, Brian D. O. Prentice-Hall, 1971
 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 30
Practical classes & workshops 12
Tutorials 6
Independent study hours
Independent study 102

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Chao Chen Unit coordinator

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