Controlling Large-Scale Systems

5/2/2017 [author]

It's difficult to control large, dynamic systems that consist of interconnected subsystems. But CSL met the challenge.

Hierarchical Control
CSL established fundamental principles of hierarchical control architectures.

Some research applied to large, interconnected, centrally controlled systems, such as an automated highway. Other research applied to systems with many interconnected decision-makers, such as the U.S. power system.

Network Connections
Researchers showed how singular perturbations and time-scale methods could be used to discover key relationships between slow-fast dynamics and weak-strong interconnections.

Results were used in such large-scale systems as the U.S. power grid, the GE-Ontario Hydro program, aerospace applications, and the avoidance of obstacles by robots.

Nonlinear System Control
CSL developed the method of nonlinear composite control. This was critical because analyzing and controlling nonlinear systems for stability is more difficult than it is with linear systems. With nonlinear systems, build-up to instability can be rapid or even instantaneous.