Adaptive model predictive control for constrained nonlinear systems

In this paper, a method is proposed for the adaptive model predictive control of constrained nonlinear system. Rather than relying on the inherent robustness properties of standard NMPC, the developed technique explicitly account for the transient effect of parametric estimation error by combining a parameter adjustment mechanism with robust MPC algorithms. The parameter estimation routine employed guarantees non-increase of the estimation error vector. This means that the controller employs a process model which approaches that of the true system over time. These estimates are used to update the parameter uncertainty set at every time step. resulting in a gradual reduction in the conservative and/or computational effects of the incorporated robust features. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.