Academic Report
Title: Dynamic optimization of switched time-delay systems with state switching conditions
Reporter: Ryan Loxton (University of Curtin, Australia)
Time: October 10, 2018 (wednesday) PM 4:00
Location: A1101# room, Innovation Park Building
Contact: A.Prof. WANG Lei
Abstract: Switched systems operate by switching among various different modes. Determining the optimal times at which the mode switches should occur is a fundamental problem in systems and control, with particular importance to the numerical solution of optimal control problems. This talk will discuss the switching time optimization problem for two classes of switched systems: those with time-dependent switching conditions (where the switches are directly controllable), and those with state-dependent switching conditions (where the switches occur when the system hits certain switching surfaces in the state space). It is widely believed that standard numerical optimization techniques struggle when applied to switching time optimization problems. In this talk we present new results showing that this challenge is over-stated; contrary to popular belief, switching times can in fact be optimized effectively using standard optimization methods. We verify this with a numerical example involving a switched system model for the production of 1,3-propanediol, an industrial polymer used in paints, adhesives, and lubricants.
The brief introduction to the reporter: Ryan Loxton is currently a full-time professor at the school of electronic engineering, computing and mathematics, Curtin University. Professor Loxton's research areas are complex processes such as mining, oil and gas fields, agricultural and industrial process control, and the design of new optimization techniques. At present, he has published more than 70 academic papers in important international journals and conferences, and serves as deputy editor-in-chief of" Journal of Industry and Management Optimization", an international SCI journal. Professor Loxton's work has won the Australian Research Council's highly competitive fellowships and the 2014 Western Australian Young Scientist Award. In addition, Professor Loxton has carried out a number of industrial research projects with many large international companies, such as Woodside Energy and Linkforce.
