Self-tuning predictive control with forecasting factor for control of pneumatic lumber handling systems

A newly modified predictive control strategy is proposed for controlling sy stems with severe non-linearity, such as pneumatic systems. This strategy i s based on a modification to the cost function used in generalized predicti ve control. In particular, a forecast factor is defined and incorporated in to the cost function of controller design in order to consider increased in accuracies of prediction as prediction range increases. This forecast facto r has a dual property with that of the forgetting factor used for estimatio n and this duality between estimation using past data and predictive contro l for future output can also be considered an extension to the duality prin ciple of estimation and control. The control strategies are implemented for a project to improve the control of heavy industrial log handling machines and it is shown that this new self-tuning predictive control scheme can ac hieve much improved performance over other control schemes. Copyright (C) 2 000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.