Intelligent Systems Control – ENGR.406 (MEng) & ENGR.506 (MSc)

This module introduces students to the design and application of intelligent control systems, with

a focus on modern algorithmic, computer-aided design methods. This approach contrasts with the

‘classical’ graphical and frequency domain methods that are often found in introductory

textbooks on control theory. Also, the module concentrates on digital or discrete-time (difference

equations) rather than continuous-time (differential equations) methods.

Pre-requisites

Most students taking this module will already have an understanding of basic control actions such

as proportional, integral and derivative control. However, since the lectures include worked

examples covering the fundamentals of feedback, previous courses about “control theory” are not

formally specified as a pre-requisite for this module.

Rather, the pre-requisites relate to mathematical ability and experience of the MatlabTM

software

environment, which will be used during some of the laboratory classes. In particular, students

taking this module are expected to be able to confidently:

• manipulate algebraic expressions and equations (essential);

• manipulate vectors and matrices, including scalar and vector products (essential);

• manipulate complex numbers and expressions (recommended);

• use the MatlabTM

software environment, including the basics of plotting graphs, calling

in-built functions and writing simple scripts (essential for laboratory classes).

To help address the MatlabTM

requirement, introductory laboratory classes are offered to

MSc students during the first week of term (start-up week). MEng students will have encountered

the software during earlier modules such as ENGR.222 Dynamic Response of Systems. More

information and tutorials can be found at The Mathworks web site: www.mathworks.com

Recommended reading

No single control textbook encompasses the syllabus of this module. A comprehensive list of

references for further reading is included in the lecture handout. Well known and (sometimes)

useful textbooks include:

• Astrom, K.J. and Wittenmark, B. (1996) Computer controlled systems: theory and

design, Prentice-Hall (3rd Edition).

• Dorf, R.C. and Bishop, R.H. (2008) Modern Control systems, Pearson Education

(11th Edition).

• Franklin, G.F., Powell, J.D. and Emami-Naeini, A. (1994) Feedback control of dynamic

systems, Addison Wesley (3rd Edition).

• Kuo, B.C. (1995) Digital control systems, Oxford University Press, USA (2nd Edition).

• Zak, S.H. (2003) Systems and Control, Oxford University Press, USA.

None of these are regarded as essential for the module. However, the introductory chapters of any

could be useful reading for a student who has not studied control before.

The following textbooks are recommended for students who would like to learn more about the

MatlabTM

software environment:

• Biran, A. and Breiner, M. (1995) MATLAB for Engineers, Addison Wesley.

• Etter, D.M. (1993) Engineering problem solving with MATLAB, Prentice-Hall.

Again, none of the textbooks above are regarded as essential for the module.

Tutor’s Web Page

www.lancs.ac.uk/staff/taylorcj/

Construction Robots Video Footage: www.lancs.ac.uk/staff/taylorcj/nonlinear

Ventilation Chamber: www.lancs.ac.uk/staff/taylorcj/projects/ventilation.htm

Selected Academic Papers

In the list below, the Digital Object Identifier (OI) is given for selected publications: please

see www.doi.org for details.

Applications of PIP control (as taught in the module)

doi:10.1016/S0967-0661(03)00060-1

Taylor, C.J., Leigh, P., Price, L., Young, P.C., Berckmans, D., Janssens, K., Vranken, E. and

Gevers, R., (2004), Proportional-Integral-Plus (PIP) control of ventilation rate in agricultural

buildings, Control Engineering Practice, 12, 225-233.

doi:10.1049/ip-cta:20040753

Taylor, C.J., Leigh, P.A., Chotai, A., Young, P.C., Vranken, E. and Berckmans, D. (2004) Cost

effective combined axial fan and throttling valve control of ventilation rate, IEE Proceedings

Control Theory and Applications, 151, 577-584.

doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2007.11.002

Shaban, E.M., Ako, S., Taylor, C.J. and Seward, D.W. (2008) Development of an automated

verticality alignment system for a vibro-lance, Automation in Construction, 17, 645-655.

Motorway traffic control (as considered in the laboratory class)

doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2003.11.009

Taylor, C.J., Mckenna, P.G., Young, P.C., Chotai, A. and Mackinnon, M., (2004), Macroscopic

traffic flow modelling and ramp metering control using Matlab/Simulink, Environmental

Modelling and Software, 19, 975-988.

Data-based modelling

doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2006.03.002

Taylor, C.J., Pedregal, D.J., Young, P.C. and Tych, W., (2006), Environmental Time Series

Analysis and Forecasting with the Captain Toolbox, Environmental Modelling and Software,

22, 797-814.