Modeling and optimal control of permanent magnet synchronous motors
Permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) are frequently used in industrial applications as e.g. robotics. This research project is concerned with the optimal control of PMSM, where magnetic saturation and non-sinusoidal field characteristics are systematically taken into account. Read more →
Modeling and control of hydraulic drive systems
Hydraulic drive systems are frequently used in industrial applications due to their high power density, small size and small weight. In this research project, model-predictive control strategies are developed and tested for different hydraulic drive systems. Read more →
Control of pumped storage power plants
To compensate the fluctions of the energy generation and consumption in electrical networks, pumped storage power plants are frequently utilized. These power plants are essential for the stabilization of electrical distribution networks. This research project investigates the efficient mathematical description, the optimal operation and the development of control and observer strategies. Read more →
Electrorheological fluids 2007 - 2011
Electrorheological Fluids (ERF) allow to directly influence their rheological properties by means of an electric field. In this research project, the application of ERF in valves, semi-active suspension systems and shock absorbers was examined. Read more →
Active camera stabilization platform 2010 - 2014
Stabilizing the orientation of the camera is an important task in filming dynamic scenes in movie or tv productions. This project considered a new active camera stabilization platform developed by qinematiq. The project included the system design, the developement of an attitude estimation strategy and the design of a nonlinear attitude control strategy. Read more →
Mobile DRT VLF test system 2011 - 2015
Testing of high voltage cable is important to guarantee the reliabilty of electric distribution networks. This project considered the control of a test system, which utilizes high voltage with very low frequency (VLF). A main part of the project was the optimization of the system parameters in order to improve the overall closed loop behavior. The practical feasibility of the control and estimation strategies was proven by means of measurements on the real test system. Read more →
Optimization-based control methods applied to a laboratory-scale tower crane
Tower cranes are widely-used and constitute an interesting field of application for modern control theory. An important task is to control the position of the hook by suppressing the oscillating motion of the cable at the same time. Another possible goal is the rejection of disturbances such as different load masses or external forces induced by wind. Different control concepts are developed to cope with these and further goals. The resulting controllers are tested on a laboratory tower crane. The focus lies on optimization-based control methods, in particular model predictive control (MPC). Read more →
Hol-I-Wood PR
The correction of natural wood defects, such as resin galls or loose dead knots, interrupts the automatized production flow in timber industry. The human workforce is key for detection and classification of wood defects as well as for their correction. The project Hol-I-Wood PR aims at automatizing this monotone and laborious work. The resulting innovative "wood patching"-plant is going to be integrated into the shutter board production line of our partner company. Read more →
Modeling, observer design, and control of continuous strip processing lines
In continuous strip processing line, steel strips are thermally and mechanically processed as well as surface coated (e.g. galvanized). In this project, observer and control concepts for continuous galvanizing lines are developed. Additionally, controllers for laboratory facilities to develop new process technologies (e.g. laboratory furnaces) are designed. Read more →
Modeling, observer and control design of a tandem hot strip rolling mill
Rough-rolled steel plates are rolled in a tandem hot rolling mill to strip with a final thickness. This thickness should accurately and uniformly correspond with the desired value. To satisfy this requirements and to ensure a stable strip travel, model-based control concepts are developed in this project. Read more →