Multi-Dimensional Nonlinear Control (MDNC)
Technology description
Many processes in manufacturing applications, petrochemical industries, aerospace and robotics have nonlinear parameters. These parameters result in nonlinear dynamics that make the control of these processes very challenging. The degree of nonlinearity on these parameters ranges from low to severe, where nonlinear control is required for good control performance.
This invention is able to take a nonlinear process and achieve good control. It does this by using an advanced control signal calculation algorithm. The algorithm is able to handle complex process behavior while following a desired set point profile.
The application of multi-dimensional nonlinear control (MDNC) potentially is very wide as it includes any manufacturing process or system that uses control algorithms.
Advantages
The novel features of this method are:
- One controller can be used to obtain good performance over a wide range of operations, reducing the complexity and time needed to implement a nonlinear control system.
- It is not necessary to design a specific controller. The methodology can be used with other advanced control strategies in order to improve their performance without changing the original structure of these advanced controllers. This option is powerful as it makes the procedure for enhancing existing controllers to control nonlinear systems simple, in comparison to other approaches that are generally specific.
- It is relatively easy-to-use and installation setup makes it an attractive approach for replacing older control techniques with minimum cost.
Stage of development
A prototype has been developed and successfully applied to plastic injection molding. Other areas of application will require simulation, modelling and demonstration.
Intellectual property
- Issued US Patent - Method of Multi-Dimensional Nonlinear Control
- Canadian Patent Pending
- European Patent Pending
This technology is available for licensing.
Contact information
Office of Research Services, Industry-Government Services
University of New Brunswick
Phone: (506) 453-4674
partner@unb.ca
