Changjun Yu

Bio: Changjun Yu is an academic researcher from Central South University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Optimal control & Parametrization. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 29 citations.

A Hybrid Time-Scaling Transformation for Time-Delay Optimal Control Problems

Abstract: In this paper, we consider a class of nonlinear time-delay optimal control problems with canonical equality and inequality constraints. We propose a new computational approach, which combines the control parameterization technique with a hybrid time-scaling strategy, for solving this class of optimal control problems. The proposed approach involves approximating the control variables by piecewise constant functions, whose heights and switching times are decision variables to be optimized. Then, the resulting problem with varying switching times is transformed, via a new hybrid time-scaling strategy, into an equivalent problem with fixed switching times, which is much preferred for numerical computation. Our new time-scaling strategy is hybrid in the sense that it is related to two coupled time-delay systems--one defined on the original time scale, in which the switching times are variable, the other defined on the new time scale, in which the switching times are fixed. This is different from the conventional time-scaling transformation widely used in the literature, which is not applicable to systems with time-delays. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, we solve four numerical examples. The results show that the costs obtained by our new approach are lower, when compared with those obtained by existing optimal control methods.

Solution of delay fractional optimal control problems using a hybrid of block-pulse functions and orthonormal Taylor polynomials

Abstract: This paper introduces an efficient direct approach for solving delay fractional optimal control problems. The concepts of the fractional integral and the fractional derivative are considered in the Riemann–Liouville sense and the Caputo sense, respectively. The suggested framework is based on a hybrid of block-pulse functions and orthonormal Taylor polynomials. The convergence of the proposed hybrid functions with respect to the L2-norm is demonstrated. The operational matrix of fractional integration associated with the hybrid functions is constructed by using the Laplace transform method. The problem under consideration is transformed into a mathematical programming one. The method of Lagrange multipliers is then implemented for solving the resulting optimization problem. The performance and computational efficiency of the developed numerical scheme are assessed through various types of delay fractional optimal control problems. Our numerical findings are compared with either exact solutions or the existing results in the literature.

3D Trajectory Optimization for Energy-Efficient UAV Communication: A Control Design Perspective

Abstract: This paper studies the three-dimensional (3D) trajectory optimization problem for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aided wireless communication. Existing works mainly rely on the kinematic equations for UAV’s mobility modeling, while its dynamic equations are usually missing. As a result, the planned UAV trajectories are piece-wise line segments in general, which may be difficult to implement in practice. By leveraging the concept of state-space model, a control-based UAV trajectory design is proposed in this paper, which takes into account both of the UAV’s kinematic equations and the dynamic equations. Consequently, smooth trajectories that are amenable to practical implementation can be obtained. Moreover, the UAV’s controller design is achieved along with the trajectory optimization, where practical roll angle and pitch angle constraints are considered. Furthermore, a new energy consumption model is derived for quad-rotor UAVs, which is based on the voltage and current flows of the electric motors and thus captures both the consumed energy for motion and the energy conversion efficiency of the motors. Numerical results are provided to validate the derived energy consumption model and show the effectiveness of our proposed algorithms.