A new nonlinear model predictive control scheme for discrete-time system based on sliding mode control

Nonlinear model predictive control, which is conceptually similar to its linear counterpart except that nonlinear dynamic model is used for process prediction and optimization, is a developing control field. The proposed nonlinear model predictive control scheme, which is called nonlinear sliding mode model predictive control, integrates model predictive control and sliding mode variable structure control. A feasible dual-mode control scheme is presented in the paper, sliding mode predictive controller is implemented while the system state is outside the terminal region, besides sliding mode variable structure control designed off-line is used. The resulting control scheme has strong points of the two control methods. By predicting the pre-designed switching function, the predictive control sequence can be found by solving constrained open-loop optimal control problem, and the current control is implemented. At next sampling time the optimizing procedure is repeated. By constraining terminal sliding mode with an inequality, the state is steered into the predesigned sliding mode region, then the closed-loop stability is proved, and furthermore the system performance is analyzed. With some conditions, the method can be extended to a quasi-infinite horizon formulation. Simulation results show that less calculation is needed.