Switched control of an electropneumatic clutch actuator using on/off valves

Abstract

In this paper we derive a controller for an electropneumatic clutch actuator system. On/off valves are being used as control valves, and this impose restrictions on the control design. We show that the system with the derived controller are asymptotically stable in the whole region of operation of the system, and we discuss robustness of the design. The presented simulations verify the results of the paper.

Observer-based backstepping control of an electro-pneumatic clutch

“…Due to the large torque transmitted through the clutch, an electro-pneumatic actuator is advantageously used in truck applications. Often, the clutch operation is automated using a combination of feedforward and feedback control, e.g., nonlinear control approaches as presented in [1], [2], and [3]. A test rig dedicated for the development and validation of sophisticated control approaches for an electro-pneumatic clutch is in place at the Chair of Mechatronics at the University of Rostock, see Fig.…”

Model-based control of an electro-pneumatic clutch using a sliding-mode approach

“…Due to the large torque transmitted through the clutch, an electro-pneumatic actuator is advantageously used in truck applications. Often, the clutch operation is automated using a combination of feedforward and feedback control, e.g., nonlinear control approaches as presented in [1], [2], and [3]. A test rig dedicated to the development and validation of sophisticated control approaches for an electro-pneumatic clutch is available at the Chair of Mechatronics at the University of Rostock, see Fig.…”

Explicit Approximate Model Predictive Control of Constrained Nonlinear Systems with Quantized Input

“…Then, a controller is designed to govern switches between these states based on backstepping and Lyapunov theory. It should be noted however, that the methods in [7], [9] can not explicitly handle the constraints imposed on the clutch actuator position. On the other hand, Model Predictive Control (MPC) is an optimization based method for control which can explicitly handle both state and input constraints.…”

“…In comparison to proportional valves, the on/off valves are smaller and cheaper. In [7], [9] the case when only fully open and closed are possible states of the valves is considered. Then, a controller is designed to govern switches between these states based on backstepping and Lyapunov theory.…”

“…To control both supply to and exhaust from the clutch actuator chamber, at least one pair of on/off valves are needed. As we only allow these to be fully open or closed, with two valves and under the assumption of choked flow, we restrict the flow of the clutch actuator to three possible values: maximum flow into the volume, maximum flow out of the volume, or no flow [7], [9]. The electronic control unit (ECU) calculates and sets voltage signals to control the on/off valves.…”