Seminar: Dynamics and Control of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems: Limitations and Non-equilibrium Dynamics
Speaker: Assistant Professor Umesh Vaidya
Date: October 3, 2011
Time: 1:10 p.m.
Location: 3043 ECpE Building Addition
Abstract: Analysis and control of uncertain nonlinear systems exhibiting non-equilibrium dynamics is of interest in various applications such as fluid flow control, electric power grid, and biological systems. In this talk, we will present results on the application of novel ergodic theory-based framework for the analysis of non-equilibrium dynamics that arise in electric power grid and building systems. In particular, we present results on the development of tools for online transient stability monitoring of power system and for actuator and sensor placement in building systems.
In the second part of this talk, we demonstrate the application of the ergodic theory-based framework to the problem of control of nonlinear systems over uncertain channels. We show that the non-equilibrium dynamics of the system present fundamental limitations to the control of nonlinear systems. The limitation for control is expressed in terms of the channel uncertainty and the entropy of the non-equilibrium dynamics. Our limitation result highlights, for the first time, the important role-played by the non-equilibrium dynamics in the control of system over uncertain channels. The framework is extendable to study more general control problems over uncertain networks with nonlinear components dynamics.
Speaker bio: Dr. Umesh Vaidya received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from University of Mumbai in 1997; his master’s degree in systems and control engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in 1999; and his PhD in mechanical engineering from University of California, Santa Barbara in 2004. From August 2004 to September 2005, he worked as a senior scientist at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) in East Hartford, CT. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University. His research interest is in the area of dynamical systems and control theory with particular emphasis on the application of ergodic theory methods to control problems.