Cooperative Networked Systems

Very important e x amples of cooperative control s y stems are distributions networks. Examples include data networks, supply chains and smart manufacturing systems as well as water,electricity, gas networks. Comparedwith other classes of cooperative s y stems suchas robotic networks, distribution networks present very peculiar features , which have been hardlyinvestigated and that raises challenging research questions. These features include the following: (i) distribution networks are under the action of external "disturbance" signals, namely demand and supply, which has been so far neglected in other cooperative systems . (ii) In addition to the exchange of information among the agents needed to achieve the prescribed cooperative goal, also an e x change of material takes place. This implies that capacity constraints have to be taken into account. (iii) The distribution systems have underlying physical laws which regulate the transportation of material. (iv) the control lawshould guarantee optimality features .

The aim of this project is to investigate general methodologies for the anal y sis and design of cooperative control algorithms for distribution networks,with special emphasis ondata networks as a case study.

Projectleader

Prof.dr. C. de Persis

PhD student

Erik Weitenberg

Contact information