Alfredo Pironti – författare

Systematically presents the input-output finite-time stability (IO-FTS) analysis of dynamical systems, covering issues of analysis, design and robustnessThe interest in finite-time control has continuously grown in the last fifteen years. This book systematically presents the input-output finite-time stability (IO-FTS) analysis of dynamical systems, with specific reference to linear time-varying systems and hybrid systems. It discusses analysis, design and robustness issues, and includes applications to real world engineering problems.While classical FTS has an important theoretical significance, IO-FTS is a more practical concept, which is more suitable for real engineering applications, the goal of the research on this topic in the coming years.Key features: Includes applications to real world engineering problems.Input-output finite-time stability (IO-FTS) is a practical concept, useful to study the behavior of a dynamical system within a finite interval of time.Computationally tractable conditions are provided that render the technique applicable to time-invariant as well as time varying and impulsive (i.e. switching) systems.The LMIs formulation allows mixing the IO-FTS approach with existing control techniques (e. g. H∞ control, optimal control, pole placement, etc.).This book is essential reading for university researchers as well as post-graduate engineers practicing in the field of robust process control in research centers and industries. Topics dealt with in the book could also be taught at the level of advanced control courses for graduate students in the department of electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, aeronautics and astronautics, and applied mathematics.

this part is supported by two useful appendices on some of the mathematical tools used and the physical units of plasma physics. State-space models, state observers, H control, and process simulations are some of the familiar techniques used by ? the authors to meet the demanding spatial control specifications for these processes; however, the research reported in the monograph is more that just simulation studies and proposals for possible future hypothetical controllers, for the authors have worked with some of the world’s leading existing tokamak facilities. Chapter 5, 8, and 9 respectively, give practical results of implementations of their control schemes on the FTU Tokamak (Italy), the TCV Tokamak (Switzerland), and the JET Tokamak (United Kingdom). Additionally, the authors present simulation results of their ideas for the control of the new tokamak proposed for the ITER project. In conclusion, being very aware that most control engineers will not be conversant with the complexities of tokamak nuclear fusion reactor control, the authors have taken special care to give a useful introduction to the background of nuclear fusion, the science of plasma physics and appropriate models in the first part of the monograph (Chapters 1 to 3). This introduction is followed by six chapters (4 to 9) of control studies. In Chapter 4, the generic control problem is established and then five case study chapters follow.

This book is a complete treatment of work done to resolve the problems of position-, current-, and shape-control of plasma in tokamak-type (toroidal) devices being studied as a potential means of commercial energy production by nuclear fusion. Modelling and control are both detailed, allowing non-expert readers to understand the control problem. Starting from the magneto-hydro-dynamic equations, all the steps needed for the derivation of plasma state-space models are enumerated with frequent recall of the basic concepts of electromagnetics. The control problem is then described, beginning with the control of current and position—vertical and radial—control and progressing to the more challenging shape control. The solutions proposed vary from simple PIDs to more sophisticated MIMO controllers.The second edition of Magnetic Control of Tokamak Plasmas contains numerous updates and a substantial amount of completely new material covering areas such as:• modelling and control of resistive wall modes—the most important non-axisimmetric mode;• the isoflux approach for shape control; • a general approach for the control of limiter plasmas;• the use of inner vessel coils for vertical stabilization; and• significantly enhanced treatment of plasma-shape control at JET, including experimental results and introducing a method implemented for operation in the presence of current saturations.Whenever possible, coverage of the various topics is rounded out with experimental results obtained on currently existing tokamaks. The book also includes a presentation of  the typical actuators and sensors used for control purposes in tokamaks. Some mathematical details are given in the appendices for the interested reader.The ideas formulated in this monograph will be of great practical help to control engineers, academic researchers and graduate students working directly with problems related to the control of nuclear fusion. They will also stimulate control researchers interested more generally in the advanced applications of the discipline.Advances in Industrial Control aims to report and encourage the transfer of technology in control engineering. The rapid development of control technology has an impact on all areas of the control discipline. The series offers an opportunity for researchers to present an extended exposition of new work in all aspects of industrial control.