Centralized Optimal Control with a Shared Signal for Identical Subsystems: Application to Multiple Four-Tank Systems

Tóm tắt

This study proposes a centralized control solution aimed at reducing implementation costs for industrial systems comprising multiple similar subsystems. Instead of equipping each actuator to execute separate control signals, the proposed method utilizes a shared control signal to simultaneously operate multiple independent systems that share identical setpoints and technical specifications. A n alytical r e sults d e monstrate t h at t h is c o ntrol a rchitecture si mplifies th e ha rd ware stru cture and reduces the required control resources, thereby lowering investment and maintenance costs. However, the use of a common control signal introduces certain trade-offs in control performance, such as increased delay and greater liquid level oscillation compared to independently controlled systems. To validate the approach, we conducted simulations on multiple clusters of four-tank experimental models under variousinitial conditions. The simulation results confirm that the proposed method ensures system stability and effective setpoint tracking. These findings suggest a promising direction for the development of centralized control architectures in large-scale or multi-agent systems.