arXiv subjects

Shuang-hua Yang

Publications and source records attributed to Shuang-hua Yang.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Global self-optimizing control of batch processes

This work considers to achieve near-optimal operation for a class of batch processes by employing self-optimizing control (SOC). Comparing with a continuous one, a batch process exhibits stronger nonlinearity with dynamics because of the non-steady operation condition. This necessitates a global version of SOC to achieve satisfactory performance. Meanwhile, it also makes the existing global SOC (gSOC) not directly applicable to batch processes due to the causality amongst variables. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the original gSOC to batch processes. In addition to the nonconvexity challenge of the original gSOC problem, the new extension for batch processes has to face even more challenges. Particularly, the causality due to dynamics of batch processes brings in structural constraints on controlled variables (CVs), making a CV selection problem even more difficult. To address these challenges, the gSOC problem is recast in a vectorized formulation and it is proved that the structural constraints considered are linear in the vectorized formulation. Moreover, a novel shortcut method is proposed to efficiently find sub-optimal but more transparent solutions for this problem. The effectiveness of the new approach is validated through a case study of a fed-batch reactor, where CVs are constructed through a combination matrix with a repetitive structure, resulting in a simple SOC scheme. This simplicity facilitates the implementation of the SOC approach and enhances its practical applicability and robustness.

math.OC↗

arXiv2026

Performance guaranteed MPC Policy Approximation via Cost Guided Learning

Model predictive control (MPC) is widely used in industries but implementing it poses challenges due to hardware or time constraints. A promising solution is to approximate the MPC policy using function approximators like neural networks. Existing methods focus on minimizing the error between the approximators outputs and the MPC optimal control actions on training data, which is called error guided learning approach in this paper. However, the goals of control law design is not to minimize the fitting error but to minimize the operation cost. This paper proposes a novel cost-guided learning approach that utilizes the cost sensitivity information from the MPC problem to directly minimize the loss in closed-loop performance. A theoretical analysis shows cost-guided learning provides tighter guarantees on optimality loss compared to traditional error-guided learning. Experiments on a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) benchmark demonstrate that the proposed technique results in approximate MPC policies that achieve substantially better closed-loop performance. This work makes an important contribution by connecting the fitting errors with operational objectives, overcoming key limitations of existing approximation methods. The core idea could be applied more broadly for data-driven control.

math.OC↗

arXiv2024

Risk Assessment for Nonlinear Cyber-Physical Systems under Stealth Attacks

Stealth attacks pose potential risks to cyber-physical systems because they are difficult to detect. Assessing the risk of systems under stealth attacks remains an open challenge, especially in nonlinear systems. To comprehensively quantify these risks, we propose a framework that considers both the reachability of a system and the risk distribution of a scenario. We propose an algorithm to approximate the reachability of a nonlinear system under stealth attacks with a union of standard sets. Meanwhile, we present a method to construct a risk field to formally describe the risk distribution in a given scenario. The intersection relationships of system reachability and risk regions in the risk field indicate that attackers can cause corresponding risks without being detected. Based on this, we introduce a metric to dynamically quantify the risk. Compared to traditional methods, our framework predicts the risk value in an explainable way and provides early warnings for safety control. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework through a case study of an automated warehouse.

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