Robust optimal control of a nonlinear surface vessel model with parametric uncertainties

Abstract

This paper presents a fast alternative optimization method for developing a reliable optimal controller that can handle system model parameter uncertainties. The source of uncertainty in this study is identified as hydrodynamic coefficients, which are prone to errors due to the challenges involved in obtaining accurate values. The proposed optimization method utilizes a complex nonlinear ship model provided by Maneuver Modelling Group (MMG) as the reference for the ship motion model. The optimization process is divided into two stages: a blind search followed by bisection optimization, to obtain a robust optimal controller. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, system response analysis and practical tests were performed on Step, M-Turn, and Doublet maneuvers. The results show that the controller parameters obtained from the proposed optimization method are capable of achieving high success rates in controlling a system with uncertain parameters.