Projects / Programmes
MODELLING, SIMULATION AND CONTROL OF PROCESSES
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.06.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Systems and cybernetics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T125 |
Technological sciences |
Automation, robotics, control engineering |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.02 |
Engineering and Technology |
Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering |
System theory, control technology, modelling of systems, identification of systems, simulation, multivariable systems, adaptive systems, predictive control, intelligent control, supervisory systems, hybrid systems, multiagent systems, computer aided control systems design, modelling and simulation tools, industrial processes, biomedical and biopharmaceutical processes, artificial intelligence, life long learning, knowledge transfer, expert systems.
Researchers (20)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The area of control technology has infrastructural character. Therefore it contains very diverse problem domains, wide scope of research fields and requires integral approach. At the same time the corresponding critical mass of researchers is needed as well as balanced interlacing of basic, applicative and development investigations supported with the educational activities in the sense of manifold knowledge transfer. In the world relative decrease of new methods development for control design can be observed. However, the actual intention is to push existing methods and their combinations toward practical usage. The aim of the research programme is thus in new knowledge acquisition which will enable the development of more efficient and better control systems. It will contribute also to the more effective design, at the same time ensuring also the possibilities of usage in the domestic industry. Here the knowledge exchange in all possible levels and directions plays crucial role. Some important treated problem domains contain: the area of mathematical modelling and simulation of processes where the usage of nonlinear models including also the components from the field of artificial intelligence, the possibilities of fuzzy models usage in robust control and in fault diagnosis, the investigation of biologic control loops on the genetic level, the algorithms for the simulation of hybrid systems and their transformation into different model types, object oriented modelling and simulation are studied; the area of complex control systems where methods for univariable and multivariable predictive control based on the nonlinear models, methods of adaptive control suited for industrial needs, possibilities of complex theoretical approaches combination what leads to relatively simple realization, expert system for relative efficiency of certain control design methods evaluation, possibilities of adjusting some control strategies to the concrete domains and to the standard process equipment, possibilities of artificial intelligence approaches usage in multivariable controllers design, supervisory and hybrid systems, the usage of time Petri nets for tasks scheduling in manufacturing, supervisory control and possibilities of predictive control of hybrid systems are studied; the area of multiagent systems where the mobile robot control, strategy and coordination of their operation considering nonholonomic and dynamic constraints, possibilities of predictive control of unstable nonholonomic systems control usage, possiblities of prediction in mobile robots control, in coordination of multiagent systems and in reactions to changes in the environment usage as well as, planning and optimisation of mobile robot paths are studied.
Well designed mechanisms of knowledge exchange in every sense, where a lot of experiences exist, successful research and education work and good research results transfer to practice can be foreseen taking into account also the role of actuality and attractiveness of the studied problem domains.
Significance for science
Our research interest covers two fields – first one deals with modelling, simulation and control being focused on fundamental research in these areas. This field also tries to introduce the known and newly developed methods into the real world applications. The second field that deals with autonomous mobile systems emphasizes the usage of the newly developed methods in practical applications of such systems. Both fields are highly focused on integration of classical theoretical principles, methods based on artificial intelligence and practical implementation studies (implementation technologies). International relevance of the proposed research fields can be justified by priority areas of the framework Horizon 2020. Proposed research fields fall in particular into the scope of Living Online, scopes of Environment, Mobility and Smart Cities and the scope of Science & Technlogy, covering the important research area of Robotics and Components & Systems. Proposed research fields also coincide with the proposed priority areas within the smart specialization strategies (Strategija pametne specializacije) by which Slovenia is planning to focus the investments and funding into the research, development and innovation of fields, which would yield the greatest effects on the economy. Our research fields are also a part of one of the Slovenia’s key priorities in the area of Production, processing, and information communication technologies. Relevance of the proposed program can be observed by comparing it with programs of similar groups around the world and by the plans to participate in the framework Horizon 2020 projects. However, it is necessary to keep a certain balance between domestic needs and global trends as well as a balance between research and evolving/updating the educational programs. This is achieved by both horizontal and vertical knowledge transfer through the use and exploitation of modern media and communications technologies. Certain areas of the proposed research areas have already been partially investigated and the group have already produced valuable results and publications, which will be further upgraded. Our research of other presented areas will provide brand new solutions with new results.
Significance for the country
Our research is a part of an area called Production, process, information and communication technologies, which is a one of the key areas according to the document Smart specialization strategies. This document defines the priority areas in which Slovenia tends to focus the investment of development founds regarding the research, development and innovations. The defined areas are supposed to gain the greatest effects on the economy. Control technology is an area that has multiple profound effects on society reflected trough a variety of important factors from the aspects of sustainable development such as: decrease of energy consumption, materials and pollution, increase of product quality, added value and improvement of working conditions. The Control technology area is therefore one of the strategic directions for the world and also Slovenia, especially due to current backlog of our industry in this area. The research results should contribute to higher competitiveness and competence of service organizations and industry. This should also have an indirect impact on society by enabling an adequate training of the personnel and informing them of high-tech approaches, knowledge and findings regarding the control strategies as well as to create a more innovative working environment and new jobs. The improvement of the above mentioned factors can also have a beneficial effects on the area of population health care, the environment, defense, etc. As previous experience show, the promotional aspects can be expected through journal publications and conferences, which will help maintain the position as one of the leading research groups in the field of modeling and control in Europe. The major indirect effect of our research will be visible in the educational process at the Faculty of electrical engineering, University of Ljubljana. Our educational process is constantly complemented by our and others current research results. So we are constantly transferring new knowledge and technologies to the industry through our students. This is especially important since our group represents one of the most important educational institution in the field of control technologies in Slovenia, educating more than half of Slovenian control engineers, which are highly wanted both at home and abroad. Last but not least, the influence of the group and its socio-economic effects is also reflected through the fact that their members were the leading founders of the Slovenian automation society and Slovenian simulation and modelling society and they chaired the Federation of European Simulation EUROSIM from 2004 to 2007. The above-mentioned facts show the importance of our group for the profession, engineering practice and socio-economic development of Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
