Optimal design of robust control for belt conveyor systems based on fuzzy dynamic model and Nash game.

An optimized robust control method is proposed in this paper to deal with the disturbances of nonlinear factors such as uncertainty in belt conveyor and to realize the speed control of belt conveyor. By controlling the subsystems to track the same desired speed, belt breaks and overlaps caused by varying belt speeds from one section to another are limited. First, a fuzzy model is developed by applying fuzzy set theory to describe uncertainties of belt conveyor such as masses, stiffness, damping and frictions. Second, a robust control is designed for the nominal system and compensating for the uncertainty. With the robust control, the belt conveyor system is proved to be uniformly bounded and uniformly ultimately bounded by the Lyapunov approach. Third, the parameters of controller are optimized based on a non-cooperative game approach. The optimal solution is the Nash equilibrium. Optimal solution allows the controller system to perform better and decrease the cost of control. Finally, by comparing with LQR control and different parameters, the feasibility of robust control and the rationality of the optimal parameters are proven. • A method that can effectively avoid belt breakage and folding failures is proposed. • Uncertainty of belt conveyor is described based on fuzzy set theory. • A robust control that ensures the stability of the system is designed. • Control parameters are optimized based on Nash game theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]