Guaranteed-stability adaptive fuzzy control of a hydraulic elevator

Abstract

Purpose – A hydraulic elevator including the hydraulic actuator and cabin is highly nonlinear with many parameters and variables. Its state-space model is in non-companion form and uncertain due to the parametric errors, flexibility of the ropes, friction and external load disturbances. A model-based control cannot perform well while a precise model is not available and all state variables cannot be measured. To overcome the problems, this paper aims to develop a direct adaptive fuzzy control (DAFC) for the hydraulic elevator. Design/methodology/approach – The controller is an adaptive PD-like Mamdani type fuzzy controller using position error and velocity error as inputs. The design is based on the stability analysis. Findings – The proposed control can overcome uncertainties, guarantee stability, provide a good tracking performance and operate as active vibration suppression by tracking a smooth trajectory. The controller is not involved in the nonlinearity, uncertainty and vibration of the system due to being free from model. Its performance is superior to a PD-like fuzzy controller due to being adaptive as illustrated by simulations. Originality/value – The proposed DAFC is applied for the first time on the hydraulic elevator. Compared to classic adaptive fuzzy, it does not require all system states. In addition, it is not limited to the systems, which have the state-space model in companion form and constant input gain, thus is much less computational and easier to implement.