Model predictive control design for axial-piston pump

Abstract The article presents model predictive control (MPC) design of the displacement volume control of a variable displacement axial-piston pump. The pump is intended for application in open loop circuit hydraulic drive system. The authors are developed a real-time control system contains two basic components: an electro-hydraulic proportional valve and an industrial controller. The proportional valve replaced the conventional hydro-mechanical controller that changes the swash plate swivel angle, and hence the displacement volume, respectively the flow rate of the pump. The system was developed as a laboratory test bench enabling experimental investigation. The authors are performed system identification based on experimental data and obtained a state space mathematical model of the system. This model was used to synthesize the MPC controller. The behaviour of the controller has been studied both in simulation and in experimental conditions. The analysis of the control performance is carried out comparing transients’ response at different flow rates reference and pump load modes.