Control of Complex Systems

The world of artificial systems is reaching complexity levels that es­ cape human understanding. Surface traffic, electricity distribution, air­ planes, mobile communications, etc. , are examples that demonstrate that we are running into problems that are beyond classical scientific or engi­ neering knowledge.

This book presents theoretical and practical findings on the state estimation, diagnosis and control of complex systems, especially in the mathematical form of descriptor systems. The research is fully motivated by real-world applications (i.e., Barcelona’s water distribution network), which require control systems capable of taking into account their specific features and the limits of operations in the presence of uncertainties stemming from modeling errors and component malfunctions.

Complex systems have long been an integral part of modern life and can be encountered everywhere. Undertaking a comprehensive study of such systems is a challenging problem, one which is impossible to solve without the use of contemporary mathematical modeling techniques. Mathematical models form the basis for the optimal design and control of complex systems.