Stochastic optimal controllers for a DC servo motor: Applicability and performance

Abstract In this work some optimal control algorithms have been designed for and implemented in a real plant. The plant is a DC motor, controlled in the armature. Both deterministic and stochastic control policies have been developed. The aim of this paper is to show the applicability of optimal control algorithms to improve performances, to look for an empirical proof of the effects that appear in a stochastic policy (such as the caution effect), and to confirm an increment in the performance in the stochastic algorithms as compared with entirely deterministic algorithms. The control schemes applied are Dynamic Programming and Generalized Predictive Control.