Improvement of the Predictive Control Method for the High-Level Controller

Automation of ship maneuvering in limited sailing conditions usually requires 100% redundancy of thrusters (THRs) of various modifications and their locations in accordance with the matrix. The hierarchy of the motion control system is branched by levels using high-level motion controllers and THRs control distribution algorithms, which allows for a modular design with software, where the high-level controller (HLC) can be designed without comprehensive information about the thruster motors, and the input signal branching and speed limits are handled by the motion controller. But, for certain THRs configurations, this branching leads to the decrease in control efficiency due to the limitation of data on the physical characteristics of the ships and the operation of the motion controller. This research examines different approaches to improving control efficiency using methods of nonlinear predictive control models as a basis for developing motion controllers with decision optimization based on relevant constraints. The implemented branched system is the result of solving two simple problems of ship's motion, which highlight the related problems. The use of different approaches to eliminate the identified shortcomings made it possible to develop the nonlinear controller that combines the motion controller with distributed control of the THRs and ensuring the certain level of system reliability. The modularity of the control system is provided by the expansion of the closed system, which made it possible to achieve an increase in efficiency during the combined mode of operation. The obtained solution of nonlinear control with time-varying constraints made it possible to increase the accuracy of the control with a decrease in the duration of the pause in response to the change of the disturbance within 10%.