Decentralized optimal tracking control for large‐scale nonlinear systems with tracking error constraints

Summary In this article, a decentralized optimal tracking control strategy is proposed for a class of nonlinear systems with tracking error constraints by utilizing adaptive dynamic programming (ADP). It should be noted that ADP technology cannot be directly used to solve decentralized optimal tracking problem of large‐scale interconnected nonlinear system with nonzero equilibrium points, since that an infinite domain performance index function may result in an unsolvable solution. In addition, by introducing a smooth function, the constrained tracking error is transformed into an unconstrained one. Then, the error dynamics and a new infinite domain performance index function are designed, such that ADP technology can be used. Following the designed performance index function, the tracking error can be ensured within a small neighborhood of zero. Finally, the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed decentralized optimal control scheme are verified through two simulation examples.