\(H_ \infty\)-control for distributed parameter systems: A state-space approach (Q1310455)

\(H_ \infty\)-control theory has become a powerful tool for the design of robust and (sub-)optimal control systems. Based on the \(H_ \infty\)-norm of some transfer function this approach allows to measure the influence of a disturbance on the to-be-controlled output. The main results for the so-called standard \(H_ \infty\)-control problem have been stated in the late 80's [see e.g. \textit{B. A. Francis}, A course in \(H_ \infty\) control theory, Lecture Notes in Control and Information Sciences, 88 (1987; Zbl 0624.93003)], focussing on linear finite-dimensional systems. It is only recently that \(H_ \infty\)-theory has been extended to more complex problems like nonlinear systems and distributed parameter systems. The present book is devoted to \(H_ \infty\)-control of linear time- invariant distributed parameter systems (infinite-dimensional systems). In the state space models of these systems one encounters a typical problem which has no counterpart in finite-dimensional systems, namely unbounded input and output operators depending on the kind of control and observation. In order to retain nice system theoretic properties, \textit{A. J. Pritchard} and \textit{D. Salamon} [SIAM J. Control Optimization 25, 121- 144 (1987; Zbl 0615.93039)] have introduced an interesting class of systems aiming at the solution of the linear quadratic control problem for finite-dimensional systems with unbounded inputs and outputs. This so-called Pritchard-Salamon class is basic for the present book whose contribution is twofold: The author extends the finite-dimensional results for the \(H_ \infty\)-control problem to the Pritchard-Salamon class and, while doing so, he also shows that this class has just the right system theoretic properties that allow for such an extension. After an introduction to the Pritchard-Salamon class and a number of important available results for this class the author considers the linear quadratic control problem (LQ-problem) for this class of systems. The main result relates the solvability of the LQ-problem to the solvability of a Riccati equation and a frequency domain inequality. This result, which is interesting in its own right is needed for the solution to the \(H_ \infty\)-control problem in the main body of the book. The \(H_ \infty\)-control problem with state-feedback is formulated and solved for the Pritchard-Salamon class. Conditions are given for the existence of a state-feedback that solves the suboptimal \(H_ \infty\)- control problem. The result can be interpreted as a generalization of the finite-dimensional case, and the consequences of unbounded input and output operators are emphasized in the proof. This result is to be considered as the first step in the solution of the more complicated version with measurement-feedback. The author is the first one to present the state-space solution to this problem in the main chapter 5 of the book. Under some specific assumptions it is shown that a dynamic measurement-feedback solution to the \(H_ \infty\)-control problem exists if and only if two coupled Riccati equations have stabilizing solutions. In the positive case a parametrization of all suboptimal solutions is given. Again the result is a generalization of the finite-dimensional counterpart, but not straight forward, due to unbounded input and output operators in infinite-dimensional systems. In the last chapter the theory developed in the book is illustrated by means of some examples, and possible directions for future research in this challenging topic are discussed. This book is the first comprehensive study of \(H_ \infty\)-control of distributed parameter systems. It presents fascinating new results interesting for graduate students and other researchers who are familiar with basic infinite-dimensional system theory.