Helicopter Controller

Project Overview

This project focused on the modeling, control system design, and implementation for a virtual Kitticopter system. The project was conducted in two phases, each corresponding to a lab session (Lab 2 and Lab 3).

Objectives

  1. System Modeling and Identification:
    • Develop an accurate mathematical model of the virtual Kitticopter system using free-body diagrams, differential equations, and block diagrams.
    • Determine the specific transfer function of the Kitticopter system through experimental step response tests.
    • Validate the system model using MATLAB simulations.
  2. Controller Design:
    • Design a proportional controller (Lab 2) to meet initial performance specifications.
    • Design an improved lead-compensator controller (Lab 3) to enhance system performance beyond that achieved with the proportional controller.
  3. Performance Specifications:
    • Achieve position input tracking with greater than 90% accuracy.
    • Improve settling time by at least 20% compared to the uncompensated closed-loop system.
    • Limit overshoot to less than 5%.
    • Ensure robustness to uncertainty of up to 10% in the system's aerodynamic constant.
  4. Controller Implementation:
    • Construct and test controller circuits on breadboards.
    • Refine and finalize controller designs on veroboards.

Project Details

The project involves the following tasks:

  1. System Identification and Modeling
  2. Controller Design and Implementation
  3. Controller Testing and Validation

Outcomes and Results

  1. Proportional Controller (Lab 2):
    • Achieved tracking accuracy above 99%.
    • Met settling time improvement and overshoot specifications.
  2. Lead-Compensator Controller (Lab 3):
    • Further improved settling time (τ = 1.2s, significantly faster than the uncompensated system's τ = 11.8s).
    • Achieved tracking accuracy of 99.72% (error of 0.283%).
    • Eliminated visible overshoot.
    • Demonstrated ability to handle output disturbances effectively.

Project Document

For more detailed information, you can view the full project document here:

View the Project Document (Lab3 PDF)

View the Project Document (Lab2 PDF)