Learning-based Funnel-MPC for output-constrained nonlinear systems

Abstract: We exploit an adaptive control technique, namely funnel control, in order to establish both initial and recursive feasibility in Model Predictive Control (MPC) for output-constrained nonlinear systems. Moreover, we show that the resulting feedback controller outperforms the funnel controller both w.r.t. the required sampling rate for a zero-order-hold implementation and required control action. We further propose a combination of funnel control and MPC, exploiting the performance guarantees of the model-free funnel controller during a learning phase and the advantages of the model-based MPC scheme thereafter.