Optimization of switching instants for optimal control of switched discrete systems based on Particle swarm Algorithm

In this paper, optimal control problems for switched discrete systems are studied and compared to the same optimal problem for a continuous system; in particular we focus on problems in which a prespecified sequence of active subsystems is given and propose a metaheuristic approach to find the optimal switching instants. This approach is based on Particle swarm Algorithm. The objective is to minimize the performance index, depending on these instants, over a finite time horizon. We assume that a pre-assigned modal sequence is given.