Sparse control using sum-of-norms regularized model predictive control

Some control applications require the use of piecewise constant or impulse-type control signals, with as few changes as possible. So as to achieve this type of control, we consider the use of regularized model predictive control (MPC), which allows us to impose this structure through the use of regularization. It is then possible to regulate the trade-off between control performance and control signal characteristics by tuning the so-called regularization parameter. However, since the mentioned trade-off is only indirectly affected by this parameter, its tuning is often unintuitive and time-consuming. In this paper, we propose an equivalent reformulation of the regularized MPC, which enables us to configure the desired trade-off in a more intuitive and computationally efficient manner. This reformulation is inspired by the so-called ε-constraint formulation of multi-objective optimization problems and enables us to quantify the trade-off, by explicitly assigning bounds over the control performance.