Flatness-based nonlinear internal model control with disturbances compensation via improved extended state observer for remotely operated vehicle

This paper proposes an improved Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) scheme for nonlinear control-affine systems, achieving superior robustness/ performance trade-offs. By leveraging the flatness property within a closed-loop structure, Nonlinear Internal Model Control (NLIMC) is employed as a model-based controller utilises partial plant knowledge to enhance control performance and eliminate static tracking errors. Subsequently, an improved Extended State Observer (IESO) is incorporated with NLIMC to address unmodelled dynamics, disturbances, and parameter uncertainties in addition to the full state's estimation. The IESO's added hyperbolic function dynamic ensures higher sensitivity and accuracy compared to conventional linear ESOs, especially in case of large errors. Control performances are evaluated through a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) application. Numerical simulations have been carried out and the results confirm its effectiveness and superiority compared to Ocean Disturbance Observer-based Double-loop Sliding Mode Controller (ODSMC) and the linear ADRC.