Hybrid approach for optimal control problem of switched systems

In this paper, hybrid approach, includes meta-heuristic and conventional method, is proposed for optimal control problem of switched systems. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to find the optimal switching instants for minimizing a performance index, depending on these instants, over a finite time horizon. We demonstrate via numerical examples the effectiveness of proposed approach where the results are compared to those obtained by gradient method. By applying the proposed algorithm based on PSO on a hydraulic system, it seems a general solution of the optimal control problem of switching instants, since no regularity in the performance function is required, valid for many dynamic and provides a global optimum.