Robust feedback control of combustion instability with model uncertainty

This paper deals with the development of a robust feedback controller for suppressing combustion instabilities with distributed actuators. Emphasis is placed on the treatment of model and parameter uncertainties in both tune and frequency domains. The control synthesis is based on an improved H_∞ algorithm which guarantees the stability of all perturbed dynamics within a given uncertainty bound. The scheme is also capable of rejecting exogenous inputs arising from sensors and plant noises, while optimizing the system performance. Implementation of the controller in a generic dump combustor with longitudinal pressure oscillations has been successfully achieved.