Data-driven optimal control of switched linear autonomous systems

In this paper, a novel data-driven optimal control approach of switching times is proposed for unknown continuous-time switched linear autonomous systems with a finite-horizon cost function and a prescribed switching sequence. No a priori knowledge on the system dynamics is required in this approach. First, some formulas based on the Taylor expansion are deduced to estimate the derivatives of a cost function with respect to the switching times using system state data. Then, a data-driven optimal control approach based on the gradient decent algorithm is designed, taking advantage of the derivatives to approximate the optimal switching times. Moreover, the estimation errors are analysed and proven to be bounded. Finally, simulation examples are illustrated to validate the effectiveness of the approach.