HYBRID SYSTEMS Hybrid Systems are dynamical systems that involve the interaction of different types of dynamics.

For example a system which shows both continuous and discrete behaviour is a hybrid system. Continuous states can change values either through a jump or by flowing in continuous time according to a differential equation while discrete states can change value only through a discrete jump. Hybrid systems involve both these types of dynamics: discrete jumps and continuous flows. Hybrid dynamics helps in modelling systems in a wide range of engineering field. For example in electrical circuits continuous phenomena such as the charging of capacitors, etc. are interrupted by switches opening and closing, or diodes going on or off. Simple example like a bouncing ball also requires hybrid system modelling. The ball exhibits continuous dynamics between each bounce; however, as the ball impacts the ground, its velocity undergoes a discrete change modelled after an inelastic collision. To show how a system is modelled using Hybrid concept we will take the example of a thermostat. Consider a room being heated by a radiator controlled by a thermostat. Assume that when the radiator is off the temperature, x R, of the room decreases exponentially towards 0 degrees according to the differential equation for some a >0. It is given that when thermostat turns the heater on the temperature increases exponentially towards 30 degrees, according to the differential equation

Therefore we can model this system as follows

Assume that the thermostat is trying to keep the temperature at around 20 degrees. To avoid chattering (i.e. switching the radiator on an off all the time) the thermostat does not attempt to turn the heater on until the temperature falls below 19 degrees. Due to some uncertainty in the radiator dynamics, the temperature may fall further, to 18 degrees, before the room starts getting heated. Likewise, the thermostat does not attempt to turn the heater on until the temperature rises above 21 degrees. Due to some uncertainty in the radiator dynamics the temperature may rise further, to 22 degrees, before the room starts to cool down.

Notice that this system has both a continuous and a discrete state. The continuous state is the temperature in the room xR. The discrete state, q {ON,OFF}reflects whether the radiator is on or off. The evolution of x is governed by a differential while the evolution of q is through jumps. The relevance of hybrid Systems can be seen how conveniently we managed to model the above systems. Hybrid dynamics provide a convenient framework for modelling systems in a wide range of engineering applications. In mechanical systems where collisions occur we can use hybrid systems. Similarly we can use it in electrical systems which involve switching. Its applications are also found in manufacturing plants.

Bibliography:

1. Goebel, Rafal; Sanfelice, Ricardo G.; Teel, Andrew R. (2009), "Hybrid dynamical
systems", IEEE Control Systems Magazine 29 (2): 2893. 2. M. S. Branicky, V. S. Borkar, and S. K. Mitter, A unified frame-work for hybrid control: Model and optimal control theory, IEEE Trans. Automat. Contr ., vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 3145, 1998.