Stochastic control, the control of random processes, has become increasingly more important to the systems analyst and engineer. The Second IFAC Symposium on Stochastic Control represents current thinking on all aspects of stochastic control, both theoretical and practical, and as such represents a further advance in the understanding of such systems.

The control of power systems and power plants is a subject of worldwide interest which continues to sustain a high level of research, development and application in many diverse yet complementary areas. Papers pertaining to 13 areas directly related to power systems and representing state-of-the-art methods are included in this volume. The topics covered include linear and nonlinear optimization, static and dynamic state estimation, security analysis, generation control, excitation and voltage control, power plant modelling and control, stability analysis, emergency and restorative controls, large-scale sparse matrix techniques, data communication, microcomputer systems, power system stabilizers, load forecasting, optimum generation scheduling and power system control centers. The compilation of this information in one volume makes it essential reading for a comprehension of the current knowledge in the field of power control.

This volume investigates developments in, and management of, transportation systems, future trends and what effects these will have on society. The book studies transportation systems planning; traffic problems and the issue of conservation; the use of logistics, and the role of computers and robotics in traffic control.

Modelling and Control of Biotechnological Processes contains the proceedings of the International Federation of Automatic Control's First Symposium on Modeling and Control of Biotechnological Processes held in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands, on December 11-13, 1985. The papers explore modeling and control of biotechnological processes such as fermentation and biological wastewater treatment. This book consists of 37 chapters divided into 11 sections and begins with a discussion on the control of fermentation processes; modeling of biotechnical processes; and application of measurement and estimation techniques to biotechnology. The following sections focus on adaptive control theory, applications of adaptive control, and control and modeling of bioreactors. The reader is also introduced to measurement techniques and sensors, with emphasis on pyrolysis mass spectrometry; rapid bioelectrochemical methods; and a self-tuning controller for multiloop controlled fed-batch fermentation. The remaining sections deal with parameter identification and estimation; Kalman filtering techniques; optimization of production processes; modeling of microkinetics; and optimization theory. This monograph will be of interest to researchers and practitioners in the field of biotechnology.

Presents an authoritative overview of the recent developments and technical advances in the applications of automated control to space technology. Topics covered include: geostationary satellites, scientific satellites, flexible systems, low earth orbit satellites, orbit and trajectory control, component technology, platforms, rendez-vous and docking (RVD) and manipulators. Contains 39 research and review papers.