Robust adaptive NN-based output feedback control for a dynamic positioning ship using DSC approach

A robust adaptive NN-based output feedback control scheme is presented for a dynamic positioning ship with uncertainties and unknown external disturbances. We tackle the problem that velocity vector of a ship is not available by employing a high-gain observer, and develop the proposed control approach by combing vectorial backstepping with dynamic surface control approach, which is simpler and easier to implement in engineering practice. The neural network (NN) approximation technique is used to compensate for the uncertainties and unknown external disturbances, and it removes the requirement for the prior knowledge about the vessel parameters and external disturbances. Also, it is demonstrated that the proposed control strategy can force the position and yaw angle of a dynamic positioning ship to approach the desired point while guaranteeing all singles of the designed closed-loop dynamic positioning system semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded by means of the Lyapunov function. Simulation results of a supply ship illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.