Observer-based offset-free internal model control

A linear feedback control structure is proposed that allows internal model control design principles to be applied to unstable and marginally stable plants. The control structure comprises an observer using an augmented plant model, state estimate feedback and disturbance estimate feedback. Conditions are given for both nominal internal stability and offset-free action even in the case of plant-model mismatch. The Youla parameterization is recovered as a limiting case with reduced order observers. The simple design methodology is illustrated for a marginally stable plant with delay.