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A dynamic programming approach to solving constrained linear-quadratic optimal control problems

The solution of a constrained linear-quadratic regulator problem is determined by the set of its optimal active sets. We propose an algorithm that constructs this set of active sets for a desired horizon N from that for horizon N-1. While it is not obvious how to extend the optimal feedback law itself for horizon N-1 to horizon N, a simple relation between the optimal active sets for two successive horizon lengths exists. Specifically, every optimal active set for horizon N is a superset of an optimal active set for horizon N-1 if the constraints are ordered stage by stage. The stagewise treatment results in a favorable computational effort. In addition, it is easy to detect the solution of the current horizon is equal to the infinite-horizon solution, if such a finite horizon exists, with the proposed algorithm.