Control-relevant experiment design for multivariable systems described by expansions in orthonormal bases

Abstract

The problem of control-relevant experiment design is considered. We first develop the problem in abstract form as an optimization of an unspecified closed-loop performance index. Then, we make the problem specific by considering systems that can be described via a finite expansion of orthonormal bases and designing the controller by specifying the closed-loop system's sensitivity function. Although the resulting optimization problem is nonconvex and may admit local solutions, simulations of high-purity binary distillation columns are presented to demonstrate that significant improvements in controller performance may be obtained even by using the local solution. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.