Process identification based on a new relay feedback experiment

grantor: University of TorontoA novel identification experiment based on relay feedback is proposed which automatically generates a nonperiodic binary process input signal by intermittently placing additional dynamics into the relay feedback loop. The input signal is rich in frequency content, permitting identification of a multiple-point frequency or step response model from a single experiment. The Frequency Sampling Filter (FSF) model is used to fit the models to the relay generated data using a least squares estimator. A recursive version of this algorithm has been incorporated into a prototype software application that combines the new relay experiment with on-line FSF model identification. The prototype has been applied to a pilot-scale, stirred tank heater process to demonstrate the new method in practice.M.A.Sc