Automatic Learning in Multiple Model Adaptive Control

Control based on multiple models (MM) is an effective strategy to cope with structural and parametric uncertainty of systems with highly nonlinear dynamics. It relies on a set of local models describing different operating modes of the system. Therefore, the performance is strongly depends on the distribution of the models in the defined operating space. In this paper, the problem of on-line construction of local model set is considered. The necessary specifications of an autonomous learning method are stated, and a high-level supervisor is designed to add an appropriate model to the available model set. The proposed algorithm is evaluated in a simulated pH neutralization process which is a highly nonlinear plant and composed of both abrupt and large continuous changes. The preference of the multiple-model approach with learning ability on a conventional adaptive controller is studied.