Using Decoupling Methods to Reduce Polynomial NARX Models

The polynomial NARX model, where the output is a polynomial function of past inputs and outputs, is a commonly used equation error model for nonlinear systems. While it is linear in the variables, which simplifies its identification, it suffers from two major drawbacks: the number of parameters grows combinatorially with the degree of the nonlinearity, and it is a black box model, which makes it difficult to draw any insights from the identified model. Polynomial decoupling techniques are used to replace the multiple-input single-output polynomial with a decoupled polynomial structure comprising a transformation matrix followed by bank of SISO polynomials, whose outputs are then summed. This approach is demonstrated on two benchmark systems: The Bouc-Wen friction model and the data from the Silverbox model. In both cases, the decoupling results in a substantial reduction in the number of parameters, and allows some insight into the nature of the nonlinearities in the system. (C) 2018, IFAC (International Federation of Automatic Control) Hosting by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.