Parameter estimation of single and decentralized control systems using pulse response data

The One Pass Method (OPM) previously presented for the identification of single input single output systems is used to estimate the parameters of a Decentralized Control System (DCS). The OPM is a linear and therefore a simple estimation method. All of the calculations are performed in one pass, and no initial parameter guess, iteration, or powerful search methods are required. These features are of interest especially when the parameters of multi input-output model are estimated. The benefits of the OPM are revealed by comparing its results against those of two recently published methods based on pulse testing. The comparison is performed using two databases from the literature. These databases include single and multi input-output process transfer functions and relevant disturbances. The closed loop responses of these processes are roughly captured by the previous methods, whereas the OPM gives much more accurate results. If the parameters of a DCS are estimated, the OPM yields the same results in multi or single structure implementation. This is a novel feature, which indicates that the OPM is a convenient and practice method for the parameter estimation of multivariable DCSs.