Configuration and reduced-order modeling of a flow system based on experimental data

Regulated flow systems exhibit a variable dynamic behavior when subjected to distinct inputs. The significant non-linear behavior of the system at low inputs and the difference in the output pattern for the increase and decrease in flow pose challenges in modeling. One way is to identify separate sets of parameters for each input-output data set and develop distinct models. However, this approach is computationally expensive when designing a single controller covering the whole input range. To overcome the said limitation, we used a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based estimation technique. The developed Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) dynamic model describes real measurement values of a laboratory flow system. The data treatment consists of (1) an automated input-output data acquisition, (2) -order model estimation from measured data, (3) the reduction of the dynamic parameters using PCA, and (4) the development of a reduced LPV model for the entire input range. The LPV model presents its output response comparable to the experimentally taken flow rates. The proposed modeling technique can help design a single controller sufficient to achieve the desired output applicable in the whole measuring range. The effectiveness of our approach suggests its use for synthesizing an LPV controller for flow systems.