Controller design for a class of nonlinear MIMO coupled system using multiple models and second level adaptation

In this paper, an adaptive control method using multiple models with second level adaptation is proposed for a class of nonlinear multi-input multi-output (MIMO) coupled systems. Multiple estimation models are used to tune the unknown parameters at the first level. The second level adaptation provides a single parameter vector for the controller. A feedback linearization technique is used to design a state feedback control. The efficacy of the designed controller is validated by conducting real time experiment on a laboratory setup of twin rotor MIMO system (TRMS). The TRMS setup is discussed in detail and the experiments were performed for regulation and tracking problem for pitch and yaw control using different reference signals. An Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) has been used to observe the unavailable states of the TRMS.