Two data-driven control algorithms for a MIMO aerodynamic system with experimental validation

Abstract

This paper suggests data-driven Model-Free Adaptive Control (MFAC) algorithms for a Multi Input-Multi Output (MIMO) twin rotor aerodynamic system (TRAS). The TRAS is controlled using a MIMO control system structure with azimuth and pitch position control loops. A set of experimental results on laboratory equipment is included to show the performance comparison of the MFAC algorithms implemented both as a single MIMO controller and as two separate Single Input-Single Output controllers (in the two control loops) running in parallel, one for each axis of TRAS motion. The MFAC algorithms are compared with a controller designed by Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning and discussions of the measured results are given.