| This dissertation presents an approach for determining plant model parameters and disturbances that significantly affect the performance of a system controlled by a model based controller. The significant parameters are identified using information generated within a numerical minimax controller design algorithm. Related research on model identification methods, control-relevant model identification, stability for nonlinear controllers, and optimization methods is surveyed to provide suitable background. The significant parameter identification method is demonstrated on various complex nonlinear systems, including: proportional-integral-derivative temperature control of an exothermic reaction in a continuous stirred tank reactor and multiple-input, multiple-output proportional-integral control of a forced circulation evaporator. Finally, the significant work presented is summarized and directions for future research are discussed. |
