Free-model based model reference adaptive inverse controller design for power plants

The concept of a free model is developed for identification and control of a dynamic system, which does not require the knowledge of a mathematical model for the system, but use only its input and output measurements. The concept is then implemented in the design of a neuro-identifier and neuro-controller in the model reference adaptive inverse control scheme for a power plant. The free model approximates the future outputs of a system on the basis of the historical changes in the past and possible inputs currently applied. This feature makes it possible to identify and control a nonlinear system for which mathematical model is not known or uncertain, such as boiler dynamics in a power plant. Simulation results under various operating conditions show that the proposed scheme can be applied to a nonlinear power plant with satisfactory performance.