Improving transient response of adaptive control systems using multiple models and switching

A well-known problem in adaptive control is the poor transient response which is observed when adaptation is initiated. In this paper we develop a stable strategy for improving the transient response by using multiple models of the plant to be controlled and switching between them. The models are identical except for initial estimates of the unknown plant parameters. The control to be applied is determined at every instant by the model which best approximates the plant. Simulation results are presented to indicate the improvement in performance that can be achieved.>