On-line parameter identification and model validation for distributed parameter models with applications to solar thermal systems

The parameter identification problem for a class of distributed parameter plug flow models characterized by first-order vector partial differential equations is investigated. It is assumed that the physical process is represented by a system of partial differential equations of known form but containing unknown parameters. A sequential parameter identification algorithm is developed to estimate the parameters for two distributed-parameter plug flow models, namely the one- and two-temperature-plug-flow models that are used to describe the dynamics of a solar collector. The problem is put into the general framework of a nonlinear identification problem which is solved by a nonlinear recursive least-square (NRLS) algorithm. The NRLS algorithm is used to estimate the model parameters from both stimulated and experimental data taken from Colorado State Universities Solar House III.<>