Data-driven optimal model-free control of twin rotor aerodynamic systems

This paper proposes data-driven Model-Free Control (MFC) algorithms for Multi Input-Multi Output (MIMO) twin rotor aerodynamic systems. A discrete-time formulation of the algorithms is given in the framework of a MIMO control system structure with azimuth and pitch position control loops. An optimal design approach of the MIMO MFC algorithms is proposed using a Linear Quadratic Regulator formulation. The sensitivity of the new MFC structure with respect to parametric variations of the aerodynamic system is checked against two additional structures that are also optimally designed. The case study also reveals how the sampling time influences the control system performance.