Modeling and system identification

Abstract

In order to alter or influence the way a process operates, one should previously have a proper understanding of the relations between its variables, its natural behavior, and what is reasonable to expect of the controlled system. This understanding is usually expressed using models, which are mathematical objects that represent the behavior and features of the system that is of interest to us. The decision of which features to include and to what degree of accuracy strongly depends on the purpose of the model. Typically, models aimed at simulation require a higher level of detail than those to be used strictly for control purposes.