Pseudo-Decoupling and Control of Unidentified Plant

A procedure based on measured step responses, is presented for the pseudo-decoupling of basically linear, non-oscillatory, multivariable plant. The method generates pre- and post-compensator matrices that will tend to make an otherwise non-dominant plant diagonally dominant. Once this is achieved, each loop is then tuned on an individual basis using one of the classical on-line methods, thus eliminating the need for a model. The method is illustrated by means of two examples. The first demonstrates the design procedure and the second reports on the application of the method in controlling the power generated by an internal combustion engine.