Artificial neural network identification of partially known dynamic nonlinear systems

This paper presents a method for incorporating a priori information about an uncertain nonlinear system into the structure of a multilayer feedforward artificial neural network. Known information is incorporated into the activation function of the network output layer. An algorithm is derived for backpropagating the error and updating adjustable parameters within this layer that is consistent with existing supervised learning techniques. The developed technique is applied to the identification of a dynamic system and compared with conventional feedforward artificial neural network identifier. Results exhibit an improvement in the quality of the identification model and an increase in the rate of convergence. As a practical application, a prior information is utilized for identification of switched reluctance motor characteristics on the basis of experimental measurements. The results further demonstrate that artificial neural networks employing a priori information converge faster, require fewer adjustable weights, and more accurately predict the system of interest.<>