Multi-model unfalsified adaptive switching control: Test functionals for stability and performance

The paper studies how to infer behavioral features of a potential loop, consisting of an uncertain plant interconnected in feedback with a candidate controller, on the grounds of experimental data taken from the same plant possibly driven by a different controller. In such a context, convenient tools to work with are test functionals, computed via a virtual experiment, which quantify the discrepancy between the potential loop and the so‐called ‘tuned‐loop’ or ‘reference‐loop’ related to the same candidate controller. Several test functionals are considered and analyzed so as to unveil conditions under which their adoption can accomplish the desired goals. These results are shown to be of practical relevance for on‐line performance inference of feedback control systems and implementation of highly performing adaptive switching control systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.