Recursive identification of a nonlinear state space model

Summary The convergence of a recursive prediction error method is analyzed. The algorithm identifies a nonlinear continuous time state space model, parameterized by one right‐hand side component of the differential equation and an output equation with a fixed differential gain, to avoid over‐parametrization. The method minimizes the criterion by simulation using an Euler discretization. A stability analysis of the associated differential equations results in conditions for (local) convergence to a minimum of the criterion function. Simulations verify the theoretical analysis and illustrate the performance in the presence of unmodeled dynamics, by identification of the nonlinear drum boiler dynamics of a power plant model.