Modeling of Time Delay Systems using Exponential Analysis Method

In this paper, very simple methods based on the exponential analysis are presented by which transfer function models for processes can easily be obtained. These methods employ step responses or impulse responses of the processes. These can also give a more precise transfer function model compared to the well-known graphical methods. Transfer functions are determined based on Prony method, which is one of the oldest and the most representative methods in the exponential analysis. Here, the method is reformed and applied to obtain the so-called low-order transfer function with pure time delay from the data of the step response. The effectiveness of the proposed method is examined through several numerical examples and experiments of the 2-tank level control process.