Filtering algorithm for estimating fluid temperature profile in solar collectors (Q1105552)

This paper presents a filtering technique for estimating the fluid temperature profile in a solar energy collector modeled by a bilinear distributed parameter system (the Klein plug-flow model). The derivation of the filter algorithm uses invariant imbedding and the method of characteristics. This approach allows one to estimate under bang-bang control situations and has the flexibility to easily vary the sensor locations. As examples, the filtering process is applied to a simulated solar collection system.