Parameter Optimization and Model Validation of Quanser AERO using Modelica and RaPId

This paper presents an overview of the process for optimizing key electrical, mechanical, and aerodynamical parameters of a multi-domain model of the Quanser AERO, a reconfigurable, benchtop, twin-rotor system using RaPId, an open-source, modular toolbox for model validation and parameter estimation in MATLAB and Simulink. A particle swarm optimization algorithm and a constrained nonlinear optimization algorithm are compared for their efficacy in optimizing the afformentioned parameters of the AERO model in an effort to more accurately model the behavior of the device.