The Facility Control Software can be uniquely adapted to any wind tunnel or test facility. The process involves the following main steps:

• Formulate physics-based mathematical model of the facility
• Measure empirical model parameters
• Use neural networks to organize, manipulate large databases
• Offline training of neural network controller using the mathematical model for rapid control predictions
• Develop model-based/neural-network control

• Demonstrated capability on 2 UND wind tunnel facilities
• Matched both temperature and wind speed behavior
• Good comparisons of math model with actual tunnel behavior
• Demonstrated test temperature control within ±0.5 K using a neural controller trained with mathematical model
• Current TRL: 4, Estimated TRL in 2 years: 6

The Facility Control Software can be used to optimize running efficiency and increase accuracy and precision of test facilities including wind tunnels, power plants, large vehicles and other hardware-in-the-loop systems.

The Facility Control Software can be used to optimize running efficiency and increase accuracy and precision of commercial test facilities and large commercial transport vehicles involving multiple, complex parameters.

Application areas

• Universities wind tunnels
• National research wind tunnel laboratories
• Prime contractors wind tunnel facilities