Abstract
A method of controlling nonlinear systems using Volterra series is applied to the control of respiration. This method is based on the description of a respiratory system by discrete-time Volterra series. The control system is synthesized by the connection of an input-observer and a dynamical compensator, which are used respectively, for the reproduction of an input-function hard to be measured (metabolic rate change) and for the generation of a controlling input (air ventilation rate change). It provides an accurate and quick output control of alveolar CO2-concentration by the manipulation of an air ventilation rate, eliminating the effect of any undesirable irregular metabolic rate change on the output.
