Comparing Controller Tuning Methods

Aims

The aims of this experiment are:

To analyse an open loop response to obtain process parameters
To analyse a closed loop response to obtain the ultimate gain and period
To evaluate controller parameters using 5 different methods
To compare the values obtained above with respect to how well the process is controlled

Theory

There are five theory sections corresponding to the five different methods of obtaining controller parameters:

All the above theory is covered in Module 2.2 - Controller Design and System Modelling and Module 4 - Futher Controller Design

Procedure

In this simulation each of the above tuning methods are taken in turn and used to determine the controller parameters for a given process.

Firstly the Open Loop Response is given. Once the process parameters are obtained this gives the ZN Open Loop parameters. Also from the open loop response the fractional dead time can be evaluated and thus the Controller Paramter Correlations can be used.

Next a java applet is given which models the process with a proportional only controller. Thus the ZN Closed Loop Response Method and the Damped Osciallation Method can be used.

The next java applet is one which models a Relay Based Controller to determine the controller parameters using this method.

Finally there is a java applet which models the process with a proportional integral controller so that all the evaluated controller values can be tested and compared.

Processes

Three different processes are given and can be worked through in any order.

Questions are given throughout the exercises to guide you through the experiment.

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