Control Loop Channel Selection Using Normalized Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control methods for process power supply systems often result in prolonged settling times and overshooting of target values due to the selection of control channels based on absolute control differences, which prioritizes the channel with the smallest difference, leading to inefficient power control.
Innovation Solution
A method that normalizes the selection variable to the target value for each control channel, allowing for the selection of the control channel with the smallest relative deviation, thereby avoiding the channel with the longest settling time and preventing target value overshooting, while using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or digital signal processor to accelerate control algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control channel with the smallest control difference is selected as the active channel, then target value overshooting is avoided, but settling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection criterion from absolute control difference to normalized control difference (control difference divided by target value). This parameter transformation allows the system to select control channels based on relative deviation rather than absolute values, resolving the contradiction by enabling faster settling while preventing overshooting through proportional error assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic channel selection that adapts to the current operating state by continuously normalizing control differences against target values. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch between control channels based on real-time conditions, optimizing both settling time and overshooting prevention
2Loss of time
If the control channel with the largest control difference is selected as the active channel, then settling time is reduced, but target value overshooting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the selection parameter from absolute control difference to normalized control difference, the system can identify the control channel with the largest relative deviation without necessarily selecting the channel with the largest absolute deviation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid settling while maintaining overshooting prevention through proportional assessment
3Reliability
If control is implemented exclusively on the channel with the smallest target value, then overshooting is prevented, but settling time increases due to smaller control difference
Solution Approach 1:
The normalization of control difference by target value eliminates the bias toward channels with smaller target values. By expressing control difference as a ratio rather than an absolute value, the system can fairly compare channels with different target value magnitudes and select the optimal channel based on relative performance rather than absolute magnitude
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically evaluates all control channels using normalized control differences, allowing flexible switching between channels with large and small target values based on current operating conditions. This dynamic selection prevents exclusive reliance on channels with smallest target values while maintaining overshooting prevention
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems control the power of a process power supply by a control circuit with a controller and several control channels, wherein each control channel comprises an actual value and a target value of a control variable. The systems and methods specify target values of the control variables, determine the actual values of the control variables, determine a selected control channel with the assistance of a selection variable dependent upon the actual value, determine a selected control difference from the target value and the actual value of the selected control channel, and control the control loop with the selected control difference of the selected control channel.