Regulator Step Compensation for Smooth Controller Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllers experience discontinuities or jumps in the manipulated variable during parameter, structure, or variable switching, which are undesirable as they increase the load on actuators and subsequent system components, and current solutions either accept these jumps or require additional filters or lengthy correction processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that applies an additional signal for step compensation to the manipulated variable, specifically using a summation point to reduce or eliminate jumps by determining the additional signal through subtraction, extrapolation, or control circuit modeling, and applying it negatively to smooth the transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controller parameter, structure, or controlled variable is switched over, then the controller can adapt to different operating conditions, but a discontinuity or jump occurs in the manipulated variable at the controller output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the expected jump in the manipulated variable before the switch occurs and preparing a compensation signal in advance. The compensation signal is generated based on the difference between the manipulated variable values from the first and second controllers, allowing the system to pre-compute the necessary correction to eliminate the discontinuity when the switch happens.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If an additional manipulated variable filter is used to reduce the jump, then the jump is reduced, but the control dynamics are not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the compensation signal based on the specific parameters of the controllers involved (gain values, filter settings). Rather than using a fixed filter that degrades control dynamics, the compensation signal is tailored to the specific controller parameters, allowing jump elimination while preserving the original control dynamics and response characteristics.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a fixed correction factor is stored in dynamic memory to correct the jump, then the jump is corrected, but the correction process is lengthy especially with small I component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical integration process (I-component accumulation) with a direct computational approach. Instead of relying on the slow accumulation and correction characteristic of integral components, the system uses algebraic calculation to determine the compensation signal instantaneously based on the difference between controller outputs, eliminating the time delay associated with integral correction.
4Device complexity
If the jump is accepted without compensation, then the controller structure remains simple, but the actuator and subsequent components are subjected to increased load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary compensation signal that mediates between the first and second controller outputs. This compensation signal acts as a bridge, combining with the manipulated variable from the first controller to produce a smooth transition to the second controller's output. The intermediary approach eliminates jumps without requiring complete redesign of the controller structure, adding only the necessary compensation calculation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves reducing the changes of an actuating variable (16) at a regulator output using flaw compensation. An additional signal (38) is determined based on differentiation of the current actuating variable and another actuating variable (40) of a previous regulation cycle. The actuating variables are charged with the additional signal for performing the flaw compensation. The additional signal is decontrolled after a pressurization process. The additional signal is extrapolated based on the actuating variables. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a regulator of an automation system with a flaw compensator (2) a computer program with a set of instructions for performing a method for operating a regulator (3) a storage medium with a set of instructions for performing the method for operating the regulator (4) a computer system for performing the method for operating the regulator.