SSR Time-Proportional Output Control for Reduced Response Lag
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Solution Overview
Problem
In temperature control systems, there is a time lag in reflecting information from controllers to output units using time proportional output (TPO), which can lead to significant delays, especially with long control cycles, affecting the accuracy and efficiency of control processes such as those involving cooling devices.
Innovation Solution
An output control unit that includes a temperature control unit connected to a controller and a switching apparatus (SSR) via a communication network, allowing for real-time determination of heater disconnection and immediate warning output, enabling the unit to autonomously control TPO based on current values and instructions from the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If time proportional output (TPO) is used with a long control cycle, then energy efficiency is improved, but time lag in reflecting control instructions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The output control unit preliminarily determines whether to autonomously control TPO based on received instructions before the control cycle executes. This preliminary decision enables the unit to immediately reflect control instructions without waiting for the next cycle, thereby reducing time lag while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of TPO.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the TPO control strategy based on the autonomous control flag. When autonomous control is enabled, the output control unit can immediately update TPO parameters; when disabled, it follows the standard cycle-based approach. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing immediate response when needed while preserving energy efficiency during normal operation.
2Speed
If autonomous control of TPO is enabled, then response speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control functionality is extracted as a distinct feature controlled by a simple flag parameter. The output control unit only needs to check this flag and adjust its behavior accordingly, rather than implementing complex autonomous decision-making logic. This extraction approach improves response speed while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The output control unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both autonomous and non-autonomous TPO control modes using the same hardware and basic software structure. By receiving a simple instruction flag, the unit can switch between control modes, avoiding the need for separate control systems and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
Time proportional output is controlled appropriately depending on the situation. A temperature control unit (3) has an acquisition unit (30) that acquires first information regarding driving and stopping of a heater (7) and second information indicating whether or not to subject a time proportional output to an SSR (8) to autonomous control and an SSR control unit (32) that performs time proportional output of an instruction to drive or stop the heater (7), to the SSR (8).