Feedforward Control of Tank Temperature

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• The simulator: feedforward_control_tank_temp.exe . The simulator runs immediately after the download by clicking Open in the download window. Alternatively, you can first save a copy of the exe-file on any directory (folder) on your PC and then run the exe-file, which starts the simulator.

Introduction

The system being simulated is a temperature control system based on feedforward control in addition to feedback PID control from temperature measurement. The PID controller has already been tuned (as a PI controller, actually) for good stability.

Tasks

In all the task below, use feedback control in addition to feedforward control. It is assumed that the simulator runs as you do the tasks.

1. Feedforward control at setpoint changes:
   1. Add a ramp to the temperature setpoint. What is the steady-state control error with and without feedforward control?
   2. Use feedforward control. Adjust the setpoint manually (e.g. like a ramp), which will give more or less randomly abrupt setpoint changes. How does the control signal react as compared to a smoother setpoint ramp, as in task no. a above?
2. Feedforward control at disturbance changes: Change the inflow temperature. Is the control error be reduced by introdusing feedforward control?

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Updated 30. October 2017. Developed by Finn Haugen. E-mail: finn@techteach.no.