A new generation of process controllers will be developed to automatically adapt to changes, minimizing the need for frequent re-tuning during operation.
In chemical engineering processes, reliable control schemes are critical for ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
An effective control strategy minimizes operational costs by optimizing energy consumption and reducing off-spec production periods. Additionally, it supports environmental goals by lowering overall fuel usage and significantly decreases the likelihood of hazardous incidents.
The majority of controllers currently used in industrial applications are based on Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) algorithms. As a demerit, these controllers have fixed gains. In this project, we will develop a new generation of PID controllers (both hardware and software), called FlexiPIDs, that incorporate gains as functions of the control variable error so that they have adaptive gains that automatically adjust to process dynamics in-real time.
Compared with a classical PID controller, the FlexiPID controller better handles nonlinear process systems, reduces the risk of overshoot and instability, reduces the need for controller’s re-tuning, avoids issues such as integrator windup, and responds more proactively to the changes in the changes in system behavior. For instance, as a rule of thumb, a classical PID controller should be re-tuned every six months, however, FlexiPID controllers can perform well without being re-tuned for several years or so.
The project entails electronic circuit design and simulations, PCB design and manufacturing, programming in microcontrollers, assembling circuit boards, and testing on lab and pilot equipment.
The developed controllers could be easily installed in CCS processes, particularly in the absorber, desorber columns, compressors, and injection systems, to optimize performance and maintain stable operation.
Main supervisor:
Hooman Fatoorehchi
Co- supervisor:
Sebastian Nis Bay Villadsen