Controller Tuning Methods
Controller Tuning Methods
Parameters to Tune:
• Proportional (P): Determines the reaction strength to the error.
• Integral (I): Eliminates steady-state errors by considering the cumulative error
over time.
• Derivative (D): Predicts system behavior and reduces overshooting by considering
the rate of error change.
Combination Types:
• PI, PD, and PID controllers.
Ziegler-Nichols Tuning Method
0 t
7 - The value of the gain Kc and period of oscillation Tc that correspond to the
sustained oscillation are the ultimate gain (Kcmax) and ultimate period of
oscillation Tc.
8 - From The value of the gain Kc and period of oscillation Tc we can predict
the optimum values of the controller parameters using Ziegler-Nichols rules
as shown in the Table below.
Ziegler-Nichols: Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
• Simple and quick.
• Suitable for many industrial systems.
Limitations:
• May not work well for systems with long dead time.
• Can result in oscillatory behavior.
Cohen-Coon Tuning Method
• This method is a bit more advanced.
• It requires analyzing the system's response to a step change (a sudden input).
• Based on the system's reaction time and other characteristics, the method
calculates the optimal tuning parameters.
• It often provides better results than Ziegler-Nichols, but it requires more analysis.
Cohen-Coon Tuning Method
This method is also called reaction curve method or open loop method in
which the control action is removed from the controller by placing it in
manual mode.
Cohen – Coon approach
1- Switch the controller to manual mode. Split the controller from the closed
loop.
2- Introduce a step change in the controller output M(s) that goes to the
valve and record the transient response (B)
3- The response of the system (including the valve, the process and the
measuring element ) is called the process reaction curve. This response will
appear as S-shape
y
0
Time
y
KA
0
t
5- locate the inflection point on the response curve f , then draw a tangent to the
curve from the inflection point (line ab in the figure below)
y
b
KA
0
a
t
6- Draw a vertical line from (b) to x-axis and locate point (c) as shown in figure
below.
7- From the plot, calculate both; 𝜏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜏𝐷 as shown in Figure below.
y
b
KA
0
0 a
c
𝜏𝐷 t
𝜏
8- From values of 𝜏 and 𝜏𝐷 we can estimate the optimum values of the controller
parameters ( Kc, R and I) as shown in the table below.
Cohen-Coon: Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
• Provides better control for processes with dead time.
• Reduces overshoot compared to Ziegler-Nichols.
Limitations:
• Requires accurate open-loop testing.
• More complex than Ziegler-Nichols.
Comparison of Tuning Methods