Introduction to Feed Back Control Systems

Feedback Systems
A feedback system is one in which the output signal is sampled and then fed back
to the input to form an error signal that drives the system.
Feedback Control
In a feedback control loop, the variable to be manipulated is measured. This
measured process value (PV) is then compared with a set point (SP) to generate an
error signal (e = PV - SP). If a difference or error exists between the actual value and
the desired value of the process, a process controller will take the necessary
corrective action to return the process to the desired value.
Process Controllers
most dynamic device in a feedback control loop
They compare the process variable with the set point and generate an output
signal that manipulates the process to make the process variable equal to its
set point.
Three Types of Controllers
mechanical,
pneumatic, and
electronic

Figure 1. Function Block Diagram of Single Loop Feedback Control

Measurement Transducer
the sensor - measures the process variable
the transmitter converts the measurement into a standard signal such as
4 to 20 mA DC
Controller
feedback transmission system-convert the sensor signal into the correct
units
comparator with a set point input - measures the difference between the
set point and the process variable
controller functions - The four common controller functions are
proportional, proportional plus integral (PI), proportional plus derivative
(PD), and proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID).
output transmission system- convert the signal from the feedback circuit
into the form required by the final control device
Kinds of Feedback Control Systems
Single Loop Feedback Control - controlling one specific variable within a process
Advanced Control Loops
Cascade Control Loops
The general concept of cascade control is to place one feedback loop inside
another. In effect, one takes the process being controlled and finds some
intermediate variable within the process to use as the set point for the main loop.
Cascade control allows the operator to find intermediate controlled variables and to
take corrective action on disturbances more promptly. In general, cascade control
offers significant advantages and is one of the most underutilized feedback control
techniques.

Figure 2. Sample Block Diagram of Pressure and Temperature

Cascade Control
Ratio Control Loops
Ratio control is often associated with process operations in which two or more
streams must be mixed together continuously to maintain a steady composition in
the resulting mixture. A practical way to do this is to use a conventional flow
controller on one stream and to control the other stream with a ratio controller that
maintains flow in some preset ratio or fraction.

Figure 3. Sample Block Diagram of Ratio Control

Feedforward Control Loops
In feedforward control, a sensor is used to detect process load changes or
disturbances as they enter the system. Feedforward control poses some significant
problems. Its configuration assumes that the disturbances are known in advance,
that they will have sensors associated with them, and that no important undetected
disturbances will occur.
Therefore, feedforward control is more complicated and more expensive, and
it requires the operator to have a better understanding of the process than does a
standard feedback control loop. So, feedforward control is generally reserved for
well-understood and critical applications.
Figure 4. Sample Block Diagram of Feedforward Control