This book presents comprehensive information on the relay auto-tuning method for unstable systems in process control industries, and introduces a new, refined Ziegler-Nichols method for designing controllers for unstable systems. The relay auto-tuning method is intended to assist graduate students in chemical, electrical, electronics and instrumentation engineering who are engaged in advanced process control. The book's main focus is on developing a controller tuning method for scalar and multivariable systems, particularly for unstable processes. It proposes a much simpler technique, avoiding the shortcomings of the popular relay-tuning method. The effects of higher-order harmonics are incorporated, owing to the shape of output waveforms. In turn, the book demonstrates the applicability and effectiveness of the Ziegler-Nichols method through simulations on a number of linear and non-linear unstable systems, confirming that it delivers better performance and robust stability in the presence of uncertainty. The proposed method can also be easily implemented across industries with the help of various auto-tuners available on the market. Offering a professional and modern perspective on profitably and efficiently automating controller tuning, the book will be of interest to graduate students, researchers, and industry professionals alike.

This book presents comprehensive information on the relay auto-tuning method for unstable systems in process control industries, and introduces a new, refined Ziegler-Nichols method for designing controllers for unstable systems. The relay auto-tuning method is intended to assist graduate students in chemical, electrical, electronics and instrumentation engineering who are engaged in advanced process control. The book's main focus is on developing a controller tuning method for scalar and multivariable systems, particularly for unstable processes. It proposes a much simpler technique, avoiding the shortcomings of the popular relay-tuning method. The effects of higher-order harmonics are incorporated, owing to the shape of output waveforms. In turn, the book demonstrates the applicability and effectiveness of the Ziegler-Nichols method through simulations on a number of linear and non-linear unstable systems, confirming that it delivers better performance and robust stability in the presence of uncertainty. The proposed method can also be easily implemented across industries with the help of various auto-tuners available on the market. Offering a professional and modern perspective on profitably and efficiently automating controller tuning, the book will be of interest to graduate students, researchers, and industry professionals alike.

Most systems involved in a chemical process plant are interactive multivariable systems, to control which, the transfer function matrix model is required. This lucid book considers the identification and control of such systems. It discusses open loop and closed loop identification methods, as well as the design of multivariable controllers based on steady state gain matrix. Simple methods for designing controllers based on transfer function matrix model have been reviewed. The design of controllers for non-square systems, and closed loop identification of multivariable unstable systems by the optimization method are also covered. Several simulation examples and exercise problems at the end of each chapter further help the reader consolidate the knowledge gained. This book will be useful to any engineering student, researcher or practitioner who works with interactive, multivariable control systems.

Written in a clear, logical and concise manner, this comprehensive resource provides discussion on essential mathematical tools, required for upgraded system performance. Understanding of basic principles and governing laws is essential to reduce complexity of the system, and this guide offers detailed discussion on analytical and numerical techniques to solve mathematical model equations. Important concepts including nonlinear algebraic equations, initial value ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and boundary value ODEs are discussed in detail. The concepts of optimization methods and sensitivity analysis, which are important from subject point of view, are explained with suitable examples. Numerous problems and MATLAB (R)/Scilab exercises are interspersed throughout the text. Several case studies involving full details of simulation are offered for better understanding. The accompanying website will host additional MATLAB (R)/Scilab problems, model question papers, simulation exercises, tutorials and projects. This book will be useful for students of chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, instrumentation engineering and mathematics.