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Feedforward Control System

A feedforward control system measures disturbances and uses a model to predict their effects on the process in order to apply corrective actions to the manipulated variable to keep the controlled variable unaffected by disturbances. It has drawbacks if the model is not exact, instruments are not calibrated properly, or other disturbances are present. Combined with feedback control, feedforward control can help compensate for large, frequent disturbances and improve control when the disturbance variable cannot be controlled directly. The feedback controller acts as a safeguard to correct any errors from an imperfect process model or unmeasured disturbances.

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93 views

Feedforward Control System

A feedforward control system measures disturbances and uses a model to predict their effects on the process in order to apply corrective actions to the manipulated variable to keep the controlled variable unaffected by disturbances. It has drawbacks if the model is not exact, instruments are not calibrated properly, or other disturbances are present. Combined with feedback control, feedforward control can help compensate for large, frequent disturbances and improve control when the disturbance variable cannot be controlled directly. The feedback controller acts as a safeguard to correct any errors from an imperfect process model or unmeasured disturbances.

Uploaded by

Raju
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Feedforward Control System

A Feedforward control system measures a disturbance in variable, predicts its effect on the
process and applies corrective action.
Given an exact model of the process, the feedforward controller will adjust the manipulated
variable (m) so that the controlled variable (c) is unaffected by the disturbance. In fact, the
controlled variable has no influence over the control, corrective action is totally in response to
their disturbance u1.

This system has three major drawbacks :


1. The model must be exact (including dynamics and nonlinearities).
2. All instruments in the loop must be perfectly calibrated.
3. Disturbances other than the feedforward variable are not controlled.
Thus feedforward by itself is insufficient control. However, combined with conventional
feedback, it can be a powerful control tool. If a load change in a process occurs so frequently that
the controller cannot keep up, or if the disturbance is so large that the controlled variable cannot
be held within tolerable limits, and if the disturbance variable cannot be controlled, consider
adding feedforward control to the system.
The feedback controller does the same job and has the same responses and settings as if it were
acting alone. It does not have much work to do. The feedforward control cancels the major effect
of the measured disturbance. Since feedback acts as the systems watchdog, the process model
need not be exact. In fact, simple gain and lead-lag element will usually suffice.
The effect of load changes other than the measured disturbance will be corrected by the feedback
system.
Feedforward and Cascade are often confused because of their similarities : two measured
variables, one manipulated variable, one independent set-point. But cascade systems control both
measured variables, with the master determining the set-point of the slave. In contrast,
feedforward and feedback corrections independently adjust the control valve and there is no
control applied to the feedforward variable.

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