McGraw-HillÕs
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES
Process Systems Analysis and Control, Third Edition retains the clarity of presentation for which
this book is well known. It is an ideal teaching and learning tool for a semester-long undergraduate
chemical engineering course in process dynamics and control. It avoids the encyclopedic approach
of many other texts on this topic. Computer examples using MATLAB¨ and Simulink¨ have been
introduced throughout the book to supplement and enhance standard hand-solved examples. These
Coughanowr
LeBlanc Process Systems
packages allow the easy construction of block diagrams and quick analysis of control concepts to enable
the student to explore Òwhat-ifÓ type problems that would be much more difficult and time consuming
by hand. New homework problems have been added to each chapter. The new problems are a mixture
of hand-solutions and computational-exercises. One-page capsule summaries have been added to the
Analysis and Control
Analysis and Control
end of each chapter to help students review and study the most important concepts in each chapter.
Key Features: Third Edition
Process Systems
control classesÉthat this is just another mathematics course disguised as an engineering course
¨ ¨ and Excel¨ have been introduced throughout the
book.
dynamics and control and not get bogged down in the mathematical complexities of each problem
available for the course material
MD DALIM 976649 7/29/08 CYAN MAG YELO BLACK
The Solutions to the End-of-Chapter Problems are available to Instructors at the textÕs website:
www.mhhe.com/coughanowr-leblanc
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Third Donald R. Coughanowr
ISBN 978-0-07-339789-4
Edition
Steven E. LeBlanc
MHID 0-07-339789-X
www.mhhe.com
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PROCESS SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
AND CONTROL
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McGraw-Hill Chemical Engineering Series
Editorial Advisory Board
Eduardo D. Glandt, Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of
Pennsylvania
Michael T. Klein, Dean, School of Engineering, Rutgers University
Thomas F. Edgar, Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Coughanowr and LeBlanc: Process Systems Analysis and Control
Davis and Davis: Fundamentals of Chemical Reaction
Engineering
de Nevers: Air Pollution Control Engineering
de Nevers: Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineers
Douglas: Conceptual Design of Chemical Processes
Edgar, Himmelblau, and Lasdon: Optimization of Chemical Processes
Marlin: Process Control
McCabe, Smith, and Harriott: Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering
Murphy: Introduction to Chemical Processes
Perry and Green: Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook
Peters, Timmerhaus, and West: Plant Design and Economics for
Chemical Engineers
Smith, Van Ness, and Abbott: Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Thermodynamics
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The Founding of a Discipline:
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Series in Chemical Engineering
Over 80 years ago, 15 prominent chemical engineers met in New York to plan a con-
tinuing literature for their rapidly growing profession. From industry came such pioneer
practitioners as Leo H. Baekeland, Arthur D. Little, Charles L. Reese, John V. N. Dorr,
M. C. Whitaker, and R. S. McBride. From the universities came such eminent educa-
tors as William H. Walker, Alfred H. White, D. D. Jackson, J. H. James, Warren K.
Lewis, and Harry A. Curtis. H. C. Parmlee, then editor of Chemical and Metallurgical
Engineering, served as chairman and was joined subsequently by S. D. Kirkpatrick as
consulting editor.
After several meetings, this committee submitted its report to the McGraw-Hill
Book Company in September 1925. In the report were detailed specifications for a
correlated series of more than a dozen texts and reference books which became the
McGraw-Hill Series in Chemical Engineering—and in turn became the cornerstone of
the chemical engineering curricula.
From this beginning, a series of texts has evolved, surpassing the scope and lon-
gevity envisioned by the founding Editorial Board. The McGraw-Hill Series in Chemi-
cal Engineering stands as a unique historical record of the development of chemical
engineering education and practice. In the series one finds milestones of the subject’s
evolution: industrial chemistry, stoichiometry, unit operations and processes, thermo-
dynamics, kinetics, and transfer operations.
Textbooks such as McCabe et al., Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering,
Smith et al., Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and Peters et al.,
Plant Design and Economics for Chemical Engineers have taught to generations of
students the principles that are key to success in chemical engineering.
Chemical engineering is a dynamic profession, and its literature continues to
grow. McGraw-Hill, with its in-house editors and consulting editors Eduardo Glandt
(Dean, University of Pennsylvania), Michael Klein (Dean, Rutgers University), and
Thomas Edgar (Professor, University of Texas at Austin), remains committed to a pub-
lishing policy that will serve the needs of the global chemical engineering profession
throughout the years to come.
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PROCESS SYSTEMS
ANALYSIS AND CONTROL
THIRD EDITION
Steven E. LeBlanc
Chemical Engineering University of Toledo
Donald R. Coughanowr
Emeritus Professor, Chemical Engineering Drexel University
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PROCESS SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND CONTROL, THIRD EDITION
Published by McGraw-Hill, a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
10020. Copyright © 2009 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Previous editions © 1991 and 1965. No
part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system,
without the prior written consent of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in any network or other
electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning.
Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customers outside the United States.
This book is printed on acid-free paper.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 DOC/DOC 0 9 8
ISBN 978–0–07–339789–4
MHID 0–07–339789–X
Global Publisher: Raghothaman Srinivasan
Sponsoring Editor: Debra B. Hash
Director of Development: Kristine Tibbetts
Developmental Editor: Lorraine K. Buczek
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Compositor: Laserwords Private Limited
Typeface: 10/12 Times Roman
Printer: R. R. Donnelley Crawfordsville, IN
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Coughanowr, Donald R.
Process systems analysis and control.—3rd ed. / Donald R. Coughanowr, Steven E. LeBlanc.
p. cm.—(Mcgraw-Hill chemical engineering series)
Includes index.
ISBN 978–0–07–339789–4—ISBN 0–07–339789–X (hard copy : alk. paper) 1. Chemical process control. I. LeBlanc,
Steven E. II. Title.
TP155.75.C68 2009
660'.2815—dc22 2008018252
www.mhhe.com
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Dedication
For Molly, my children, and grandchildren . . .
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CONTENTS
Preface to the Third Edition xv
Chapter 1 Introductory Concepts 1
1.1 Why Process Control? 1
1.2 Control Systems 1
PART I MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 9
Chapter 2 Modeling Tools for Process Dynamics 11
2.1 Process Dynamics—A Chemical Mixing Scenario 11
2.2 Mathematical Tools for Modeling 18
2.3 Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) 26
Chapter 3 Inversion by Partial Fractions 32
3.1 Partial Fractions 32
3.2 Qualitative Nature of Solutions 43
Appendix 3A: Further Properties of Transforms and Partial Fractions 49
PART II LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS 69
Chapter 4 Response of First-Order Systems 71
4.1 Transfer Function 71
4.2 Transient Response 77
4.3 Forcing Functions 78
4.4 Step Response 79
4.5 Impulse Response 84
4.6 Ramp Response 87
4.7 Sinusoidal Response 87
ix
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x CONTENTS
Chapter 5 Physical Examples of First-Order Systems 99
5.1 Examples of First-Order Systems 99
5.2 Linearization 109
Chapter 6 Response of First-Order Systems in Series 123
6.1 Introductory Remarks 123
6.2 Noninteracting System 123
6.3 Interacting System 128
Chapter 7 Higher-Order Systems: Second-Order
and Transportation Lag 137
7.1 Second-Order System 137
7.2 Transportation Lag 153
PART III LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS 163
Chapter 8 The Control System 165
8.1 Introduction 165
8.2 Components of a Control System 165
8.3 Block Diagram 166
8.4 Development of Block Diagram 168
Chapter 9 Controllers and Final Control Elements 186
9.1 Mechanisms 187
9.2 Ideal Transfer Functions 190
Appendix 9A: Piping and Instrumentation Diagram Symbols 203
Chapter 10 Block Diagram of a Chemical-Reactor
Control System 205
10.1 Description of System 206
10.2 Reactor Transfer Functions 206
10.3 Control Valve 209
10.4 Measuring Element 210
10.5 Controller 211
10.6 Controller Transducer 212
10.7 Transportation Lag 212
10.8 Block Diagram 212
Chapter 11 Closed-Loop Transfer Functions 218
11.1 Standard Block-Diagram Symbols 218
11.2 Overall Transfer Function for Single-Loop Systems 219
11.3 Overall Transfer Function for Multiloop Control Systems 224
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CONTENTS xi
Chapter 12 Transient Response of Simple
Control Systems 228
12.1 Proportional Control for Set Point Change
(Servo Problem—Set Point Tracking) 229
12.2 Proportional Control for Load Change (Regulator
Problem—Disturbance Rejection) 234
12.3 Proportional-Integral Control for Load Change 236
12.4 Proportional-Integral Control for Set Point Change 241
12.5 Proportional Control of System with Measurement Lag 243
Chapter 13 Stability 252
13.1 Concept of Stability 252
13.2 Definition of Stability (Linear Systems) 254
13.3 Stability Criterion 254
13.4 Routh Test for Stability 258
Chapter 14 Root Locus 269
14.1 Concept of Root Locus 269
PART IV FREQUENCY RESPONSE 285
Chapter 15 Introduction to Frequency Response 287
15.1 Substitution Rule 287
15.2 Bode Diagrams 300
15.3 Appendix—Generalization of Substitution Rule 316
Chapter 16 Control System Design by Frequency Response 323
16.1 Tank Temperature Control System 323
16.2 The Bode Stability Criterion 326
16.3 Gain and Phase Margins 327
16.4 Ziegler-Nichols Controller Settings 335
PART V PROCESS APPLICATIONS 351
Chapter 17 Advanced Control Strategies 353
17.1 Cascade Control 353
17.2 Feedforward Control 361
17.3 Ratio Control 370
17.4 Dead-Time Compensation (Smith Predictor) 373
17.5 Internal Model Control 378
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xii CONTENTS
Chapter 18 Controller Tuning and Process Identification 391
18.1 Controller Tuning 391
18.2 Tuning Rules 394
18.3 Process Identification 410
Chapter 19 Control Valves 423
19.1 Control Valve Construction 423
19.2 Valve Sizing 425
19.3 Valve Characteristics 427
19.4 Valve Positioner 438
Chapter 20 Theoretical Analysis of Complex Processes 443
20.1 Control of a Steam-Jacketed Kettle 443
20.2 Dynamic Response of a Gas Absorber 453
20.3 Distributed-Parameter Systems 458
PART VI STATE-SPACE METHODS 475
Chapter 21 State-Space Representation of Physical Systems 477
21.1 Introduction 477
21.2 State Variables 477
Appendix 21A: Elementary Matrix Algebra 490
Chapter 22 Transfer Function Matrix 498
22.1 Transition Matrix 499
22.2 Transfer Function Matrix 502
Chapter 23 Multivariable Control 512
23.1 Control of Interacting Systems 514
23.2 Stability of Multivariable Systems 525
PART VII NONLINEAR CONTROL 531
Chapter 24 Examples of Nonlinear Systems 533
24.1 Definition of a Nonlinear System 533
24.2 The Phase Plane 534
24.3 Phase-Plane Analysis of Damped Oscillator 535
24.4 Motion of a Pendulum 543
24.5 A Chemical Reactor 547
Chapter 25 Examples of Phase-Plane Analysis 553
25.1 Phase Space 553
25.2 Examples of Phase-Plane Analysis 561
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CONTENTS xiii
PART VIII COMPUTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL 579
Chapter 26 Microprocessor-Based Controllers
and Distributed Control 581
26.1 Historical Background 581
26.2 Hardware Components 582
26.3 Tasks of a Microprocessor-Based Controller 583
26.4 Special Features of Microprocessor-Based Controllers 588
26.5 Distributed Control 592
Bibliography 597
Index 599
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PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION
I t has been over 17 years since the second edition of this book was published. The sec-
ond edition, which was written by Dr. Donald R. Coughanowr in 1991, contained many
changes and new topics to bring the book up to date at the time of publication. The third
edition has been a number of years in the making. I would like to thank Dr. Coughanowr
for the opportunity to work on this project and help update this excellent work, which
he first published in 1965 with Dr. Lowell B. Koppel. As an undergraduate, I learned
process control from the first edition of this text over 30 years ago. It was an excellent
book then, and it still is. I’ve used a number of other books over the years as a student
and as a professor, but I kept coming back to this one. I felt that it was the best book
to learn from. Is it an all-encompassing, totally comprehensive process dynamics and
control book? No, but it is not intended to be. It is a clearly written book that is geared
toward students in a first process dynamics and control course. Many control books
on the market contain more material than one could ever hope to cover in a standard
undergraduate semester-long class. They can be overwhelming and difficult to learn
from. I have always felt that one of the strengths of this book, from both the student’s
and professor’s point of view, was the relatively short, easy-to-read chapters that can be
covered in one to two lectures. An additional strength of this text has been its unique
ability to be a teaching and learning text. I hope that in this current revision, I have been
able to retain that style and flavor, while introducing some new material and examples
to update the text.
OBJECTIVES AND USES OF THE TEXT
This text is intended for use in an introductory one-semester-long undergraduate proc-
ess dynamics and control course. It is intended to be not a comprehensive treatise on
process control, but rather a textbook that provides students with the tools to learn
the basic material and be in a position to continue their studies in the area if they so
choose. Students are expected to have a background in mathematics through differ-
ential equations, material and energy balance concepts, and unit operations. After the
first 13 chapters, the instructor may select from the remaining chapters to fit a course
of particular duration and scope. A typical one-semester 15-week course, for example,
may include Chapters 1 through 19 and 26.
Features of the third edition
• A capsule summary of the important points at the end of each chapter
• Restructuring of the initial chapters to reduce the impression that students fre-
quently have regarding control classes—that this is just another mathematics
course disguised as an engineering course
• Integration of MATLAB,® Simulink,® and Excel throughout the text:
• To reduce the tedium of solving problems so that students may concentrate
more on the concepts of dynamics and control and not get bogged down in the
mathematical complexities of each problem
xv
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xvi PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION
• To give students the tools to be able to ask (and more easily answer) “what if . . .?”
type of questions
• To allow students to explore more difficult problems than would otherwise be
possible in the time available for the course material
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the following reviewers of the third edition for their help-
ful comments and suggestions: Thomas F. Edgar, University of Texas–Austin; John
Erjavec, University of North Dakota; Duane Johnson, University of Alabama; Costas
Maranas, Penn State University; Michael Nikolaou, University of Houston; F. Joseph
Schork, Georgia Institute of Technology; Delmar Timm, University of Nebraska; and
William A. Weigand, University of Maryland. We especially acknowledge the helpful
suggestions from Susan Montgomery of the University of Michigan and thank her for
her thoroughness and useful comments to help make the text more student-friendly.
I would like to thank McGraw-Hill for having confidence in this project and
providing the opportunity to revise and update the text. Special thanks go to Lorraine
Buczek, Developmental Editor, and Melissa Leick, Project Manager, for their help in
the final stages of this revision.
I would also like to thank my students and my University of Toledo colleague
Sasidhar Varanasi for his help in using manuscript drafts when he taught the Process
Control course to “field-test” the revisions. I am also grateful to my friend and colleague
Dean Nagi Naganathan, of the College of Engineering at the University of Toledo, for
his general support and his willingness to allow me the time required to complete this
work. I especially want to thank my wife, Molly, for her love and continuing encourage-
ment and support over the course of the writing and revising.
Dr. Steven E. LeBlanc
University of Toledo
RESOURCES FOR INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS:
For instructors, the solutions to the end-of-chapter problems are available at the text’s
website: www.mhhe.com/coughanowr-leblanc
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HISTORY OF PROCESS SYSTEMS
ANALYSIS AND CONTROL (FROM
THE SECOND EDITION PREFACE)
Since the first edition of this book was published in 1965, many changes have taken
place in process control. Nearly all undergraduate students in chemical engineering are
now required to take a course in process dynamics and control. The purpose of this
book is to take the student from the basic mathematics to a variety of design applica-
tions in a clear, concise manner.
The most significant change since the first edition is the use of the digital compu-
ter in complex problem solving and in process control instrumentation. However, the
fundamentals of process control, which remain the same, must be acquired before one
can appreciate the advanced topics of control.
In its present form, this book represents a major revision of the first edition. The
material for this book evolved from courses taught at Purdue University and Drexel
University. The first 17 chapters on fundamentals are quite close to the first 20 chapters
of the first edition. The remaining 18 chapters contain many new topics, which were
considered very advanced when the first edition was published.
Knowledge of calculus, unit operations, and complex numbers is presumed on the
part of the student. In certain later chapters, more advanced mathematical preparation is
useful. Some examples would include partial differential equations in Chap. 21, linear
algebra in Chaps. 28 through 30, and Fourier series in Chap. 33.
Analog computation and pneumatic controllers in the first edition have been
replaced by digital computation and microprocessor-based controllers in Chaps. 34
and 35. The student should be assigned material from these chapters at the appropriate
time in the development of the fundamentals. For example, the transient response for a
system containing a transport lag can be obtained easily only with the use of computer
simulation of the transport lag. Some of the software now available for solving control
problems should be available to the student; such software is described in Chap. 34.
To understand the operation of modern microprocessor-based controllers, the student
should have hands-on experience with these instruments in a laboratory.
Chapter 1 is intended to meet one of the problems consistently faced in present-
ing this material to chemical engineering students, that is, one of perspective. The
methods of analysis used in the control area are so different from the previous experi-
ences of students that the material comes to be regarded as a sequence of special math-
ematical techniques, rather than an integrated design approach to a class of real and
practically significant industrial problems. Therefore, this chapter presents an overall,
albeit superficial, look at a simple control system design problem. The body of the
text covers the following topics: Laplace transforms, Chaps 2. to 4; transfer functions
and responses of open-loop systems, Chaps. 5 to 8; basic techniques of closed-loop
control, Chaps. 9 to 13; stability, Chap. 14; root locus methods, Chap. 15; frequency
response methods and design, Chaps. 16 and 17; advanced control strategies (cascade,
feedforward, Smith predictor, internal model control), Chap. 18; controller tuning and
xvii
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xviii HISTORY OF PROCESS SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND CONTROL (FROM THE SECOND EDITION PREFACE)
process identification, Chap. 19; control valves, Chap. 20; advanced process dynam-
ics, Chap. 21; sampled-data control, Chaps. 22 to 27; state-space methods and multi-
variable control, Chaps. 28 to 30; nonlinear control, Chaps. 31 to 33; digital computer
simulation, Chap. 34; microprocessor-based controllers, Chap. 35.
It has been my experience that the book covers sufficient material for a one-
semester (15-week) undergraduate course and an elective undergraduate course or part
of a graduate course. In a lecture course meeting 3 hours per week during a 10-week
term, I have covered the following chapters: 1 to 10, 12 to 14, 16, 17, 20, 34, and 35.
After the first 14 chapters, the instructor may select the remaining chapters to fit
a course of particular duration and scope. The chapters on the more advanced topics
are written in a logical order; however, some can be skipped without creating a gap in
understanding.
I gratefully acknowledge the support and encouragement of the Drexel University
Department of Chemical Engineering for fostering the evolution of this text in its cur-
riculum and for providing clerical staff and supplies for several editions of class notes. I
want to acknowledge Dr. Lowell B. Koppel’s important contribution as coauthor of the
first edition of this book. I also want to thank my colleague Dr. Rajakannu Mutharasan
for his most helpful discussions and suggestions and for his sharing of some of the new
problems. For her assistance in typing, I want to thank Dorothy Porter. Helpful sug-
gestions were also provided by Drexel students, in particular Russell Anderson, Joseph
Hahn, and Barbara Hayden. I also want to thank my wife Effie for helping me check the
page proofs by reading to me the manuscript, the subject matter of which is far removed
from her specialty of Greek and Latin.
McGraw-Hill and I would like to thank Ali Cinar, Illinois Institute of Technology;
Joshua S. Dranoff, Northwestern University; H. R. Heichelheim, Texas Tech University;
and James H. McMicking, Wayne State University, for their many helpful comments
and suggestions in reviewing this second edition.
Dr. Donald R. Coughanowr
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Steven E. LeBlanc is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and professor of chemical
engineering at the University of Toledo. He received a B.S. degree in chemical engi-
neering from the University of Toledo and his M.S. and Ph.D. in chemical engineering
from the University of Michigan. He joined the faculty at the University of Toledo in
1980. He served as the department chair for the Department of Chemical and Envi-
ronmental Engineering from 1993 to 2003, when he became an Associate Dean in the
College of Engineering.
Dr. LeBlanc’s industrial experience includes power plant process system design
and review for Toledo Edison Company (now a division of First Energy). He has taught
the Process Dynamics and Control course numerous times, and was responsible for a
major revamp of laboratory activities associated with the course.
He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and
the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He has served as an ABET
chemical engineering program evaluator for AIChE since 1998. He chaired the national
ASEE Chemical Engineering Education Division and cochaired the 2007 ASEE Chemi-
cal Engineering Summer School for Faculty. He coauthored and judged the 1992 AIChE
Senior Design Project competition. He is also coauthor of a textbook on Strategies for
Creative Problem Solving with H. Scott Fogler of the University of Michigan.
Donald R. Coughanowr is Emeritus Professor of Chemical Engineering at
Drexel University. In 1991 he wrote the second edition of Process Systems Analysis
and Control which contained many changes and new topics in order to bring the book
up to date at the time of publication. He received a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from
the University of Illinois in 1956, an M.S. degree in chemical engineering from the
University of Pennsylvania in 1951, and a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from the
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1949. He joined the faculty at Drexel Univer-
sity in 1967 as department head, a position he held until 1988. Before going to Drexel,
he was a faculty member of the School of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University
for 11 years.
At Drexel and Purdue he taught a wide variety of courses, which include
material and energy balances, thermodynamics, unit operations, transport phenom-
ena, petroleum refinery engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineer-
ing laboratory, applied mathematics, and process dynamics and control. At Purdue,
xix
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xx ABOUT THE AUTHOR
he developed a new course and laboratory in process control and collaborated with
Dr. Lowell B. Koppel on the writing of the first edition of Process Systems Analysis
and Control.
His research interests included environmental engineering, diffusion with chemi-
cal reaction, and process dynamics and control. Much of his research in control empha-
sized the development and evaluation of new control algorithms for the processes that
cannot be controlled easily by conventional control; some of the areas investigated
were time-optimal control, adaptive pH control, direct digital control, and batch control
of fermentors. He reported on his research in numerous publications and received sup-
port for research projects from the National Science Foundation and industry. He spent
sabbatical leaves teaching and writing at Case-Western Reserve University, the Swiss
Federal Institute, the University of Canterbury, the University of New South Wales, the
University of Queensland, and Lehigh University.
Dr. Coughanowr’s industrial experience included process design and pilot plant
at Standard Oil Co. (Indiana) and summer employment at Electronic Associates and
Dow Chemical Company.
He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He has served
the AIChE by participating in accreditation visits to departments of chemical engineer-
ing for ABET and by chairing sessions of the Department Heads Forum at the annual
meetings of AIChE.
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CHAPTER
1
INTRODUCTORY
CONCEPTS
I n this chapter we examine the concept of chemical process control and introduce sev-
eral examples to illustrate the necessity for process modeling as we begin our study
of process dynamics and control.
1.1 WHY PROCESS CONTROL?
As competition becomes stiffer in the chemical marketplace and processes become
more complicated to operate, it is advantageous to make use of some form of automatic
control. Automatic control of a process offers many advantages, including
• Enhanced process safety
• Satisfying environmental constraints
• Meeting ever-stricter product quality specifications
• More efficient use of raw materials and energy
• Increased profitability
Considering all the benefits that can be realized through process control, it is well
worth the time and effort required to become familiar with the concepts and practices
used in the field.
1.2 CONTROL SYSTEMS
Control systems are used to maintain process conditions at their desired values by
manipulating certain process variables to adjust the variables of interest. A common
example of a control system from everyday life is the cruise control on an automobile.
The purpose of a cruise control is to maintain the speed of the vehicle (the controlled
variable) at the desired value (the set point) despite variations in terrain, hills, etc.
1
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2 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS
(disturbances) by adjusting the throttle, or the fuel flow to the engine (the manipulated
variable). Another common example is the home hot water heater. The control system
on the hot water heater attempts to maintain the temperature in the tank at the desired
value by manipulating the fuel flow to the burner (for a gas heater) or the electrical
input to the heater in the face of disturbances such as the varying demand on the heater
early in the morning, as it is called upon to provide water for the daily showers. A third
example is the home thermostat. This control system is designed to maintain the tem-
perature in the home at a comfortable value by manipulating the fuel flow or electrical
input to the furnace. The furnace control system must deal with a variety of disturbances
to maintain temperature in the house, such as heat losses, doors being opened and hope-
fully closed, and leaky inefficient windows. The furnace must also be able to respond
to a request to raise the desired temperature if necessary. For example, we might desire
to raise the temperature by 5⬚, and we’d like the system to respond smoothly and effi-
ciently. From these examples, we can deduce that there are several common attributes
of control systems:
• The ablity to maintain the process variable at its desired value in spite of distur-
bances that might be experienced (this is termed disturbance rejection)
• The ability to move the process variable from one setting to a new desired setting
(this is termed set point tracking)
Conceptually we can view the control systems we’ve discussed in the following
general manner (Fig. 1–1).
The controller compares the measurement signal of the controlled variable to the
set point (the desired value of the controlled variable). The difference between the two
values is called the error.
Error ⫽ (Set point value ) ⫺ ( Measurement sig nal of controlled variable)
Depending upon the magnitude and sign of the error, the controller takes appropriate
action by sending a signal to the final control element, which provides an input to the pro-
cess to return the controlled variable to the set point. The concept of using information
Disturbances
Desired Value Control Manipulated Controlled
(Set Point) Signal Final Variable Variable
Controller Control Process
Element
Measurement
Signal Measurement
Device
FIGURE 1–1
Generalized process control system.
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS 3
about the deviation of the system from its desired state to control the system is called
feedback control. Information about the state of the system is “fed back” to a controller,
which utilizes this information to change the system in some way.
The type of control system shown in Fig. 1–1 is termed a closed-loop feedback
control system. Closed-loop refers to the fact that the controller automatically acts to
return the controlled variable to its desired value. In contrast, an open-loop system
would have the measurement signal disconnected from the controller, and the control-
ler output would have to be manually adjusted to change the value of the controlled
variable. An open-loop system is sometimes said to be in manual mode as opposed to
automatic mode (closed-loop). Negative feedback is the most common type of sig-
nal feedback. Negative refers to the fact that the error signal is computed from the
difference between the set point and the measured signal. The negative value of the
measured signal is “fed back” to the controller and added to the set point to compute
the error.
Example 1.1. Hot water tank control system. As a specific example, let us
consider a hot water heater for a home (Fig. 1–2) and examine its control system,
using the same type of diagram (Fig. 1–3).
The desired hot water temperature is selected by the homeowner, and typi-
cally it is in the neighborhood of 120 to 140⬚F. Let us assume that the set point is
130⬚F. The thermocouple measures the temperature of the water in the tank and
sends a signal to the thermostat indicating the temperature. The thermostat (con-
troller) determines the error as
Error ⫽ Tset point ⫺ Tmeasured
If the error is positive (⬎ 0), the
Hot Cold water measured temperature is lower than
water inlet
desired and the thermostat opens the
outlet
fuel valve to the burner which adds
heat to the tank. If the error is zero or
TPR valve negative (ⱕ 0), the thermostat closes
the fuel valve and no heat is added
to the tank. Disturbances to the sys-
Dip tube tem, which decrease the tempera-
Anode
ture of the water in the tank, include
ambient heat losses and hot water
demand by the household which is
Thermostat
replaced with a cold water feed.
Drain
valve
Types of Controllers
The thermostat on the hot water heater
is called an “on/off ” type of controller.
FIGURE 1–2 Depending on the value of the error
Physical drawing of a hot water heater. signal, the output from the controller is
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4 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS
Disturbances
(heat losses, hot
water demand)
Desired Hot Control Signal Manipulated
Water to Fuel Flow Hot
Temperature Fuel Valve to Burner Water Tank Actual Hot
Fuel
Thermostat Water
Valve Heating
Temperature
Process
Indicated Hot
Water
Temperature
Thermocouple
FIGURE 1–3
Block diagram of a hot water heater control system.
either “full on” or “full off ” and the fuel valve is full open or full closed; there are no
intermediate values of the output. Many other types of controllers that we will study can
modulate their output based on the magnitude of the error signal, how long the error
signal has persisted, and even how rapidly the error appears to be changing.
Clearly, the larger the error, the less we are satisfied with the present state of
affairs and vice versa. In fact, we are completely satisfied only when the error is exactly
zero. Based on these considerations, it is natural to suggest that the controller should
change the heat input by an amount proportional to the error. This is called proportional
control. In effect, the controller is instructed to maintain the heat input at the steady-
state design value as long as the error is zero. If the tank temperature deviates from the
set point, causing an error, the controller is to use the magnitude of the error to change
the heat input proportionally. We shall reserve the right to vary the proportionality con-
stant to suit our needs. This degree of freedom forms a part of our instructions to the
controller. As we will see shortly during the course of our studies, the larger we make
the proportionality constant for the proportional controller (called the controller gain),
the smaller the steady-state error will become. We will also see that it is impossible to
completely eliminate the error through the use of a proportional controller. For example,
if the set point is 130⬚F and a disturbance occurs that drops the temperature to 120⬚F,
if we use only a proportional controller, then we will never be able to get the tank tem-
perature to exactly 130⬚F. Once the sytem stabilizes again, the temperature will not be
exactly 130⬚F, but perhaps 127⬚F or 133⬚F. There will always be some residual steady-
state error (called offset). For a home water heater, this is probably good enough; the
exact temperature is not that critical. In an industrial process, this may not be adequate,
and we have to resort to a bit more complicated controller to drive the error to zero.
Considerable improvement may be obtained over proportional control by adding
integral control. The controller is now instructed to change the heat input by an addi-
tional amount proportional to the time integral of the error. This type of control system
has two adjustable parameters: a multiplier for the error and a multiplier for the integral
of the error. If this type of controller is used, the steady-state error will be zero. From this
standpoint, the response is clearly superior to that of the system with proportional control
only. One price we pay for this improvement is the tendency for the system to be more
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS 5
oscillatory. The system will tend to overshoot its final steady-state value before slowly
settling out at the desired set point. So what is the best control system to use for a particu-
lar application? This and related questions will be addressed in subsequent chapters.
Some Further Complications
At this point, it would appear that the problem has been solved in some sense. A little
further probing will shatter this illusion.
It has been assumed that the controller receives instantaneous information about
the tank temperature. From a physical standpoint, some measuring device such as a
thermocouple will be required to measure this temperature. The temperature of a ther-
mocouple inserted in the tank may or may not be the same as the temperature of the
fluid in the tank. This can be demonstrated by placing a mercury thermometer in a
beaker of hot water. The thermometer does not instantaneously rise to the water tem-
perature. Rather, it takes a bit of time to respond. Since the controller will receive mea-
sured values of the temperature, rather than the actual values, it will be acting upon
the apparent error, rather than the actual error. The effect of the thermocouple delay
in transmission of the temperature to the controller is primarily to make the response
of the system somewhat more oscillatory than if the response were instantaneous. If
we increase the controller gain (the proportionality constants), the tank temperature
will eventually oscillate with increasing amplitude and will continue to do so until the
physical limitations of the heating system are reached. In this case, the control system
has actually caused a deterioration in performance, and this type of reponse is referred
to as an unstable response.
This problem of stability of response will be a major concern for obvious reasons.
At present, it is sufficient to note that extreme care must be exercised in specifying con-
trol systems. In the case considered, the proportional and integral controllers described
above will perform satisfactorily if the gain is kept lower than some particular value.
However, it is not difficult to construct examples of systems for which the addition of
any amount of integral control will cause an unstable response. Since integral control
usually has the desirable feature of eliminating steady-state error, it is extremely impor-
tant that we develop means for predicting the occurrence of unstable response in the
design of any control system.
Block Diagram
A good overall picture of the relationships among variables in the heated-tank control
system may be obtained by preparing a block diagram as shown in Fig. 1–1. It indicates
the flow of information around the control system and the function of each part of the
system. Much more will be said about block diagrams later, but the reader can undoubt-
edly form a good intuitive notion about them by comparing Fig. 1–1 with the physical
description of the process. Particularly significant is the fact that each component of the
system is represented by a block, with little regard for the actual physical characteris-
tics of the represented component (e.g., the tank or controller). The major interest is in
(1) the relationship between the signals entering and leaving the block and (2) the man-
ner in which information flows around the system.
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6 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS
SUMMARY
We have taken an overall look at a typical control problem and some of its ramifications.
At present, the reader has been asked to accept the results on faith and to concentrate on
obtaining a physical understanding of the transient behavior of the heated tank. In the
forthcoming chapters we develop tools for determining the response of such systems. As
this new material is presented, the reader may find it helpful to refer to this chapter to
place the material in proper perspective to the overall control problem.
PROBLEMS
1.1. Draw a block diagram for the control system generated when a human being steers an
automobile.
1.2. Draw a block diagram for the control system generated when a human being shoots a bow
and arrow.
1.3. Draw a block diagram for an automobile cruise control system.
1.4. Draw a block diagram for the control system that maintains the water level in a toilet tank.
1.5. Draw a block diagram for a security lighting system that activates at dusk and turns off at
dawn.
1.6. Draw a block diagram for the control system for a home oven.
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CHAPTER
1
CAPSULE SUMMARY
DEFINITIONS
Block diagram—Diagram that indicates the flow of information around the con-
trol system and the function of each part of the system.
Closed loop—In closed loop, the measured value of the controlled variable is fed
back to the controller.
Controlled variable—The process variable that we want to maintain at a par-
ticular value.
Controller—A device that outputs a signal to the process based on the magnitude
of the error signal. A proportional controller outputs a signal proportional to
the error.
Disturbance rejection—One goal of a control system, which is to enable the
system to “reject” the effect of disturbance changes changes and maintain the
controlled variable at the set point.
Disturbances—Any process variables that can cause the controlled variable to
change. In general, disturbances are variables that we have no control over.
Error—The difference between the values of the set point and the measured
variable.
Manipulated variable—Process variable that is adjusted to bring the controlled
variable back to the set point.
Negative feedback—In negative feedback, the error is the difference between the
set point and the measured variable (this is usually the desired configuration).
Offset—The steady-state value of the error.
Open loop—In open loop, the measured value of the controlled variable is not
fed back to the controller.
Positive feedback—In positive feedback, the measured temperature is added to
the set point. (This is usually an undesirable situation and frequently leads to
instability.)
Set point—The desired value of the controlled variable.
Set point tracking—One goal of a control system, which is to force the system to
follow or “track” requested set point changes.
7
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PART
I
MODELING FOR
PROCESS DYNAMICS
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CHAPTER
2
MODELING TOOLS FOR
PROCESS DYNAMICS
U nderstanding process dynamics (how process variables change with time) will be
very important to our studies of process control. In the examples in Chap.1, we
saw some of the implications of process dynamics and their relationship to process con-
trol. In this chapter we explore process dynamics further and review some mathematical
tools for solving the resulting process models.
2.1 PROCESS DYNAMICS—A CHEMICAL
MIXING SCENARIO
Consider the following chemical mixing example (Fig. 2–1). Two process streams are
mixed to produce one of the feeds for our chemical reactor. After mixing, the blended
stream is fed to a heating vessel before being sent to the reactor.
Stream 3
Ca3=? g/L
Mixing tee v3=30 L/min
Stream 1
Ca1=1 g/L
v1=10 L/min
V=150 L
Stream 2
Ca2=4 g/L Ca
v2=20 L/min To reactor
Heater
FIGURE 2–1
Chemical mixing process flow diagram.
11
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12 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
The process is running along at steady state. The concentration of A in stream 1 is 1 g/L
and in stream 2 is 4 g/L. At 3:00 P.M. the shift changes at the plant. The new operator
on our unit misreads the flowmeters for the process and switches the flow rates of the
two streams. Stream 1 is switched to 20 L/min, and stream 2 is switched to 10 L/min.
At 3:30 P.M. the shift supervisor hurries to the control room to determine the source of
the problem now being experiencing with the reactor. Use your knowledge of chemical
engineering to determine what has happened to the exit concentration from the heating
vessel over the first half-hour of the shift.
We can model the mixing tee and the blending tank using an unsteady-state mass
balance to predict the behavior of this part of the process since the shift change and the
unfortunate error by the new operator.
A balance on component A around the mixing tee before and after the change
will yield information on how the feed concentration to the heating vessel changes. The
component A balance around the mixing tee is
Rate of A into Rate of A into Rate of A leaving
mixing tee mixing tee mix ing tee
in stream 1 (g/min ) in strea m 2 (g/min) in stream 3 (g/min)
v1Ca1 v2Ca 2 v3Ca 3
Before the change, we can calculate the original steady-state concentration into the
heating vessel:
L g L g L g
10 1 20 4 30 Ca 3
min L min L min L
g
Ca 3 3
L
Since the process has been running along at steady state for a long time under these
conditions, the concentration in the heating vessel is also the same.
After the change, the new feed concentration to the heating vessel is
L g L g L g
20 1 10 4 30 Ca 3
min L min L min L
g
Ca 3 2
L
So the net result of the operator error is to decrease the feed concentration to the heating
vessel from 3 to 2 g/L. After we analyze the process for a moment, it is apparent that the
exit concentration from the heating vessel will eventually also fall from 3 to 2 g/L if the
process is left in its current configuration for a long enough time. So, what we know of
the situation is shown in Fig. 2–2.
To analyze how the exit from the heating vessel (the feed to the reactor) varies
with time, we must perform an unsteady mass balance on component A around the heat-
ing vessel.
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 13
Stream 3
V3=30 L/min
V=150 L
Concentration 3 g/L
of A 2 g/L
in stream 3 Ca
To reactor
3:00 P.M. Time 3 g/L Transient
Heater Concentration period
of A
in exit stream 2 g/L
3:00 P.M. Time
FIGURE 2–2
Chemical mixing process flow diagram showing operator-induced transient.
Rate of A into Rate of A leaving Accumulatio n of A in
heating vessel (g/min) heating vessel (g/min) heating vessel (g/min)
in out accum u lation
d
v3Ca 3 v3Ca (VCa )
dt
Note that the volumetric flow rate v is constant into and out of the heating vessel at v3. Thus
the volume of fluid in the tank V is constant. We can rearrange this equation to the following
form:
V dCa
Ca Ca 3 (2.1)
v3 dt
The coefficient of the derivative term is the residence time of the heating vessel ,
which in this process is 5 min. Substituting the numbers for this scenario yields
dCa g
5 Ca 2 Ca ( 0 ) 3
dt L
We can rearrange and solve this equation as follows.
Ca t
dCa 1
∫ 2 Ca
∫ 5 dt
3 0
t
ln (2 Ca ) C3 a
5
2 Ca t
ln
23 5
Ca 2 et / 5 (2.2)
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14 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
A plot of the exit concentration from the heating vessel is shown in Fig. 2–3. As
expected, the concentration starts at the original steady-state concentration of 3 g/L and
exponentially decreases to 2 g/L.
Modeling the mixing process enables us to determine the concentration of com-
ponent A in the stream being fed to the reactor. Being able to determine or predict the
dynamic behavior of a process is crucial to being able to design a control system for it.
As another modeling example, consider the energy balance for the mixing
process described above. Prior to 3 P.M. the process conditions are depicted as in
Fig. 2–4.
Stream 1 (at 25C) mixes with stream 2 (at 55C), producing stream 3, the feed
to the heating vessel. The heater adds energy to the vessel to bring the outlet stream to
80C. Before we look at the effect of the disturbance caused by the operator, it is neces-
sary to determine the steady-state process conditions prior to the upset. An energy bal-
ance around the mixing tee will enable us to calculate the steady-state feed temperature
to the heating vessel T3.
Rate of Rate of Rate of
enthalpy into enthalpy into enthalp y leaving
mixing tee mixing tee mixing tee
with stream 1 with stream 2 with stream 3
r v1C p (T1 Tref ) r v2C p (T2 Tref ) r v3C p (T3 Tref )
We have assumed that the stream density (g/L) and specific heat Cp [cal/(g . C)]
remain constant, independent of the concentration of component A in the stream. We
Heating Vessel Exit Concentration
3
2.5
2
(g/L)
Ca
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Time (min)
FIGURE 2–3
Outlet concentration from the heating vessel as a function of time.
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 15
Stream 3
Ca3=3 g/L
Mixing tee ν3=30 L/min
Stream 1
T3=?°C
Ca1=1 g/L
ν1=10 L/min
T1=25°C
V=150 L
Ca
Stream 2 T=80°C
Ca2=4 g/L To reactor
ν2=20 L/min
T2=55°C
Heater
FIGURE 2–4
Chemical mixing process flow diagram showing initial temperatures.
have also defined a reference temperature Tref for the enthalpy calculation. The energy
balance can be simplified to
v1T1 v2T2 v3T3
Note that we have made use of the relation (v1 v2)Tref v3Tref to eliminate some
terms. Solving for T3 yields
v1T1 v2T2 (10)(25) (20)(55)
T3 45 °C
v3 30
So, the steady-state inlet temperature to the heating vessel is 45C. We can now deter-
mine the steady-state heat input required from the heater by performing a steady-state
energy balance around the heating vessel.
Rate of Rate of
enthalpy into enthalpy into Rate of
enthalpy leaving
heating vessel hea ting vessel
with streeam 3 from heater heating vessel
r v3C p (T3 Tref ) Q r v3C p (T Tref )
Solving for the heater input gives
g L cal
Q v3C p (T T3 ) 1000 30 1 (80°C 45°C)
L min g ⋅ °C
cal
1. 05 106 73 . 2 kW
min
The energy balance for the original steady-state case is summarized in Fig. 2–5.
The inlet temperature to the heating vessel after the 3:00 P.M. disturbance can be
determined from the steady-state energy balance around the mixing tee using the new
flow rates (Fig. 2–6).
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16 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
Stream 3
ν3=30 L/min
T3=45°C
V=150 L
T=80°C
To reactor
Heater
input
73.2 kW
FIGURE 2–5
Chemical mixing process flow diagram summarizing initial temperatures.
v1T1 v2T2 (20)(25) (10)(55)
T3 35ºC
v3 30
To determine the effect of this inlet temperature dis-
Temperature turbance on the feed to the reactor, an unsteady-state
45°C
of stream 3
energy balance on the heating vessel is required. We
35°C
can logically predict that if the heat input stays constant,
as well as the process flow rate, when the inlet tempera-
3:00 P.M. Time ture falls by 10C, the outlet temperature from the heat-
ing vessel will correspondingly decrease by 10 to 70C.
FIGURE 2–6 The energy balance on the heating vessel is
Inlet temperature disturbance.
Rate of enthalpy Rate of enthalpy Rate of energy Rate of
into heating leaving h eating input to accumulation
vessel vessel heating vessel of enthalpy in
with stree am 3 with exit stream from heater heating vessel
d
r v3C p (T3 Tref ) r v3C p (T Tref ) Q ( r VC p (T Tref )
dt
Simplifying yields
V dT 1 (2.3)
T T3 Q
v3 dt r v3C p
t
Substituting values for the scenario we are considering gives
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 17
dT 1 6 cal
(5 min) T 35ºC 1. 05 10 min 7 0 º C
dt g L cal
1000 L 30 min 1 g ⋅ º C
T (0) 80 º C
Separating and integrating, we have
dT
5 70 T
dt
T t
dT dt
∫ 70 T ∫ 5
80 0
70 T
ln
t
10 5
T 70 10et / 5 (2.4)
A plot of the outlet temperature from the heating vessel as a function of time is shown
in Fig. 2–7.
Outlet Temperature from Heating Vessel as a Function of Time
80
78
76
74
72
Temperature (C)
70
68
66
64
62
60
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Time (min)
FIGURE 2–7
Outlet temperature transient due to the disturbance.
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18 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
Notice the shape of the temperature response is the same as the shape of the concentra-
tion response that we saw previously. By appropriate modeling of the process, we can
predict how the system will respond to changes in the operating conditions. Our ability
to model the process will be extremely valuable as we design controllers to automati-
cally control the process variables at their desired settings.
2.2 MATHEMATICAL TOOLS
FOR MODELING
As we just saw in our analysis of the chemical mixer, the unsteady-state material and
energy balance models that we wrote required us to solve differential equations to
obtain the concentration and temperature versus time behavior for the process. This
will be a common occurrence for us as we continue our studies of process dynamics
and control. It would be beneficial to review some additional tools available to us for
solving our process models. In Sec. 2.1, we solved the equations by separation and
integration. A couple of other useful tools for solving such models are Laplace trans-
forms and MATLAB/Simulink. In the next several sections, we will review the use of
these additional tools for solving our model differential equations.
Definition of the Laplace Transform
The Laplace transform of a function f(t) is defined to be F(s) according to the equation
∞
F (s ) ∫0 f (t )est dt (2.5)
We often abbreviate this to
F (s) L{ f (t )}
where the operator L is defined by Eq. (2.5).
Example 2.1. Find the Laplace transform of the function
f (t ) 1
According to Eq. (2.5),
t ∞
∞ est 1
F (s ) ∫0 (1)est dt
s t 0
s
Thus,
1
L{1}
s
There are several facts worth noting at this point:
1. The Laplace transform F(s) contains no information about the behavior of f(t) for
t, 0. This is not a limitation for control system study because t will represent the
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 19
time variable and we will be interested in the behavior of systems only for positive
time. In fact, the variables and systems are usually defined so that f(t) 0 for t , 0.
The time we designate as t 0 is arbitrary. We shall generally define t 0 as
the time when the process is disturbed from steady state (i.e., when an input is
changed). Our usual starting point will be a steady-state system or process, and we
will be interested in examining what happens when the system is disturbed. This
will become clearer as we study specific examples.
2. Since the Laplace transform is defined in Eq. (2.5) by an improper integral, it will
not exist for every function f(t). A rigorous definition of the class of functions pos-
sessing Laplace transforms is beyond the scope of this book, but readers will note
that every function of interest to us does satisfy the requirements for possession of
a transform [see Churchill (1972)].
3. The Laplace transform is linear. In mathematical notation, this means
L{af1 (t ) bf2 (t )} aL{ f1 (t )} bL{ f2 (t )}
where a and b are constants and f1 and f2 are two functions of t.
Proof. Using the definition, we have
∞ st
L{af1 (t ) bf2 (t )} ∫0 [af1 (t ) bf2 (t )]e dt
∞ ∞
a∫ f1 (t )est dt b ∫ f2 (t )est dt
0 0
aL{ f1 (t )} b L{ f2 (t )}
4. The Laplace transform operator transforms a function of the variable t to a function
of the variable s. The t variable is eliminated by the integration.
Transforms of Simple Functions
We now proceed to derive the transforms of some simple and useful functions. We shall
see these common functions repeatedly during our future studies.
1. The step function is
f (t ) { 0 t 0
1 t 0
This important function is known as the unit-step function and will henceforth be
denoted by u(t). From Example 2.1, it is clear that
1
L{u(t )}
s
As expected, the behavior of the function for t 0 has no effect on its Laplace
transform. Note that as a consequence of linearity, the transform of any constant
A, that is, f(t) Au(t), is just F(s) A/s. Notice in the chemical mixing example
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20 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
that we just discussed that the inlet concentration and temperature are described by
a step function initiated at time zero (3 P.M. in the example).
2. The exponential function is
f (t ) { 0
e− at
t0
t0
u(t )eat
where u(t) is the unit-step function. Again proceeding according to definition, we
have
∞
{ } ∫0 e(s a)t dt s 1 a e(s a)t 0
∞ 1
L u(t )eat
sa
provided that s a 0, that is, s a. In this case, the convergence of the inte-
gral depends on a suitable choice of s. In case s is a complex number, it may be
shown that this condition becomes
Re(s) a
For problems of interest to us it will always be possible to choose s so that these condi-
tions are satisfied, and the reader uninterested in mathematical niceties can ignore
this point.
3. The ramp function is
f (t ) { 0t t<0
t>0
tu(t )
∞ st
L{tu(t )} ∫0
te dt
Integration by parts yields
∞
t 1 1
L{tu(t )} est 2 2
s s 0 s
4. The sine function is
f (t ) { sin0 kt t<0
t>0
u(t )sin kt
∞
st
L{u(t )sin kt} ∫0 sin kt e dt
Integrating by parts, we have
∞
est
L{u(t )sin kt} 2 (s sin kt k cos kt )
s k2 0
k
s k2
2
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 21
TABLE 2.1
Function Graph Transform
1
1
u(t)
s
1
tu(t)
s2
n!
tnu(t)
s n 1
1
at 1
e u(t)
sa
n!
tneatu(t)
( s a )n1
k
sin kt u(t)
s2 k 2
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22 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
TABLE 2.1 (Continued)
Function Graph Transform
s
cos kt u(t)
s2 k 2
k
sinh kt u(t)
s2 k 2
s
cosh kt u(t) 1 s2 k 2
k
eat sin kt u(t)
(s a)2 k 2
sa
eat cos kt u(t)
(s a)2 k 2
Area = 1
(t), unit impulse 1
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 23
In a like manner, the transforms of other simple functions may be derived.
Table 2.1 is a summary of transforms that will be of use to us. Those which have not
been derived here can be easily established by direct integration, except for the trans-
form of (t), which will be discussed in detail in the Appendix at the end of Chap. 3.
Using MATLAB for Symbolic Processing—Laplace Transforms
MATLAB is capable of symbolic processing. To prepare MATLAB for symbolic operations, some
variable names will be declared symbolic (rather than numeric) using the syms command.
syms a x y z t k s
We can also define u as the Heaviside function (the unit step):
u=sym('Heaviside(t)')
u=
Heaviside(t)
Now we can determine the transform of the simple functions we have just discussed:
The step function:
laplace(u)
ans=
1/s
The exponential function:
laplace(exp(–a*t))
ans=
1/(s+a)
The ramp function:
laplace(t)
ans
1/s^2
The sine function:
laplace(sin(k*t))
ans=
k/(s^2+k^2)
Transforms of Derivatives
At this point, the reader may wonder what has been gained by introduction of the La-
place transform. The transform merely changes a function of t into a function of s. The
functions of s look no simpler than those of t and, as in the case of A → A/s, may actu-
ally be more complex. In the next few paragraphs, the motivation will become clear. It
will be shown that the Laplace transform has the remarkable property of transforming
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24 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
the operation of differentiation with respect to t to that of multiplication by s. Thus, we
claim that
L
dt { }
df (t )
sF (s) f (0) (2.6)
where
F (s) L{ f (t )}
and f(0) is f(t) evaluated at t 0. If f(t) is discontinuous at t 0, f(0) should be evalu-
ated at t 0, that is, just to the right of the origin. Since we will seldom want to
differentiate functions that are discontinuous at the origin, this detail is not of great
importance. However, the reader is cautioned to watch carefully for situations in which
such discontinuities occur.
Proof
L { }
df (t )
dt
∫0
∞ df st
dt
e dt
To integrate this by parts, let
df
u est dv dt
dt
Then
du sest dt v f (t )
Since
∫ u dv uv ∫ v du
we have
∞ df st ∞ ∞
∫0 dt e dt f (t )est s ∫ f (t )est dt f (0) sF (s)
0 0
The salient feature of this transformation is that whereas the function of t was to be
differentiated with respect to t, the corresponding function of s is merely multiplied
by s. We shall find this feature to be extremely useful in the solution of differential
equations.
To find the transform of the second derivative we make use of the transform of
the first derivative twice, as follows:
d 2 f d df df df (t )
L L sL
dt
2
dt dt
d t dt t 0
s[sF (s) f (0)] f ′(0)
s 2 F (s) sf (0) f ′(0)
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 25
where we have abbreviated
df (t )
f ′(0)
dt t 0
In a similar manner, the reader can easily establish by induction that repeated applica-
tion of Eq. (2.6) leads to
d n f n 1
L n
s F (s ) s f (0) s n 2 f (1) (0) ··· sf ( n 2) (0) f ( n 1) (0)
n
dt
where f i(0) indicates the ith derivative of f(t) with respect to t, evaluated for t 0.
Thus, the Laplace transform may be seen to change the operation of differentiation
of the function to that of multiplication of the transform by s, the number of multipli-
cations corresponding to the number of differentiations. In addition, some polynomial
terms involving the initial values of f(t) and its first n 1 derivatives are involved. In
later applications we usually define our variables so that these polynomial terms will
vanish. Hence, they are of secondary concern here.
Example 2.2. Find the Laplace transform of the function x(t) that satisfies the
differential equation and initial conditions
d3x d2x dx
4 5 2x 2
dt 3 dt 2 dt
dx (0) d 2 x (0)
x (0) 0
dt dt 2
It is permissible mathematically to take the Laplace transforms of both sides of a
differential equation and equate them, since equality of functions implies equality
of their transforms. Doing this, we obtain
s 3 x (s) s 2 x (0) sx ′(0) x ′′(0) 4[s 2 x (s) sx (0) x ′(0)]
2
5 [sx (s) x (0)] 2 x (s)
s
where x(s) L{x(t)}. Use has been made of the linearity property and of the fact
that only positive values of t are of interest. Inserting the initial conditions and
solving for x(s), we have
2
x (s)
( 3 2
s s 4 s 5s 2 ) (2.7)
This is the required answer, the Laplace transform of x(t).
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26 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
2.3 SOLUTION OF ORDINARY
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (ODES)
There are two important points to note regarding this last example. First, application of
the transformation resulted in an equation that was solved for the unknown function by
purely algebraic means. Second, and most important, if the function x(t), which has the
Laplace transform 2/s(s3 4s2 5s 2), were known, we would have the solution
to the differential equation and initial conditions. This suggests a procedure for solving
differential equations that is analogous to that of using logarithms to multiply or divide.
To use logarithms, one transforms the pertinent numbers to their logarithms and then
adds or subtracts, which is much easier than multiplying or dividing. The result of the
addition or subtraction is the logarithm of the desired answer. The answer is found by
reference to a table to find the number having this logarithm.
In the Laplace transform method for solution of differential equations, the func-
tions are converted to their transforms, and the resulting equations are algebraically
solved for the unknown function. This is much easier than solving a differential equa-
tion. However, at the last step the analogy to logarithms is not complete. We obviously
cannot hope to construct a table containing the Laplace transform of every function f(t)
that possesses a transform. Instead, we will develop methods for expressing compli-
cated transforms, such as x(s) in Example 2.2, in terms of simple transforms that can be
found in Table 2.1. For example, it is easily verified that the solution to the differential
equation and initial conditions of Example 2.2 is
x (t ) 1 2tet e2 t (2.8)
The Laplace transform of x, using Eq. (2.8) and Table 2.1, is
1 1 1
x (s) 2 2 (2.9)
s (s 1) s2
Equation (2.7) is actually the result of placing Eq. (2.9) over a common denominator.
Although it is difficult to find x(t) from Eq. (2.7), Eq. (2.9) may be easily inverted to
Eq. (2.8) by using Table 2.1. Therefore, what is required is a method for expanding the
common-denominator form of Eq. (2.7) to the separated form of Eq. (2.9). This method
is provided by the technique of partial fractions, which is developed in Chap. 3.
Using MATLAB for Symbolic Processing—Inversion of Laplace Transforms
Remember that we have previously declared some variables symbolic (a, k, x, y, z, t and s). Let’s have
MATLAB invert Eq. (2.3) for us and determine x(t).
x=ilaplace(2/s/(s^3+4*s^2+5*s+2))
x=
1-exp(–2*t)–2*t*exp(–t)
which is the same as Eq. (2.8).
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 27
Using MATLAB for Symbolic Processing—Solution of Differential Equations
MATLAB can solve differential equations symbolically using the DSOLVE command. The deriva-
tives are represented as Dx (first derivative), D2x (second derivative), etc.
x=dsolve('D3x+4*D2x+5*Dx+2*x=2','x(0)=0','Dx(0)=0','D2x(0)=0')
x=
1–exp(–2*t)–2*t*exp(–t)
which, again, is the same as Eq. (2.8).
Now, let’s return to our chemical mixing scenario from earlier in the chapter.
Example 2.3. Transform the differential equations resulting from the mass and
energy balances for the chemical mixer to determine the transform of the exit
concentration and temperature.
dCa
t Ca Ca 3 mass baa lance
dt
dT 1
t T T3 Q energy balance
dt r v3C p
For the mass balance,
t [sCa (s) Ca (0)] Ca (s) Ca 3 (s)
Rearranging and solving for Ca(s), we have
Ca 3 ( s ) t Ca ( 0 )
Ca ( s )
ts 1
After the disturbance, Ca3 has a constant value of 2 g/L. Therefore, Ca3 (s) 2/s.
Also, from the process description, we know that Ca(0) 3g/L [this is the initial
concentration of A in the tank at time 0 (3 P.M.)] and that , the time constant, is
5 min. Substituting these values into the expression for Ca yields
2 /s 5(3) 2 15
Ca ( s ) (2.10)
5s 1 s(5s 1) 5s 1
For the energy balance,
1
t [sT (s) T (0)] T (s) T3 (s) Q (s )
r v3C p
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28 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
Rearranging and solving for T(s), we find
T3 (s) 1/ ( r v3C p ) Q(s) t T (0)
T (s )
ts1
After the disturbance, T3 is constant at 35C, so T3 (s) 35/s. The initial tem-
perature in the tank T(0), at 3 P.M. is 80C. The heater input Q is constant at
1.05
106 cal/min. The time constant is 5 min. Substituting these values into the
expression for T(s) gives
6 cal
35 1 . 05 10
1 min
5 (80)
s g L cal s
1000 L 30 min 1 g ⋅ º C
T (s )
5s 1
Simplifying yields
70 /s 5(80) 70 400
T (s ) (2.11)
5s 1 s(5s 1) 5s 1
If we can invert these expressions for Ca(s), Eq. (2.10), and T(s), Eq. (2.11), we
will obtain the time domain solutions for the exiting concentration and tempera-
ture. We will address this topic in Chap. 3.
To summarize, we have reviewed a procedure using Laplace transforms for solv-
ing linear, ordinary, differential equations (ODEs) with constant coefficients.
The procedure is as follows:
1. Take the Laplace transform of both sides of the equation. The initial conditions are
incorporated at this step in the transforms of the derivatives.
2. Solve the resulting equation for the Laplace transform of the unknown function
algebraically.
3. Find the function of t that has the Laplace transform obtained in step 2. This func-
tion satisfies the differential equation and initial conditions and hence is the desired
solution. This third step is frequently the most difficult or tedious step and will be
developed further in Chap. 3. It is called inversion of the transform. Although there
are other techniques available for inversion, the one that we will develop and make
consistent use of is that of partial fraction expansion.
A simple example will serve to illustrate steps 1 and 2 (we’ll save step 3 until Chap. 3).
Example 2.4. Solve
dx
3x 0
dt
x(0) 2
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CHAPTER 2 MODELING TOOLS FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS 29
We number our steps according to the discussion in the preceding paragraphs:
1. [ sx (s) 2 ] 3 x (s) 0
sx ( s ) x ( 0 )
2 1
2. x (s) 2
s3 s3
3. x(t) 2e3t
SUMMARY
In this chapter we discussed the importance of process modeling and worked through
a chemical mixing example that led to two differential equations that described the
process (one from the mass balance and one from the energy balance). We solved those
relatively simple equations by separating and integrating. We also discussed using
Laplace transforms for solving differential equations and presented a table of common
transforms. We concluded by demonstrating the use of MATLAB for symbolically
solving differential equations. In Chap. 3 we will discuss the method of partial fractions
for inverting the solutions we obtained by using transforms to the time domain.
PROBLEMS
2.1. Transform the following:
(a) sin(2t )
4
(b) et cos 2t
(c) Use the formula for the Laplace transform of a derivative to find L{sinh(kt)} if you are
given that L{cosh(kt)} s/(s2 k2).
2.2. Invert the following transforms.
3
(a)
s
3
(b)
s2
3
(c)
(s 2)2
3
(d)
s3
1
2
(e) 2
s 9
3
(f)
s 2 4s 8
s4
(g)
s 2 4s 8
1
(h)
(s 2)2
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30 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
2.3. Find x(s) for the following differential equations.
d2x dx
(a) 4 3 x u(t ) x (0) x ′(0) 0
dt 2 dt
d2x dx
(b) 2
2 x u(t ) x (0) x ′(0) 1
dt dt
d2x dx
(c) 2 x u(t ) x (0) x ′(0) 0
dt 2 dt
2.4. Solve Prob. 2.1 using the MATLAB laplace command.
2.5. Solve Prob. 2.2 using the MATLAB ilaplace command.
2.6. Solve Prob. 2.3 using the MATLAB dsolve command, and then use ezplot to graph the
solutions.
2.7. Use the MATLAB dsolve command to solve the differential equations that we developed
for the mass and energy balances for the chemical mixing scenario, and then use ezplot to
graph the solutions. Compare the results with those presented in the text.
2.8. Use the MATLAB ilaplace command to invert Eqs. (2.10) and (2.11), and then use
ezplot to graph the solutions. Compare the results with those presented in the text.
2.9. Rework the chemical mixing scenario if at 3 P.M. the operator mistakenly increases the flow
rate of stream 1 to 20 L/min while stream 2 and the heater input remain unchanged.
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CHAPTER
2
CAPSULE SUMMARY
∞ st
Definition of the Laplace transform: L{ f (t )} f (s) ∫0 f (t )e dt
Linearity: L{af1(t) bf2(t)} aL{f1(t)} bL{f2(t)}
Transform of first derivative: L { }
df (t )
dt
sf (s) f (0)
Transform of nth derivative:
d n f
L n s n f (s) s n 1 f (0) s n 2 f (1) (0) n sf ( n 2) (0) f ( n 1) (0)
dt
Transforms of some simple functions: See Table 2.1.
The following procedure uses Laplace transforms for solving linear, ordinary, differen-
tial equations (ODEs) with constant coefficients:
1. Take the Laplace transform of both sides of the equation. The initial conditions are
incorporated at this step in the transforms of the derivatives.
2. Solve the resulting equation for the Laplace transform of the unknown function
algebraically.
3. Find the function of t that has the Laplace transform obtained in step 2. This function
satisfies the differential equation and initial conditions and hence is the desired solu-
tion. This third step is frequently the most difficult or tedious step. We will make
consistent use of partial fraction expansions to accomplish this (see Chap. 3).
Useful MATLAB Commands:
syms—declares variables to be symbolic
laplace—takes the Laplace transform of a symbolic expression
ilaplace—inverts a symbolic Laplace transform expression
dsolve—solves a differential equation symbolically
31
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CHAPTER
3
INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS
O ur study of the application of Laplace transforms to linear differential equations
with constant coefficients has enabled us to rapidly establish the Laplace trans-
form of the solution. We now wish to develop methods for inverting the transforms
to obtain the solution in the time domain. In the first part of this chapter we give a
series of examples that illustrate the partial fraction technique. After a generalization of
these techniques, we proceed to a discussion of the qualitative information that can be
obtained from the transform of the solution without inverting it.
The equations to be solved are all of the general form
dnx d n ⫺1 x dx
an n
⫹ an ⫺1 n ⫺1 ⫹ . . . ⫹ a1 ⫹ a0 x ⫽ r (t )
dt dt dt
The unknown function of time is x(t), and an, an 1, . . . , a1, a0 are constants. The
given function r(t) is called the forcing function. In addition, for all problems of inter-
est in control system analysis, the initial conditions are given. In other words, values
of x, dx/dt, . . . , dn 1 x/dtn 1 are specified at time 0. The problem is to determine x(t)
for all t 0.
3.1 PARTIAL FRACTIONS
In the series of examples that follow, the technique of partial fraction inversion for solu-
tion of this class of differential equations is presented.
32
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 33
Example 3.1. Solve
dx
⫹x ⫽1
dt
x (0) ⫽ 0
Application of the Laplace transform yields
1
sx (s) ⫹ x (s) ⫽
s
1
or x (s) ⫽
s(s ⫹ 1)
The theory of partial fractions enables us to write this as
1 A B
x (s ) ⫽ ⫽ ⫹ (3.1)
s(s ⫹ 1) s s ⫹1
where A and B are constants. Hence, from Table 2.1, it follows that
x (t ) ⫽ A ⫹ Be⫺t (3.2)
Therefore, if A and B were known, we would have the solution. The conditions on
A and B are that they must be chosen to make Eq. (3.1) an identity in s.
To determine A, multiply both sides of Eq. (3.1) by s.
1 Bs
⫽ A⫹ (3.3)
s ⫹1 s ⫹1
Since this must hold for all s, it must hold for s 0. Putting s 0 in Eq. (3.3)
yields
A⫽1
To find B, multiply both sides of Eq. (3.1) by s 1.
1 A
⫽ (s ⫹ 1) ⫹ B (3.4)
s s
Since this must hold for all s, it must hold for s 1. This yields
B ⫽ ⫺1
This procedure for determining the coefficients is called the Heaviside expansion.
There is an easy way to visualize the Heaviside procedure and quickly determine
the coefficients of the partial fraction expansion (A and B in this case). Consider-
ing Eq. (3.1), we can determine A, the numerator of the 1/s factor, by ignoring (or
“covering up”) this term in the denominator of x(s) and letting all the remaining
s’s equal the value of s that makes the “covered up” term equal to zero. The other
coefficients are found in a similar manner.
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34 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
For example, to solve for A, we “cover up” the s factor and let all the other
s values equal 0.
1
A⫽ ⫽1
s ⫹ 1)
s (
0
Similarly for B, we cover up the s 1 term and let the other s values equal
1, so
1 1
B ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ ⫺1
s (s ⫹ 1) ⫺1
⫺1
Cross-multiplication (as well as the quick visualization method) works for dis-
tinct roots (non-repeated factors in the denominator) and in a limited way for
repeated roots. We will discuss the case of repeated roots shortly.
Now that we’ve found A and B, we have
1 1 1
x (s) ⫽ ⫽ ⫺ (3.5)
s(s ⫹ 1) s s ⫹1
and therefore,
x (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺t (3.6)
Equation (3.5) may be checked by putting the right side over a common denomi-
nator, and Eq. (3.6) by substitution into the original differential equation and ini-
tial condition.
Example 3.2. Chemical mixing scenario revisited. In Chap. 2 we solved the
chemical mixing scenario problem to the point where we had obtained the trans-
formed solution to the material and energy balances. The transformed solutions,
Eqs. (2.10) and (2.11), are repeated in this example for convenience.
2 15
Ca ( s ) ⫽ ⫹ (2.10)
s(5s ⫹ 1) 5s ⫹ 1
We can now invert this expression for the concentration in the tank to the time
domain.
Considering the first term on the left-hand side, we can separate it into par-
tial fractions by using the same method that was employed in Example 3.1.
2
2 A B 2 ⫺2
⫽ 5
⫽ ⫹ ⫽ ⫹
s(5s ⫹ 1) s s⫹( 1
5 ) s s⫹ 1
5
s s ⫹ 15
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 35
Equation (2.10) may now be written as
2 15 2 2 3 2 1
Ca ( s ) ⫽ ⫹ ⫽ ⫺ ⫹ ⫽ ⫹
s(5s ⫹ 1) 5s ⫹ 1 s s⫹ 1
5 s⫹ 1
5
s s⫹ 1
5
We can now readily invert this expression to the time domain
Ca (t ) ⫽ 2 ⫹ e⫺t / 5
This is the same solution that we previously obtained by separation and integra-
tion of the original mass balance differential equation in the time domain, which
is plotted in Fig. 2–3.
Similarly, we can obtain the time domain solution for the temperature in the
mixing vessel by inverting Eq. (2.11).
70 /s ⫹ 5(80) 70 400
T (s ) ⫽ ⫽ ⫹ (2.11)
5s ⫹ 1 s(5s ⫹ 1) 5s ⫹ 1
Separating the right-hand side by using partial fractions, we get
70 400 70 ⫺70 80 70 10
T (s ) ⫽ ⫹ ⫽ ⫹ ⫹ ⫽ ⫹
s(5s ⫹ 1) 5s ⫹ 1 s s⫹ 1
s⫹ 1 s s⫹1
5 5 5
⫺t / 5
T (t ) ⫽ 70 ⫹ 10e
This is the same solution that we previously obtained by separation and integra-
tion of the original energy balance differential equation in the time domain which
is plotted in Fig. 2–7.
Example 3.3. Solve
d3x d2x dx
3
⫹ 2 2
⫺ ⫺ 2 x ⫽ 4 ⫹ e2t
dt dt dt
x (0) ⫽ 1 x ′(0) ⫽ 0 x ′′(0) ⫽ ⫺1
Taking the Laplace transform of both sides yields
4 1
s 3 x (s) ⫺ s 2 ⫹ 1 ⫹ 2 s 2 x (s) ⫺ s ⫺ [ sx (s) ⫺ 1] ⫺ 2 x (s) ⫽ ⫹
s s⫺2
Solving algebraically for x(s), we find
s 4 ⫺ 6s 2 ⫹ 9s ⫺ 8
x (s ) ⫽ (3.7)
s(s ⫺ 2)(s 3 ⫹ 2s 2 ⫺ s ⫺ 2)
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36 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
The cubic in the denominator may be factored, and x(s) is expanded in partial
fractions.
s 4 ⫺ 6s 2 ⫹ 9s ⫺ 8 A B C D E
x (s ) ⫽ ⫽ ⫹ ⫹ ⫹ ⫹
s(s ⫺ 2)(s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(s ⫺ 1) s s⫺2 s ⫹1 s⫹2 s ⫺1
(3.8)
To find A, multiply both sides of Eq. (3.8) by s and then set s 0; the result is
⫺8
A = ⫽ ⫺2
(⫺2)(1)(2)(⫺1)
The other constants are determined in the same way. The procedure and results
are summarized in the following table.
To determine Multiply Eq. (3.8) by and set s to Result
B s2 2 B ⫽ 112
C s1 1 C ⫽ 11 3
D s2 2 D ⫽ ⫺17 12
E s1 1 E = 2
3
Accordingly, the solution to the problem is
1 2t 11 ⫺t 17 ⫺2 t
x (t ) ⫽ ⫺2 ⫹ 12 e ⫹ 3 e ⫺ 12 e ⫹ 23 e t
A comparison between this method and the classical method, as applied to
Example 3.2, may be profitable. In the classical method for solution of differential equa-
tions, we first write down the characteristic function of the homogeneous equation:
s 3 ⫹ 2s 2 ⫺ s ⫺ 2 ⫽ 0
This must be factored, as was also required in the Laplace transform method, to obtain
the roots 1, 2, and 1. Thus, the complementary solution is
xc (t ) ⫽ C1e⫺t ⫹ C2e⫺2 t ⫹ C3e t
Furthermore, by inspection of the forcing function, we know that the particular solution
has the form
x p (t ) ⫽ A ⫹ Be 2 t
The constants A and B are determined by substitution into the differential equation and,
1
as expected, are found to be 2 and 12 , respectively. Then
x (t ) ⫽ ⫺2 ⫹ 1 2t
12 e ⫹ C1e⫺t ⫹ C2e⫺2 t ⫹ C3e t
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 37
Using MATLAB for Symbolic Processing—Partial Fractions
Remember that we have previously declared some variables symbolic (a, k, x, y, z, t, and s). MATLAB
does not have a built-in function for performing partial fractions. However, we can force MATLAB
to do the work for us by taking advantage of two other MATLAB functions, diff and int. We have
MATLAB integrate x(s), which it does internally by using partial fractions, and then immediately
differentiate the resulting expression. The result will be the partial fraction expansion of x(s).
Let’s have MATLAB find the partial fraction expansion represented by Eq. (3.8).
x=(s^4–6*s^2+9*s–8)/s/(s–2)/(s+1)/(s+2)/(s–1)
x=
(s^4–6*s^2+9*s–8)/s/(s–2)/(s+1)/(s+2)/(s–1)
diff(int(x))
ans=
–2/s+1/12/(s–2)+11/3/(s+1)–17/12/(s+2)+2/3/(s–1)
pretty(ans)
1 1 17 1 1
-2 / s + 1 / 12 + 11 / 3 - + 2/3
s-2 s + 1 12 s + 2 s-1
Thus, MATLAB arrives at the same result as we did by hand.
and constants C1, C2, and C3 are determined by the three initial conditions. The Laplace
transform method has systematized the evaluation of these constants, avoiding the solu-
tion of three simultaneous equations. Four points are worth noting:
1. In both methods, one must find the roots of the characteristic equation. The roots
give rise to terms in the solution whose form is independent of the forcing function.
These terms make up the complementary solution.
2. The forcing function gives rise to terms in the solution whose form depends on
the form of the forcing function and is independent of the left side of the equation.
These terms comprise the particular solution.
3. The only interaction between these sets of terms, i.e., between the right side and left
side of the differential equation, occurs in the evaluation of the constants involved.
4. The only effect of the initial conditions is in the evaluation of the constants. This is
so because the initial conditions affect only the numerator of x(s), as may be seen
from the solution of this example.
In the three examples we have discussed, the denominator of x(s) factored into
real factors only. In the next example, we consider the complications that arise when
the denominator of x(s) has complex factors.
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38 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
Using MATLAB for Symbolic Processing—Solving ODEs
MATLAB can symbolically solve ODEs. It uses the DSOLVE command for this purpose. We
illustrate the use of this command with Example 3.2.
The problem consisted of
d3x d2x dx
3
⫹ 2 2
⫺ ⫺ 2 x ⫽ 4 ⫹ e2t
dt dt dt
x (0) ⫽ 1 x ′(0) ⫽ 0 x ′′(0) ⫽ ⫺1
The DSOLVE command is straighforward for solving this equation.
dsolve('D3x+2*D2x–Dx–2*x=4+exp(2*t)','x(0)=1','Dx(0)=0','D2x(0)=–1')
ans=
–1/12*exp(2*t)*(24*exp(–2*t)–1)+2/3*exp(t)–17/12*exp(–2*t)+11/3*exp(–t)
expand(ans) This command multiplies out the expression to make it easier to compare with our
original answer.
ans=
–2+1/12*exp(t)^2+2/3*exp(t)–17/12/exp(t)^2+11/3/exp(t)
1 2t ⫺t ⫺2 t
which is the same result we obtained by hand: x (t ) ⫽ ⫺2 ⫹ 12 e ⫹ 11 3 e ⫺ 17
12 e ⫹ 23 e t
We can verify this result with MATLAB by inverting the partial fraction expansion we obtained
with MATLAB previously.
ilaplace(–2/s+1/12/(s–2)+11/3/(s+1)–17/12/(s+2)+2/3/(s–1))
ans=
–2+1/12*exp(2*t)+11/3*exp(–t)–17/12*exp(–2*t)+2/3*exp(t)
The result is the same!
Example 3.4. Inversion of a transform that has complex roots in the
denominator. Solve
d2x dx
2 ⫹ 2 ⫹ 2x ⫽ 2
dt dt
x (0) ⫽ 0 x ′(0) ⫽ 0
Application of the Laplace transform yields
2
x (s) ⫽
(
s s 2 ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2 )
The quadratic term in the denominator may be factored by use of the quadratic
formula. The roots are found to be 1 j and 1 j. If we use these complex
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 39
roots in the partial fraction expansion, the algebra can get quite tedious. We pres-
ent a method to obtain the partial fraction expansion for the case of complex
roots, without resorting to the use of complex algebra.
Avoiding the use of complex algebra with a quadratic term. If we choose not
to factor the quadratic term, we can use an alternate form of the partial fraction
expansion.
2 A Bs ⫹ C
x (s) ⫽ 2 ⫽ ⫹ 2
s(s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2) s s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2
Note that the second term of the expansion has the unfactored quadratic in the
denominator. The numerator of each term in the expansion is a polynomial in
s of one less degree than the denominator, hence the Bs C in the numerator
(a first-order numerator with a second-order denominator). As before, we can
determine A.
2
A⫽ ⫽1
0 ⫹ 2(0) ⫹ 2
So we now have
2 1 Bs ⫹ C
x (s ) ⫽ 2 ⫽ ⫹ 2
s(s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2) s s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2
Clearing the denominator on the left-hand side, we obtain
2 ⫽ s 2 ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2 ⫹ Bs 2 ⫹ Cs
Collecting like terms, we get
( B ⫹ 1)s 2 ⫹ (2 ⫹ C )s ⫹ 2 ⫽ 2
We now match coefficients of like terms on the left and right sides of the equation.
s2 : B ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0 B ⫽ ⫺1
s: 2 ⫹ C ⫽ 0 C ⫽ ⫺2
Thus,
1 s⫹2
x (s) ⫽ ⫺ 2 (3.9)
s s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2
To invert the second term, we complete the square in the denominator to get a
familiar transform. Remember that for a perfect square, the quadratic must have
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40 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
the form s2 a s (a /2)2 (s a /2)2, where the constant is one-half the mid-
dle coefficient squared. The second term on the right-hand side becomes
s⫹2 s⫹2 s⫹2
2 ⫽ 2 ⫽
s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2 (s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 1) ⫹ 2 ⫺ 1 (s ⫹ 1)2 ⫹ 1
where we’ve added and subtracted one-half the middle coefficent squared,
(2/2)2 1, so the denominator remains unchanged. The transform of the solution
is now
1 s⫹2
x (s ) ⫽ ⫺ (3.10)
s (s ⫹ 1)2 ⫹ 1
One last modification of the second term is required before inversion. A term of
this type will lead to a sine term and a cosine term in the solution. From Table 2.1,
we see that
{
L e⫺at sin( kt ) ⫽} k
(s ⫹ a) 2 ⫹ k 2
(3.11a)
s⫹a
{
L e⫺at cos( kt ) ⫽}(s ⫹ a)2 ⫹ k 2
(3.11b)
Note that everywhere s appears in these forms, it appears as the quantity s a.
Thus, comparing these transforms with Eq. (3.10), we see that we need an s 1
term in the numerator, to go with the s 1 in the denominator. So we regroup as
1 (s ⫹ 1) ⫹ 1 1 s ⫹1 1
x (s ) ⫽ ⫺ ⫽ ⫺ ⫺
s (s ⫹ 1)2 ⫹ 12 s (s ⫹ 1)2 ⫹ 12 (s ⫹ 1)2 ⫹ 12
We can easily invert these terms to obtain the solution to the differential equation.
x (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺t (cos t ⫹ sin t )
We now summarize the steps in this method for inverting quadratic terms with
complex roots while avoiding the use of complex algebra.
Step 1. Form the partial expansion term for the quadratic with a first-order term
in s in the numerator.
Step 2. Determine the numerators of the other terms in the expansion, using the
Heaviside expansion.
Step 3. Cross-multiply the equation for x(s) by the denominator of x(s), and
equate coefficients of like terms to determine the constants in the numer-
ator of the quadratic term.
Step 4. Complete the square for the quadratic term.
Step 5. Regroup the terms in the numerator, such that if the quadratic is now
(s a)2, everywhere else that s appears, it appears as s a.
Step 6. Invert the resulting two terms to a sine and a cosine term (probably mul-
tiplied by an exponential).
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 41
In the next example, an exceptional case is considered; the denominator of x(s) has
repeated roots. The procedure in this case will vary slightly from that of the previous
cases.
Example 3.5. Inversion of a transform with repeated roots. Solve
d3x 3 d2x 3 dx
3 ⫹ 2 ⫹ ⫹x ⫽1
dt dt dt
x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ x ′′(0) ⫽ 0
Application of the Laplace transform yields
1
x (s) ⫽
( 3 2
s s ⫹ 3s ⫹ 3s ⫹ 1 )
Factoring and expanding in partial fractions, we find
1 A B C D
x (s) ⫽ 3 ⫽ ⫹ 3 ⫹ 2 ⫹ (3.12)
s(s ⫹ 1) s (s ⫹ 1) (s ⫹ 1) s ⫹1
As in the previous cases, to determine A, multiply both sides by s and then set s
to zero. This yields
A⫽1
Multiplication of both sides of Eq. (3.12) by (s 1)3 results in
1 A(s ⫹ 1)3
⫽ ⫹ B ⫹ C (s ⫹ 1) ⫹ D(s ⫹ 1)2 (3.13)
s s
Setting s 1 in Eq. (3.13) gives
B ⫽ ⫺1
Having found A and B, we introduce these values into Eq. (3.12) and place the
right side of the equation over a common denominator; the result is
1 (s ⫹ 1)3 ⫺ s ⫹ Cs(s ⫹ 1) ⫹ Ds(s ⫹ 1)2
3 ⫽
(3.14)
s(s ⫹ 1) s(s ⫹ 1)3
Expanding the numerator of the right side gives
1 (1 ⫹ D)s 3 ⫹ (3 ⫹ C ⫹ 2 D)s 2 ⫹ (2 ⫹ C ⫹ D)s ⫹ 1
3 ⫽
(3.15)
s(s ⫹ 1) s(s ⫹ 1)3
We now equate the numerators on each side to get
1 ⫽ (1 ⫹ D)s 3 ⫹ (3 ⫹ C ⫹ 2 D)s 2 ⫹ (2 ⫹ C ⫹ D)s ⫹ 1
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42 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
Equating the coefficients of like powers of s gives
1⫹ D ⫽ 0
3 ⫹ C ⫹ 2D ⫽ 0
2⫹C ⫹ D ⫽ 0
Solving these equations gives C 1 and D 1.
The final result is then
1 1 1 1
x (s) ⫽ ⫺ 3 ⫺ 2 ⫺
s (s ⫹ 1) (s ⫹ 1) s ⫹1 (3.16)
By referring to Table 2.1, this can be inverted to
t2
x (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺t ⫹ t ⫹ 1
2
(3.17)
The reader should verify that Eq. (3.16) placed over a common denominator
results in the original form
1
x (s) ⫽
s(s ⫹ 1)3
and that Eq. (3.17) satisfies the differential equation and initial conditions.
The result of Example 3.5 may be generalized. The appearance of the factor
(s a)n in the denominator of x(s) leads to n terms in the partial fraction expansion
C1 C2 Cn
, n ⫺1
,...,
(s ⫹ a) n
(s ⫹ a) s⫹a
The constant C1 can be determined as usual by multiplying the expansion by (s a)n
and setting s a. The other constants are determined by the method shown in
Example 3.5. These terms, according to Table 2.1, lead to the following expression as
the inverse transform:
C1 n ⫺1 C2
(n ⫺ 1)! t ⫹ t n ⫺2 ⫹ . . . ⫹ Cn ⫺1t ⫹ Cn e⫺at (3.18)
( n ⫺ 2)!
It is interesting to recall that in the classical method for solving these equations, one
treats repeated roots of the characteristic equation by postulating the form of Eq. (3.18)
and selecting the constants to fit the initial conditions.
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 43
3.2 QUALITATIVE NATURE OF SOLUTIONS
If we are interested only in the form of the solution x(t), which is often the case in our
work, this information may be obtained directly from the roots of the denominator of
x(s). As an illustration of this “qualitative” approach to differential equations, consider
Example 3.4 in which
2 A B C
x (s) ⫽ ⫽ ⫹ ⫹
( 2
s s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2 ) s s ⫹1⫹ j s ⫹1⫺ j
is the transformed solution of
d2x 2 ′ dx
2
⫹ ⫹ 2x ⫽ 2 x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ 0
dt dt
It is evident by inspection of the partial fraction expansion, without evaluation of the
constants, that the s in the denominator of x(s) will give rise to a constant in x(t). Also,
since the roots of the quadratic term are 1 j, it is known that x(t) must contain terms
of the form et (C1 cos t C2 sin t) as we saw previously. This may be sufficient infor-
mation for our purposes. Alternatively, we may be interested in the behavior of x(t) as
t → . It is clear that the terms involving sin and cos vanish because of the factor et.
Therefore, x(t) ultimately approaches the constant, which by inspection must be unity.
The qualitative nature of the solution x(t) can be related to the location of the
roots of the denominator of x(s) in the complex plane. These roots are the roots of
the characteristic equation and the roots of the denominator of the transformed forcing
function. Consider Fig. 3–1, a drawing of the complex plane, in which several typical
Imaginary 2
1.5 1.5
axis 1
1 0
0.5 0.5
–1
0 –1.5 12
–0.5 –2 10
0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
–1
S3 8
6
4
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
S2 (0, b3) 2
0
–2
(–a2, b2) –4
–6
–8
S4 0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
(a4, b4)
S1 S6 S5 Real
(–a1, 0) (0, 0) (a5, 0) axis
S4*
2.5 10
(a4, –b4) 9
8
1.5 2
7
S2* 1.5
6
5
1
4
(–a2, –b2) 1 3
2
0.5 1
0.5 0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 S3* 2
(0, –b3) 1.5
1
0
0.5
–1.5
–2
0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
FIGURE 3–1
Location of typical roots of characteristic equation.
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44 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
TABLE 3.1
Nature of terms in the solution x(t) based on roots in the denominator of X(s)
from Fig. 3–1
Roots in denominator of X(s) Terms in x(t) for t > 0
s1 C1e⫺a1 t
s2 , s2* e⫺a2 t (C1 cos b2 t ⫹ C2 sin b2 t )
s3 , s3* C1 cos b3 t C2 sin b3 t
s4 , s4* e a4 t (C1 cos b4 t ⫹ C2 sin b4 t )
s5 C1e a5 t
s6 C1
roots are located and labeled with their coordinates. Table 3.1 gives the form of the
terms in the equation for x(t), corresponding to these roots. Note that all constants a1,
a2, . . . , b1, b2, . . . are taken as positive. The constants C1 and C2 are arbitrary and can
be determined by the partial fraction expansion techniques. As discussed above, this
determination is often not necessary for our work.
If any of these roots are repeated, the term given in Table 3.1 is multiplied by a
power series in t
K1 ⫹ K 2 t ⫹ K 3 t 2 ⫹ . . . ⫹ K r t r ⫺1
where r is the number of repetitions of the root and the constants K1, K2, . . . , Kr can be
evaluated by partial fraction expansion.
It is thus evident that the imaginary axis divides the root locations into distinct
areas, with regard to the behavior of the corresponding terms in x(t) as t becomes large.
Terms corresponding to roots to the left of the imaginary axis vanish exponentially
in time, while those corresponding to roots to the right of the imaginary axis increase
exponentially in time. Terms corresponding to roots at the origin behave as power series
in time, a constant being considered as a degenerate power series. Terms corresponding
to roots located elsewhere on the imaginary axis oscillate with constant amplitude in
time unless they are multiple roots, in which case the amplitude of oscillation increases
as a power series in time. Much use will be made of this information in later sections
of the text.
SUMMARY
The reader now has available the basic tools for the use of Laplace transforms to solve
differential equations. In addition, it is now possible to obtain considerable informa-
tion about the qualitative nature of the solution with a minimum of labor. It should be
pointed out that it is always necessary to factor the denominator of x(s) to obtain any
information about x(t). If this denominator is a polynomial of order 3 or more, this may
be far from a trivial problem.
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 45
The appendix to this chapter is a grouping of several Laplace transform theorems
that will find later application. In addition, a discussion of the impulse function d (t) is
presented there. Unavoidably, this appendix is rather dry. It may be desirable for the
reader to skip directly to Chap. 4, where our control studies begin. At each point where
a theorem of App. 3A is applied, reference to the appropriate section of the appendix
can be made.
PROBLEMS
3.1. Solve the following by using Laplace transforms.
d 2x dx
(a) ⫹ ⫹x ⫽1 x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ 0
dt 2 dt
d2x dx
(b) ⫹2 ⫹x ⫽1 x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ 0
dt 2 dt
d2x dx
(c) ⫹3 ⫹x ⫽1 x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ 0
dt 2 dt
Sketch the behavior of these solutions on a single graph. What is the effect of the coefficient
of dx/dt?
3.2. Solve the following differential equations by Laplace transforms.
d4x d 3x
4 ⫹ ⫽ cos t x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ x ′′′(0) ⫽ 0 x ′′(0) ⫽ 1
(a)
dt dt 3
d 2q dq
(b) 2
⫹ ⫽ t 2 ⫹ 2t q(0) ⫽ 4 q′(0) ⫽ ⫺2
dt dt
3.3. Invert the following transforms.
3s
( )(
(a) s 2 ⫹ 1 s 2 ⫹ 4
)
1
(
(b) s s 2 ⫺ 2s ⫹ 5
)
3s 3 ⫺ s 2 ⫺ 3s ⫹ 2
(c)
s 2 (s ⫺ 1)2
3.4. Expand the following functions by partial fraction expansion. Do not evaluate coefficients
or invert expressions.
2
(a) X (s) ⫽
( )
2 2
(s ⫹ 1) s ⫹ 1 (s ⫹ 3)
1
(b) X (s) ⫽
s 3 (s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(s ⫹ 3)3
1
(c) X (s) ⫽
(s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(s ⫹ 3)(s ⫹ 4)
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46 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
3.5. (a) Invert: x(s) 1/[s(s 1)(0.5s 1)]
(b) Solve: dx/dt 2x 2 x(0) 0
3.6. Obtain y(t) for
s ⫹1
(a) y(s) ⫽ 2
s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 5
s 2 ⫹ 2s
(b) y(s) ⫽
s4
2s
(c) y(s) ⫽
(s ⫺ 1)3
3.7. (a) Invert the following function.
( )
2
y(s) ⫽ 1/ s 2 ⫹ 1
(b) Plot y versus t from 0 to 3p.
3.8. Determine f (t) for f(s) 1/[s2 (s 1)].
3.9. Solve the following differential equations.
d2x dx
(a) ⫹4 ⫹ 3 x ⫽ u(t ) x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ 0
dt 2 dt
d2x dx
(b) ⫹2 ⫹ x ⫽ u(t ) x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ 1
dt 2 dt
d2x dx
(c) 2 2
⫹2 ⫹ x ⫽ u(t ) x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ 0
dt dt
3.10. Use the trigonometric identities below to express the solution to Prob. 3.9c in terms of sine
only. (Note: A sine and a cosine wave with the same frequency can be expressed as a single
sine wave of the same frequency. The resulting sine wave will have a different amplitude
and be phase-shifted from the original waves. This result will be important when we dis-
cuss frequency response in Chap. 15.)
a1 cos b ⫹ a2 sin b ⫽ a3 sin(b ⫹ ⌽)
sin( A ⫹ B) ⫽ sin A cos B ⫹ sin B cos A
3.11. Find f (t) if F(s) is
1
(a)
(s ⫹ 1)3 (s ⫹ 2)
(b) s ⫹1
s 2 ⫹ 2s ⫹ 5
(c) s2 ⫺ s ⫺ 6
s 3 ⫺ 2s 2 ⫺ s ⫹ 2
s ⫹1
(d)
s 2 (s ⫹ 2)
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 47
1
(e)
s( As ⫹ 1)( Bs ⫹ 1)
s ⫹1
(f)
s(2s ⫹ 1)
(g) s ⫹1
s 2 ⫹ 3s ⫹ 1
s ⫹1
(h)
s 2 (2s ⫹ 1)
3.12. Find the solution to the following set of equations.
⫽ 2 x1 ⫹ 3 x 2 ⫹ 1
dx1
dt
x1 (0) ⫽ x 2 (0) ⫽ 0
dx 2 t
⫽ 2 x1 ⫹ x 2 ⫹ e
dt
Hint: Transformed equations can be manipulated algebraically to solve for each unknown
(i.e., two equations in two unknowns) and then inverted separately.
3.13. Use MATLAB.
(a) Find the partial fraction expansions for Prob. 3.11.
(b) Invert the transforms in Prob. 3.11, using the ILAPLACE command.
(c) Graph the solutions to Prob. 3.11 (skip Prob. 3.11e).
3.14. Use the MATLAB DSOLVE command to solve Prob. 3.12.
3.15. Use the MATLAB DSOLVE command to solve Prob. 3.9.
3.16. (a) Solve the differential equations in Prob. 2.3, using partial fractions.
(b) Use the MATLAB DSOLVE command to solve the ODEs in Prob. 2.3.
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CHAPTER
3
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Any proper fraction may be resolved into a number of partial fractions subject to the
following rules.
1. Factors such as (as b) in the denominator F(s)/… (as b) . . . will produce a
term of type A/(as b), where A is a nonzero constant, in the expansion.
2. If there are repeated factors in the denominator, such as F(s)/(as b)n, they will
produce n terms in the partial fraction expansion.
F (s ) A1 A2 An
⫽ ⫹ ⫹ .. . ⫹
(
as⫹ b)n as ⫹ b ( as ⫹ b )2
( as ⫹ b
)n
root repeated n times there are n part ial fractions in expansion
3. Quadratic or polynomial factors that you do not choose to factor yield
F (s) As ⫹ B
2
⫽ 2
⫹
(as ⫹ bs ⫹ c) as
⫹bs
⫹c
numerator is poo lynomial of one
less degree than denominato or
4. If you have repeated quadratics,
F (s )
2
⫽
( ⫹
as
bs⫹ c
)n
yields →
A1s ⫹ B1 A2 s ⫹ B2 An s ⫹ Bn
2
⫹ 2 2
⫹ ... ⫹ 2
⫹ .. .
as ⫹ bs ⫹
c ( as ⫹
bs ⫹ c ) ( as
⫹ b s ⫹ c )n
n terms in expansion
Useful MATLAB commands:
dsolve—used to symbolically solve ODEs
ilaplace—used to invert Laplace transforms
diff(int(...))—used to “force” MATLAB to perform a partial fraction
expansion
48
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CHAPTER APPENDIX
3
FURTHER PROPERTIES OF TRANSFORMS
AND PARTIAL FRACTIONS
This appendix is a collection of theorems and results relative to the Laplace transfor-
mation. The theorems are selected because of their applicability to problems in control
theory. Other theorems and properties of the Laplace transformation are available in
standard texts on elementary differential equations. In later chapters, the theorems pre-
sented here will be used as needed.
3A.1 FINAL-VALUE THEOREM
If f(s) is the Laplace transform of f (t), then
lim [ f (t )] ⫽ lim[sf (s)]
t→∞ s→0
provided that sf (s) does not become infinite for any value of s satisfying Re(s) 0. If
this condition does not hold, f (t) does not approach a limit as t → . In the practical
application of this theorem, the limit of f (t) that is found by use of the theorem is correct
only if f (t) is bounded as t approaches infinity.
Proof.
From the Laplace transform of a derivative, we have
∞df ⫺st
∫0 dt e dt ⫽ sf (s) ⫺ f (0)
49
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50 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
Hence,
∞ df
lim∫ e⫺st dt ⫽ lim [sf (s)] ⫺ f (0)
s→0 0 dt s→0
It can be shown that the order of the integration and limit operation on the left side of this
equation can be interchanged if the conditions of the theorem hold. Doing this gives
∞df
∫0 dt dt ⫽ lim[sf (s)] ⫺ f (0)
s→0
Evaluating the integral gives
lim[ f (t )] ⫺ f (0) ⫽ lim[sf (s)] ⫺ f (0)
t →∞ s→0
which immediately yields the desired result.
Example 3A.1. Find the final value of the function x(t) for which the Laplace
transform is
1
x (s) ⫽
(
s s 3 ⫹ 3s 2 ⫹ 3s ⫹ 1 )
Direct application of the final-value theorem yields
1
lim[ x (t )] ⫽ lim ⫽1
t →∞ s → 0 s3 ⫹ 3s 2 ⫹ 3s ⫹ 1
As a check, note that this transform was inverted in Example 3.6 to give
t2
x (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺t ⫹ t ⫹ 1
2
which approaches unity as t approaches infinity. Note that since the denominator
of sx(s) can be factored to (s 1)3, the conditions of the theorem are satisfied;
that is, (s 1)3 0 unless s 1.
Example 3A.2. Find the final value of the function x(t) for which the Laplace
transform is
s 4 ⫺ 6s 2 ⫹ 9s ⫺ 8
x (s ) ⫽
(
s(s ⫺ 2) s 3 ⫹ 2s 2 ⫺ s ⫺ 2 )
In this case, the function sx(s) can be written
s 4 ⫺ 6s 2 ⫹ 9s ⫺ 8
sx (s) ⫽
(s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(s ⫺ 1)(s ⫺ 2)
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 51
Since this becomes infinite for s 1 and s 2, the conditions of the theorem are
not satisfied. Note that we inverted this transform in Example 3.3, where it was
found that
1 2t 11 17 ⫺2 t
x (t ) ⫽ ⫺2 ⫹ e ⫹ e⫺t ⫺ e ⫹ 23 e t
12 3 12
This function continues to grow exponentially with t and, as expected, does not
approach a limit. Mathematically we can understand why this is so, by referring
to Fig. 3–1. A term in the denominator (the characteristic equation) such as s 1
yields a root in the right half-plane (to the right of the imaginary axis in Fig. 3–1).
Referring to Table 3.1, we see that the solution will involve a term of the form
C1et which will grow without bound and not approach a limit as t → . Thus,
if any roots of the denominator have positive real parts, the final-value theorem
does not apply.
The proof of the next theorem closely parallels the proof of the last one and is left
as an exercise for the reader.
3A.2 INITIAL-VALUE THEOREM
lim [ f (t )] ⫽ lim [sf (s)]
x→0 s→∞
The conditions on this theorem are not so stringent as those for the previous one because
for functions of interest to us the order of integration and limiting process need not be
interchanged to establish the result.
Example 3A.3. Find the initial value x(0) of the function that has the transform
s 4 ⫺ 6s 2 ⫹ 9s ⫺ 8
x (s ) ⫽
(
s(s ⫺ 2) s 3 ⫹ 2s 2 ⫺ s ⫺ 2 )
The function sx(s) is written in the form
s 4 ⫺ 6s 2 ⫹ 9s ⫺ 8
sx (s) ⫽
s 4 ⫺ 5s 2 ⫹ 4
Dividing the numerator and denominator by s4, we get
1 ⫺ 6 /s 2 ⫹ 9 /s3 ⫺ 8 /s 4
sx (s) ⫽
1 ⫺ 5/s 2 ⫹ 4 /s 4
which clearly goes to unity as s becomes infinite. Hence
x(0) ⫽ 1
which again checks Example 3.3.
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52 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
3A.3 TRANSLATION OF TRANSFORM
If L{f (t)} f (s), then
L{e⫺at f (t )} ⫽ f (s ⫹ a)
In other words, the variable in the transform s is translated by a. We can transform f (t)
just as if the eat were not present, and then replace all the s’s by s a.
Proof
∞ ∞
L{e⫺at f (t )} ⫽ ⫺at ⫺st
∫0 f (t )e e dt ⫽ ⫺( s ⫹ a ) t
∫0 f (t )e d t ⫽ f (s ⫹ a)
Example 3A.4. Find L{eat cos kt}. Since
s
L{cos kt} ⫽
s ⫹ k2
2
then by the previous theorem,
s⫹a
L{e⫺at cos kt} ⫽
(s ⫹ a) 2 ⫹ k 2
which matches the result shown in Table 2.1.
A primary use for this theorem is in the inversion of transforms. For example, by
using this theorem the transform
1
x (s ) ⫽
(s ⫹ a) 2
can be immediately inverted to
x (t ) ⫽ te⫺at
In obtaining this result, we made use of the following transform pair from Table 2.1:
1
L{t} ⫽
s2
3A.4 TRANSLATION OF FUNCTION
If L{f (t)} f (s), then
L{ f (t ⫺ t0 )} ⫽ e⫺st0 f (s)
provided that
f (t ) ⫽ 0 for t ⬍ 0
(which will always be true for functions we use).
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 53
Before we prove this theorem, it may be desirable to clarify the relationship
between f (t t0) and f (t). This is done for an arbitrary function f (t) in Fig. 3A–1,
where it can be seen that f (t t0) is simply translated horizontally from f (t) through a
distance t0.
Proof.
⬁
L{ f (t ⫺ t0 )} ⫽ ∫0 f (t ⫺ t0 )e⫺st dt
⬁
⫽ e⫺st0 ∫ f (t ⫺ t0 )e⫺s ( t ⫺ t0 ) d (t ⫺ t0 )
⫺t0
But since f (t) 0 for t < 0, the lower limit of this integral may be replaced by zero. Since
t t0 is now the dummy variable of integration, the integral may be recognized as the
Laplace transform of f (t); thus, the theorem is proved.
This result is also useful in inverting transforms. It follows that if f (t) is the inverse
transform of f (s), then the inverse transform of
e⫺st0 f (s)
is the function
g(t ) ⫽ {( 0
f t ⫺t 0 )
t ⬍ t0
t ⬎ t0
In other words, g(t) f (t t0)u(t t0).
This property of transforms is very useful when pure
time delays are present in a system. For example,
f(t) consider a case where we have a stream exiting a
f chemical reactor, and the sensor that measures the
f (t–t0)
exiting concentration lies downstream at a distance
of 20 ft. If the exiting concentration changes at time
O t0 t t 0, the sensor will not “see” the change until the
fluid can travel the 20 ft down the pipeline to the
FIGURE 3A–1 sensor. The concentration signal at the sensor is
Illustration of f(t t0) as related to f (t). delayed, and the delay time is due to the transporta-
tion lag in the pipeline. If the signal at the exit of the
reactor is C(t), then the signal at the sensor will be C(t t0)u(t t0), where t0 is the
delay time. We will discuss this phenomenon further in Chap. 7.
Example 3A.5. Find the Laplace transform of
0 t ⬍ 0
1
f (t ) ⫽ 0 ⬍ t ⬍ h
h
0 t ⬎ h
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54 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
1 This function is pictured in Fig. 3A–2. It is clear that f (t)
h
may be represented by the difference of two functions
1
f(t)
f (t ) ⫽ [u(t ) ⫺ u(t ⫺ h)]
h
where u(t h) is the unit-step function translated h units to
O h t the right. We may now use the linearity of the transform and
the previous theorem to write immediately
FIGURE 3A–2
Pulse function of 1 1 ⫺ e⫺hs
Example 3A.5. f (s ) ⫽
h s
This result is of considerable value in establishing the transform of the unit-
impulse function, as will be described in the next section.
3A.5 TRANSFORM OF THE UNIT-IMPULSE
FUNCTION
Consider again the function of Example 3A.5. If we allow h to shrink to zero, we obtain
a new function which is zero everywhere except at the origin, where it is infinite. How-
ever, it is important to note that the area under this function always remains equal to
unity. We call this new function d (t), and the fact that its area is unity means that
⬁
∫⫺⬁ d (t ) dt ⫽1
The graph of d (t) appears as a line of infinite height at the origin, as indicated in
Table 2.1. The function d (t) is called the unit-impulse function or, alternatively, the
delta function.
It is mentioned here that, in the strict mathematical sense of a limit, the function
f (t) does not possess a limit as h goes to zero. Hence, the function d (t) does not fit the
strict mathematical definition of a function. To assign a mathematically precise mean-
ing to the unit-impulse function requires use of the theory of distributions, which is
clearly beyond the scope of this text. However, for our work in automatic control, we
will be able to obtain useful results by formal manipulation of the delta function, and
hence we ignore these mathematical difficulties.
We have derived in Example 3A.5 the Laplace transform of f (t) as
1 ⫺ e⫺hs
L{ f (t )} ⫽
hs
Formally, then, the Laplace transform of d (t) can be obtained by letting h go to 0 in
L{f (t)}. Applying L’Hôpital’s rule, we find
1 ⫺ e⫺hs se⫺hs
L{d (t )} ⫽ lim ⫽ lim ⫽1 (3A.1)
h→0 hs h→0 s
This “verifies” the entry in Table 2.1.
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 55
It is interesting to note that since we rewrote f (t) in Example 3A.5 as
1
f (t ) ⫽ [u(t ) ⫺ u(t ⫺ h)]
h
then d (t) can be written as
u(t ) ⫺ u(t ⫺ h)
d (t ) ⫽ lim
h→0 h
In this form, the delta function appears as the derivative of the unit-step function. The
reader may find it interesting to ponder this statement in relation to the graphs of d (t)
and u(t) and in relation to the integral of d (t) discussed previously.
The unit-impulse function finds use as an idealized disturbance in control systems
analysis and design. For example if one were to add water to a tank very quickly, the
disturbance could be modeled as an impulse whose magnitude would be equal to the
volume of the addition. If the contents of a 55-gal drum were quickly dumped into a
storage tank, the addition could be modeled using an impulse function.
3A.6 TRANSFORM OF AN INTEGRAL
If L{f (t)} f (s), then
L {∫ f (t) dt} ⫽ f (ss)
t
0
This important theorem is closely related to the theorem on differentiation. Since the
operations of differentiation and integration are inverses of each other when applied to
the time functions, i.e.,
d t t df
dt ∫0 f (t ) dt ⫽ ∫0 dt dt ⫽ f (t ) (3A.2)
it is to be expected that these operations when applied to the transforms will also be
inverses. Thus assuming the theorem to be valid, Eq. (3A.2) in the transformed variable
s becomes
f (s ) 1
s ⫽ sf (s) ⫽ f (s)
s s
In other words, multiplication of f(s) by s corresponds to differentiation of f (t) with respect to t, and
division of f (s) by s corresponds to integration of f (t) with respect to t.
The proof follows from a straightforward integration by parts.
∞
f (s ) ⫽ ∫0 f (t )e⫺st dt
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56 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
Let
u ⫽ e⫺st dv ⫽ f (t ) dt
Then
t
du ⫽ ⫺se⫺st dt v ⫽ ∫0 f (t ) dt
Hence,
∞ ∞
⫹ s ∫ ∫ f (t ) dt e⫺st dt
t t
f (s) ⫽ e⫺st ∫0 f (t ) dt 0 0
0
Since f (t) must satisfy the requirements for possession of a transform, it can be shown
that the first term on the right, when evaluated at the upper limit of , vanishes because
of the factor est. Furthermore, the lower limit clearly vanishes, and hence there is no
t
contribution from the first term. The second term may be recognized as sL{∫ f (t ) dt},
0
and the theorem follows immediately.
Example 3A.6. Solve the following equation for x(t).
dx t
⫽ ∫ x (t ) dt ⫺ t
dt 0
x (0) ⫽ 3
Taking the Laplace transform of both sides and making use of the previous theo-
rem yield
x (s ) 1
sx (s) ⫺ 3 ⫽ ⫺ 2
s s
Solving for x(s) gives
3s 2 ⫺ 1 3s 2 ⫺ 1
x (s) ⫽ ⫽
(
s s2 ⫺ 1 ) s(s ⫹ 1)(s ⫺ 1)
This may be expanded into partial fractions according to the usual procedure
to give
1 1 1
x (s) ⫽ ⫹ ⫹
s s ⫹1 s ⫺1
Hence,
x (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫹ e⫺t ⫹ e t
The reader should verify that this function satisfies the original equation.
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 57
Example 3A.7. We mentioned above that the unit impulse is the derivative of
the unit-step function, and therefore the unit step must be the integral of the unit-
impulse function. Use the theorem for the transform of an integral to determine
the transform of the unit-step function if we know that L{d (t)} 1.
⬁
Since we know that u(t ) ⫽ ∫ d (t ) dt , then
0
⬁ 1 1
L{u(t )} ⫽ L ∫ d (t ) dt ⫽ L{d (t )} ⫽
0 s s
Similarly, since we know that du(t)/dt d (t), then
L{d (t )} ⫽ L { }
du(t )
dt
⫽ sL{u(t )} ⫽ s ⋅s
1
⫽1
3A.7 CUSTOM INPUTS
We can produce “custom” input signals by appropriately constructing them using stan-
dard input signals. These custom inputs are frequently useful when we analyze a pro-
cess disturbance.
Example 3A.8. Determine f (t) and f (s) for the input signal in Fig. 3A–3. This
signal represents the step change in temperature of a furnace at hour 1, and then
after holding for 2 h at that temperature, the slow ramping
1.5
down to the original temperature over an hour-long period.
1
We can consider this input signal to be constructed
0.5
from several individual “pieces,” as shown in Fig. 3A–4.
f
0 Thus,
–0.5
–1
–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 f (t ) ⫽ u(t ⫺ 1) ⫺ (t ⫺ 3)u(t ⫺ 3) ⫹ (t ⫺ 4)u(t ⫺ 4)
time
A physical example where a custom input would be useful
FIGURE 3A–3
Custom input signal.
occurs if we decide to change the temperature set point of
a process up by 5F and then 10 min later we step the set
1.5 1.5 1.5
1 1 1
0.5 0.5 0.5
f
f
f
0 0 0
–0.5 –0.5 –0.5
–1 –1 –1
–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5
time time time
Start with this piece . . . Add this piece . . . Then add this piece.
FIGURE 3A–4
Constructing the custom input signal by combining standard inputs.
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58 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
point back down to its original value. We’ve introduced a square wave “pulse” that we
can construct from two unit steps.
3A.8 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF PARTIAL
FRACTIONS ON A QUADRATIC TERM
In Chap. 3 we discussed how to express a quadratic term in the denominator of a frac-
tion using partial fractions without resorting to complex algebra if we had complex
roots. For completeness, we present the method using complex algebra.
Consider the general expression involving a quadratic term
F (s )
x (s ) ⫽ (3A.3)
s2 ⫹ a s ⫹ b
where F(s) is some function of s (say, 1/s). Expanding the terms on the right side gives
Bs ⫹ C
x (s) ⫽ F1 (s) ⫹ 2 (3A.4)
s ⫹ as ⫹ b
where F1(s) represents other terms in the partial fraction expansion. First solve for B
and C algebraically by placing the right side over a common denominator and equating
the coefficients of like powers of s. The next step is to express the quadratic term in
the form
s 2 ⫹ a s ⫹ b ⫽ (s ⫹ a) 2 ⫹ k 2
The terms a and k can be found by solving for the roots of s2 a s b 0 by the
quadratic formula to give s1 a jk and s2 a jk. The quadratic term can now
be written
s 2 ⫹ a s ⫹ b ⫽ ( s ⫺ s1 ) ( s ⫺ s2 ) ⫽ (s ⫹ a ⫺ jk )(s ⫹ a ⫹ jk ) ⫽ (s ⫹ a)2 ⫹ k 2
Equation (3A.4) now becomes
Bs ⫹ C
x (s) ⫽ F1 (s) ⫹ (3A.5)
(s ⫹ a)2 ⫹ k 2
The numerator of the quadratic term is written to correspond to the transform pairs
given by Eqs. (3.11a) and (3.11b).
C /B ⫺ a C ⫺ aB
Bs ⫹ C ⫽ B s ⫹ a ⫹ k ⫽ B( s ⫹ a ) ⫹ k
k k
Equation (3A.5) becomes
s⫹a C ⫺ aB k
x (s) ⫽ F1 (s) ⫹ B ⫹
(s ⫹ a)2 ⫹ k 2 k (s ⫹ a)2 ⫹ k 2
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 59
Applying the transform pairs of Eqs. (3.11a) and (3.11b) to the quadratic terms on the
right gives
C ⫺ aB ⫺at
x (t ) ⫽ F1 (t ) ⫹ Be⫺at cos kt ⫹ e sin kt (3A.6)
k
where F1 (t) is the result of inverting F1 (s); B and C are coefficients of polynomial
Bs C in numerator of quadratic term; and a and k correspond to the roots of the qua-
dratic, roots a kj. Let’s use this generalized approach to solve a problem that
we’re already familiar with, Example 3.4.
Recall from Eq. (3.9) that
A Bs ⫹ C 1 ⫺s ⫺ 2
x (s ) ⫽ ⫹ 2 ⫽ ⫹ 2
s s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2 s s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 2
The roots of the quadratic in the denominator are
⫺2 ⫾ 4 ⫺ 8
Roots ⫽ ⫽ ⫺1 ⫾ j
2
Summarizing the constants required for Eq. (3A.6), we have
A B C a k F1(s)
1 1 2 1 1 1/s
Substituting these quantities into Eq. (3A.6), we obtain the solution
⫺2 ⫺ (1)(⫺1) ⫺t
x (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫹ (⫺1)e⫺t cos t ⫹ e sin t ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺t (cos t ⫹ sin t )
1
which is the same as our previous result.
We now apply this method to another example.
Example 3A.9. Solve
1 A Bs ⫹ C
x (s) ⫽ ⫽ ⫹ 2
( 2
s s ⫺ 2s ⫹ 5 ) s s ⫺ 2s ⫹ 5
Applying the quadratic equation to the quadratic term gives
2 ⫾ 4 ⫺ 20
Roots ⫽ ⫽ 1 ⫾ 2j
2
Thus, we find that a 1 and k 2. Solving for A, B, and C gives A ⫽ 15 ,
B ⫽ ⫺ 15 , and C ⫽ 25 . Introducing these values into the expression for x(s) and
applying Eq. (3A.6) give
x (t ) ⫽ 1
5
⫺ 15 e t cos 2t ⫹ 1 t
10
e sin 2t
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60 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
3A.9 USING COMPLEX ALGEBRA
FOR A QUADRATIC TERM
Reworking Example 3.4 using the complex roots of the quadratic, we can arrive at the
partial fraction expansion
2 A B C
x (s) ⫽ ⫽ ⫹ ⫹ (3A.7)
s(s ⫹ 1 ⫹ j)(s ⫹ 1 ⫺ j) s s ⫹1⫹ j s ⫹1⫺ j
where A, B, and C are constants to be evaluated, so that this relation is an identity in
s. The presence of complex factors does not alter the Heaviside procedure at all. How-
ever, the computations are more tedious.
To obtain A, multiply Eq. (3A.7) by s and set s 0:
2
A⫽ ⫽1
(1 ⫹ j)(1 ⫺ j)
To obtain B, multiply Eq. (3A.7) by s 1 j and set s 1 j:
2 ⫺1 ⫺ j
B ⫽ ⫽
(⫺1 ⫺ j)(⫺2 j) 2
To obtain C, multiply Eq. (3A.7) by s 1 j and set s 1 j:
2 ⫺1 ⫹ j
C ⫽ ⫽
(⫺1 ⫹ j)(2 j) 2
Therefore,
1 ⫺1 ⫺ j 1 ⫺1 ⫹ j 1
x (s) ⫽ ⫹ ⫹
s 2 s ⫹1⫹ j 2 s ⫹1⫺ j
This is the desired result. To invert x(s), we may now use the fact that 1/(s a) is the
transform of et. The fact that a is complex does not invalidate this result, as can be
seen by returning to the derivation of the transform of eat. The result is
⫺1 ⫺ j ⫺(1⫹ j ) t ⫺1 ⫹ j ⫺(1⫺ j ) t
x (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫹ e ⫹ e
2 2
By using the identity
e( a ⫹ jb ) t ⫽ e at (cos bt ⫹ j sin bt )
this can be converted to
x (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺t (cos t ⫹ sin t )
The details of this conversion are recommended as an exercise for the reader.
A more general discussion of this case will promote understanding. It was seen in
Example 3.4 that the complex conjugate roots of the denominator of x(s) gave rise to a
pair of complex terms in the partial fraction expansion. The constants in these terms, B
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 61
and C, proved to be complex conjugates (1 j)/2 and (1 j)/2. When these terms
were combined through a trigonometric identity, it was found that the complex terms
canceled, leaving a real result for x(t). Of course, it is necessary that x(t) be real, since
the original differential equation and initial conditions are real.
This information may be utilized as follows: The general case of complex conju-
gate roots arises in the form
F (s )
x (s) ⫽ (3A.8)
( s ⫹ k1 ⫹ jk2 )( s ⫹ k1 ⫺ jk2 )
where F(s) is some real function of s.
For instance, in Example 3A.9 we had
2
F (s ) ⫽ k1 ⫽ 1 k2 ⫽ 1
s
Expanding Eq. (3A.8) in partial fractions gives
F (s ) a1 ⫹ jb1 a2 ⫹ jb2
⫽ F1 (s) ⫹ ⫹ (3A.9)
( s ⫹ k1 ⫹ jk 2 )( s ⫹ k1 ⫺ jk 2) s ⫹ k1 ⫹ j k 2 s ⫹ k1 ⫺ jk2
where a1, a2, b1, and b2 are the constants to be evaluated in the partial fraction expan-
sion and F1 (s) is a series of fractions arising from F(s).
Again, in Example 3A.9,
1 1 1 1 1
a1 ⫽ ⫺ a2 ⫽ ⫺ b1 ⫽ ⫺ b2 ⫽ F1 (s) ⫽
2 2 2 2 s
Now, since the left side of Eq. (3A.9) is real for all real s, the right side must also be
real for all real s. Since two complex numbers will add to form a real number if they are
complex conjugates, the right side will be real for all real s if and only if the two terms
are complex conjugates. Since the denominators of the terms are conjugates, this means
that the numerators must also be conjugates, or
a2 ⫽ a1
b2 ⫽ ⫺b1
This is exactly the result obtained in the specific case of Example 3.4. With this infor-
mation, Eq. (3A.9) becomes
F (s ) a1 ⫹ jb1 a1 ⫺ jb1
⫽ F1 (s) ⫹ ⫹
( s ⫹ k1 ⫹ jk2 )( s ⫹ k1 ⫺ jk2 ) s ⫹ k1 ⫹ jk2 s ⫹ k1 ⫺ jk2 (3A.10)
Hence, it has been established that terms in the inverse transform arising from the com-
plex conjugate roots may be written in the form
( a1 ⫹ jb1 ) e(⫺k1⫺ jk 2 )t ⫹ ( a1 ⫺ jb1 ) e(⫺k1⫹ jk 2 )t
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62 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
Again, by using the identity
e(C 1⫹ jC 2 )t ⫽ eC 1t ( cos C2 t ⫹ j sin C2 t )
this reduces to
2e⫺k1t ( a1 cos k2 t ⫹ b1 sin k2 t ) (3A.11)
Let us now rework Example 3A.9, using Eq. (3A.11). We return to the point at
which we arrived, by our usual techniques, with the conclusion that
⫺1 ⫺ j
B ⫽
2
Comparison of Eqs. (3A.7) and (3A.10) and the result for B show that we have two
possible ways to assign a1, b1, k1, and k2 so that we match the form of Eq. (3A.10).
They are
a1 ⫽ ⫺ 12 a1 ⫽ ⫺ 12
b1 ⫽ ⫺ 12 b1 ⫽ 1
2
or
k1 ⫽ 1 k1 ⫽ 1
k2 ⫽ 1 k2 ⫽ ⫺ 1
The first way corresponds to matching the term involving B with the first term of the
conjugates of Eq. (3A.10), and the second to matching it with the second term. In either
case, substitution of these constants into Eq. (3A.11) yields
⫺e⫺t (cos t ⫹ sin t )
which is, as we have discovered, the correct term in x(t).
What this means is that one can proceed directly from the evaluation of one of the
partial fraction constants, in this case B, to the complete term in the inverse transform,
in this case et (cos t sin t). It is not necessary to perform all the algebra, since it
has been done in the general case to arrive at Eq. (3A.11).
Another example will serve to emphasize the application of this technique.
Example 3A.10. Solve
d2x
⫹ 4 x ⫽ 2e⫺1 x (0) ⫽ x ′(0) ⫽ 0
dt 2
The Laplace transform method yields
2
x (s) ⫽
(s 2
)
⫹ 4 (s ⫹ 1)
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 63
Factoring and expanding into partial fractions give
2 A B C
⫽ ⫹ ⫹
(s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2 j)(s ⫺ 2 j) s ⫹1 s ⫹ 2j s ⫺ 2j (3A.12)
Multiplying Eq. (3A.12) by s 1 and setting s 1 yields
2 2
A⫽ ⫽
(⫺1 ⫹ 2 j)(⫺1 ⫺ 2 j) 5
Multiplying Eq. (3A.12) by s 2j and setting s 2j yields
2 ⫺2 ⫹ j
B ⫽ ⫽
(⫺2 j ⫹ 1)(⫺4 j) 10
Matching the term
(⫺2 ⫹ j) / 10
s ⫹ 2j
with the first term of the conjugates of Eq. (3A.10) requires that
a1 ⫽ ⫺ 10
2
⫽ ⫺ 15 b1 ⫽ 1
10
k1 ⫽ 0 k2 ⫽ 2
Substituting in Eq. (3A.11) results in
⫺ 25 cos 2t ⫹ 15 sin 2t
Hence the complete answer is
2 ⫺t
x (t ) ⫽ 5
e ⫺ 25 cos 2t ⫹ 15 sin 2t
Readers should verify that this answer satisfies the differential equation and initial
conditions. In addition, they should show that it can also be obtained by matching
the term with the second term of the conjugates of Eq. (3A.10) or by determining
C instead of B.
SUMMARY
In this appendix, we have presented and discussed several properties of Laplace trans-
forms. As we continue our studies with first-order systems, these properties will prove
quite useful in our understanding and analysis of the process dynamics.
PROBLEMS
3A.1. If a forcing function f (t) has the Laplace transform
1 e⫺s e⫺3s
f (s ) ⫽ ⫹ 2 ⫺
s s s
graph the function f (t).
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64 PART 1 MODELING FOR PROCESS DYNAMICS
3A.2. Solve the following equation for y(t).
t dy
⫺2 ∫ y(t ) d t ⫽ ⫹ 3y y( 0 ) ⫽ 1
0 dt
3A.3. Express the function given in Fig. P3A–3 in the t domain and the s domain.
2
f (t)
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
t
FIGURE P3A–3
3A.4. Sketch the following functions.
(a) f (t) u(t) 2u(t 1) u(t 3)
(b) f (t) 3tu(t) 3u(t 1) u(t 2)
3A.5. The function f (t) has the Laplace transform
f (s) ⫽ (1 ⫺ 2e⫺s ⫹ e⫺2 s ) / s 2
Obtain the function f (t) and graph f (t).
3A.6. Determine f (t) at t 1.5 and at t 3 for the function
f (t ) ⫽ 0 . 5u(t ) ⫺ 0 . 5u(t ⫺ 1) ⫹ (t ⫺ 3)u(t ⫺ 2)
1 dx
3A.7. For the following ODE: ⫹ x ⫽ f (t ) x (0) ⫽ 0
2 dt
(a) Use f (t) from Prob. 3A.1 and determine x(t). Plot f (t) and x(t) on the same graph.
(b) Use f (t) from Prob. 3A.3 and determine x(t). Plot f (t) and x(t) on the same graph.
(c) Use f (t) from Prob. 3A.4a and determine x(t). Plot f (t) and x(t) on the same graph.
(d) Use f (t) from Prob. 3A.4b and determine x(t). Plot f (t) and x(t) on the same graph.
(e) Use f (t) from Prob. 3A.5 and determine x(t). Plot f (t) and x(t) on the same graph.
(f) Use f (t) from Prob. 3A.6 and determine x(t). Plot f (t) and x(t) on the same graph.
3A.8. Use the final-value theorem to predict the final values for the ODEs in Prob. 2.3. Verify
your answers, using the time domain solutions obtained in Prob. 3.16.
3A.9. Find and sketch the solution to the following differential equations, using Laplace
transforms.
(a) y y d (t) y(0) 0
(b) y y d (t 1) y(0) 0
(c) y y u(t) y(0) 0
(d) y y u(t 1) y(0) 0
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 65
3A.10. For the following transforms, find lim f (t ).
t→⬁ .
1
(a) f (s) ⫽
s(s ⫹ 1)2
1
(b) f (s) ⫽
s(s ⫺ 1)2
3A.11. Use the formula for the Laplace transform of an integral to find L{sinh (kt)} if you are
given that L{cosh (kt)} s/(s2 k2).
3A.12. Transform the function f (t) 5e2t t sin (3t).
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APPENDIX
3A
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Final-value theorem: lim[ f (t )] ⫽ lim [sf (s)]
t →∞ s→0
[Be careful, this does not apply if the denominator of f(s) has roots with posi-
tive real parts, such as s 1.]
Initial-value theorem: lim[ f (t )] ⫽ lim[sf (s)]
t→0 s→∞
Translation of a transform: If L{f (t)} f(s), then L{eat f (t)} f(s a). If
the function of interest is multiplied by eat, we can transform f (t) just as if the
eat were not present, and then replace all the s’s by s a.
Translation of a function (time delay): If L{f (t)} f(s), then L{ f (t ⫺ t0 )} ⫽
e⫺st 0 f (s), provided that f (t) 0 for t < 0 (which will always be true for func-
tions we use). Alternatively, if g(s) ⫽ e⫺st 0 f (s), then
g(t ) ⫽ {(0
f t ⫺ t0 )
t ⬍ t0
t ⬎ t0
or, more compactly, g(t) f (t t0)u(t t0).
Transform of the unit-impulse function:
1 ⫺ e⫺hs se⫺hs
L{d (t )} ⫽ lim ⫽ lim ⫽1
h→0 hs h→0 s ⬁
Relationship between unit step and unit impulse: ∫ d (t ) dt ⫽ u(t )
du(t ) 0
and ⫽ d (t )
dt
Transform of an integral and a derivative: Multiplication of f (s) by s cor-
responds to differentiation of f (t) with respect to t, and division of f(s) by s
corresponds to integration of f (t) with respect to t.
L { }
df (t )
dt
⫽ sf (s) provided f (0) ⫽ 0
t f (s )
L ∫ f (t ) dt ⫽
0 s
66
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CHAPTER 3 INVERSION BY PARTIAL FRACTIONS 67
When inverting an expansion containing a quadratic factor
x(s) F1(s) Bs C/(s2 a s b ), we obtain
C ⫺ aB ⫺at
x (t ) ⫽ F1 (t ) ⫹ Be⫺at cos kt ⫹ e sin kt
k
where F1(t) is the result of inverting F1(s), B and C are the coefficients of the polyno-
mial Bs C, in the numerator of the quadratic term, and a and k correspond to the roots
of the quadratic, roots a kj.
“Custom” input signals can be constructed using standard input signals.
“Custom” signal
1.5
1
0.5
f
0
–0.5
–1
–1 0 1 2 3 4 5
time
We can consider this input signal to be constructed from several individual “pieces” as
follows:
1.5 1.5 1.5
1 1 1
0.5 0.5 0.5
f
f
f
0 0 0
–0.5 –0.5 –0.5
–1 –1 –1
–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5
time time time
Start with this piece . . . step. Add this piece . . . ramp. Then add this piece . . . ramp.
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PART
II
LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
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CHAPTER
4
RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS
B efore we discuss a complete control system, it is necessary to become familiar
with the responses of some of the simple, basic systems that often are the building
blocks of a control system. This chapter and the three that follow describe in detail the
behavior of several basic systems and show that a great variety of physical systems can
be represented by a combination of these basic systems. Some of the terms and conven-
tions that have become well established in the field of automatic control will also be
introduced.
By the end of this part of the book, systems for which a transient must be calcu-
lated will be of high order and require calculations that are time-consuming if done by
hand. Several software packages exist for streamlining this effort. We will use MATLAB
as a tool throughout the book to demonstrate the applications of such software.
4.1 TRANSFER FUNCTION
MERCURY THERMOMETER. We develop the transfer function for a first-order sys-
tem by considering the unsteady-state behavior of an ordinary mercury-in-glass ther-
mometer. A cross-sectional view of the bulb is shown in Fig. 4–1a.
Consider the thermometer to be located in a flowing stream of fluid for which
the temperature x varies with time. Our problem is to calculate the response or the time
variation of the thermometer reading y for a particular change in x. (In order that the
result of the analysis of the thermometer be general and therefore applicable to other
first-order systems, the symbols x and y have been selected to represent surrounding
temperature and thermometer reading, respectively.)
The following assumptions will be used in this analysis:
1. All the resistance to heat transfer resides in the film surrounding the bulb (i.e., the
resistance offered by the glass and mercury is neglected).
71
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72 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Fluid
y = thermometer
reading
x = fluid temperature
Mercury Glass wall
FIGURE 4–1a
Cross-sectional view of themometer.
Glass wall
resistance Glass wall
x
x Fluid
Fluid
y
Mercury
y
Mercury
Film Film
resistances resistance
Resistance to heat transfer All resistance
distributed throughout the to heat transfer lumped
system in the fluid
Actual temperature profile Lumped temperature profile
FIGURE 4–1b
Temperature profiles in themometer.
2. All the thermal capacity is in the mercury. Furthermore, at any instant the mercury
assumes a uniform temperature throughout.
(Making these first two assumptions is often referred to as the lumping of parameters
because all the resistance is “lumped” into one location and all the capacitance into
another. As shown in the analysis, these assumptions make it possible to represent the
dynamics of the system by an ordinary differential equation. If such assumptions were
not made, the analysis would lead to a partial differential equation, and the representa-
tion would be referred to as a distributed-parameter system. In Chap. 20, distributed-
parameter systems will be considered in detail. See the difference between the actual
temperature and lumped temperature profiles in Fig. 4–1b.)
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 73
3. The glass wall containing the mercury does not expand or contract during the
transient response. (In an actual thermometer, the expansion of the wall has an
additional effect on the response of the thermometer reading. The glass initially
expands and the cavity containing the mercury grows, resulting in a mercury read-
ing that initially falls. Once the mercury warms and expands, the reading increases.
This is an example of an inverse response. Inverse responses will be discussed in
greater detail later.)
It is assumed that the thermometer is initially at steady state. This means that,
before time 0, there is no change in temperature with time. At time 0, the thermometer
will be subjected to some change in the surrounding temperature x(t).
By applying the unsteady-state energy balance
( Input rate ) ( Output rate ) ( Rate of accumulation )
we get the result
dy
hA( x y) 0 mC (4.1)
dt
where A ⫽ surface area of bulb for heat transfer, ft2
C ⫽ heat capacity of mercury, Btu/(lb m · °F)
m ⫽ mass of mercury in bulb, lb m
t ⫽ time, h
h ⫽ film coefficient of heat transfer, Btu/(ft2 · h · °F)
For illustrative purposes, typical engineering units have been used.
Equation (4.1) states that the rate of flow of heat through the film resistance sur-
rounding the bulb causes the internal energy of the mercury to increase at the same rate.
The increase in internal energy is manifested by a change in temperature and a corre-
sponding expansion of mercury, which causes the mercury column, or “reading” of the
thermometer, to rise.
The coefficient h will depend on the flow rate and properties of the surrounding
fluid and the dimensions of the bulb. We will assume that h is constant for a particular
installation of the thermometer.
Our analysis has resulted in Eq. (4.1), which is a first-order differential equation.
Before we solve this equation by means of the Laplace transform, deviation variables
will be introduced into Eq. (4.1). The reason for these new variables will soon become
apparent. Prior to the change in x, the thermometer is at steady state and the derivative
dy/dt is zero. For the steady-state condition, Eq. (4.1) may be written
hA ( xs ys ) 0 t 0 (4.2)
The subscript s is used to indicate that the variable is the steady-state value. Equation
(4.2) simply states that ys ⫽ xs, or the thermometer reads the true, bath temperature.
Subtracting Eq. (4.2) from Eq. (4.1) gives
d ( y ys )
hA ( x xs ) ( y ys ) mC (4.3)
dt
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74 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Notice that d(y ⫺ ys)/dt ⫽ dy/dt because ys is a constant.
If we define the deviation variables to be the differences between the variables
and their steady-state values
X x xs
Y y ys
then Eq. (4.3) becomes
dY
hA( X Y ) mC (4.4)
dt
If we let mC/hA ⫽ t, Eq. (4.4) becomes
dY
X Y t (4.5)
dt
The parameter t is called the time constant of the system and has the units of time.
From above, we have
Btu
( lbm )
mC m ⋅ F
lb
t [] [] h
hA
2
Btu 2
ft
ft ⋅ h ⋅ F
( )
Remember, in Eq. (4.5), X is the input to the system (the bath temperature) and Y is the
output from the system (the indicated thermometer temperature).
Taking the Laplace transform of Eq. (4.5) gives
X (s) Y (s) t sY (s) Y (0) t sY (s) (4.6)
The Laplace transform of the differential equation results in an equation that is free
of initial conditions because the initial values of X and Y are zero. Since we start from
steady state, Y(0) must be zero,
Y (0) y(0) ys ys ys 0
And X(0) is zero for the same reason. In control system engineering, we are primarily
concerned with the deviations of system variables from their steady-state values. The
use of deviation variables is, therefore, natural as well as convenient.
Rearranging Eq. (4.6) as a ratio of Y(s) to X(s) gives
Y (s ) 1 output
(4.7)
X (s ) ts 1 input
The expression on the right side of Eq. (4.7) is called the transfer function of the system.
It is the ratio of the Laplace transform of the deviation in thermometer reading (output)
to the Laplace transform of the deviation in the surrounding temperature (input). In
examining other physical systems, we usually attempt to obtain a transfer function.
Any physical system for which the relation between Laplace transforms of input
and output deviation variables is of the form given by Eq. (4.7) is called a first-order
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 75
system. Synonyms for first-order systems are first-order lag and single exponential
stage. The naming of all these terms is motivated by the fact that Eq. (4.7) results from
a first-order, linear differential equation, Eq. (4.5). In Chap. 5 we discuss a number of
other physical systems that are first-order.
To summarize the procedure for determining the transfer function for a process:
Step 1. Write the appropriate balance equations (usually mass or energy balances
for a chemical process).
Step 2. Linearize terms if necessary (details on this step are given in Chap. 5).
Step 3. Place balance equations in deviation variable form.
Step 4. Laplace-transform the linear balance equations.
Step 5. Solve the resulting transformed equations for the transfer function, the
output divided by the input.
This procedure is a very useful summary for developing the transfer function for a
process.
Standard Form for First-Order Transfer
Functions
The general form for a first-order system is
dy
t y K p x (t ) (4.8)
dt
where y is the output variable and x(t) is the input forcing function. The initial condi-
tions are
y(0) ys K p x (0) K p xs
Introducing deviation variables gives
X x xs
Y y ys
Eq. (4.8) becomes
dY
t Y K p X (t )
dt
Y (0) 0 (4.9)
Transforming Eq. (4.9), we obtain
t sY (s) Y (s) K p X (s)
and rearranging, we obtain the standard first-order transfer function
Y (s ) Kp
(4.10)
X (s ) ts 1
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76 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
The important characteristics of the standard form are as follows:
• The denominator must be of the form t s ⫹ 1.
• The coefficient of the s term in the denominator is the system time constant t.
• The numerator is the steady-state gain Kp.
Example 4.1. Place the following transfer function in standard first-order form,
and identify the time constant and the steady state gain.
Y (s ) 2
X (s ) s 1
3
Rearranging to standard form, we get
Y (s ) 6
X (s ) 3s 1
Thus, the time constant is 3, and the steady-state gain is 6.
The physical significance of the steady-state gain becomes clear if we let
X(s) ⫽ 1/s, the unit-step function. Then Y(s) is given by
6
Y (s )
s(3s 1)
The ultimate value of Y(t) is
lim[sY (s)] lim
6
6 Kp
s→0 s → 0 3s 1
Thus the steady-state gain Kp is the steady-state value that the system attains after
being disturbed by a unit-step input. It can be obtained by setting s ⫽ 0 in the
transfer function.
PROPERTIES OF TRANSFER FUNCTIONS. In general, a transfer function relates two
variables in a physical process; one of these is the cause (forcing function or input vari-
able), and the other is the effect (response or output variable). In terms of the example
of the mercury thermometer, the surrounding temperature is the cause or input, whereas
the thermometer reading is the effect or output. We may write
Y (s )
Transfer function G (s)
X (s )
where G(s) ⫽ symbol for transfer function
X(s) ⫽ transform of forcing function or input, in deviation form
Y(s) ⫽ transform of response or output, in deviation form
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 77
The transfer function completely describes the dynamic characteristics of the system. If
we select a particular input variation X(t) for which the transform is X(s), the response
of the system is simply
Y (s ) G (s ) X (s ) (4.11)
By taking the inverse of Y(s), we get Y(t), the response of the system.
The transfer function results from a linear differential equation; therefore, the
principle of superposition is applicable. This means that the transformed response of a
system with transfer function G(s) to a forcing function
X (s) a1 X1 (s) a2 X 2 (s)
where X1 and X2 are particular forcing functions and a1 and a2 are constants, is
Y (s ) G (s ) X (s )
a1G (s) X1 (s) a2G (s) X 2 (s)
a1Y1 (s) a2Y2 (s)
where Y1 (s) and Y2 (s) are the responses to X1 and X2 alone, respectively. For example,
the response of the mercury thermometer to a sudden change in surrounding tempe-
rature of 10°F is simply twice the response to a sudden change of 5°F in surrounding
temperature.
The functional relationship contained in a transfer function is often expressed by
a block diagram representation, as shown in Fig. 4–2.
The arrow entering the box is the forcing
X(s) Y(s) function or input variable, and the arrow leav-
G(s) ing the box is the response or output variable.
The transfer function is placed inside the box.
Forcing We state that the transfer function G(s) in the
Function Transfer Response box “operates” on the input function X(s) to pro-
Input Function Output
duce an output function Y(s). The usefulness of
the block diagram will be appreciated in Chap.
FIGURE 4–2 8, when a complete control system containing
Block diagram. several blocks is analyzed.
4.2 TRANSIENT RESPONSE
Now that the transfer function of a first-order system has been established, we can eas-
ily obtain its transient response to any forcing function. Since this type of system occurs
so frequently in practice, it is worthwhile to study its response to several common forc-
ing functions: step, impulse, ramp, and sinusoidal. These forcing functions have been
found to be very useful in theoretical and experimental aspects of process control. They
will be used extensively in our studies, so let’s explore each before we study the tran-
sient response of the first-order system to these forcing functions.
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78 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
4.3 FORCING FUNCTIONS
STEP FUNCTION. Mathematically, the step function of magnitude A can be expres-
sed as
X (t ) Au(t )
X = 0; t < 0 where u(t) is the unit-step function defined in
X = A; t > 0 Chap. 2. A graphical representation is shown in
A A Fig. 4–3.
X(t)
X (s) = s
The transform of this function is X(s) ⫽ A/s.
A step function can be approximated very closely
O 0 t in practice. For example, a step change in flow
rate can be obtained by the sudden opening of a
FIGURE 4–3 valve.
Step input.
IMPULSE FUNCTION. Mathematically, the impulse function of magnitude A is
defined as
X ( t ) Ad ( t )
where d (t) is the unit-impulse function defined
and discussed in App. 3A. A graphical representa-
X = 0; t < 0
A
tion of this function, before the limit is taken, is
X= ;0<t<b
b
A shown in Fig. 4–4.
X = 0; t > b
X(t)
b lim X(t) = Aδ(t)
The true impulse function, obtained by letting
b→0
b → 0 in Fig. 4–4, has a Laplace transform of A.
L{Aδ(t)} = A
It is used more frequently as a mathematical aid
O 0 b t
than as an actual input to a physical system. For
FIGURE 4–4 some systems it is difficult even to approximate
Impulse function. an impulse forcing function. For this reason the
representation of Fig. 4–4 is valuable, since this
form can usually be approximated physically by application and removal of a step func-
tion. If the time duration b is sufficiently small, we will see in Chap. 5 that the forc-
ing function of Fig. 4–4 gives a response that closely resembles the response to a true
impulse. In this sense, we often justify the use of A
X as the Laplace transform of the physically realizable
forcing function of Fig. 4–4.
X = 0; t < 0
X = bt; t > 0
RAMP FUNCTION. This function increases linearly
X(s) = b/s2
with time and is described by the equations
X 0 t 0
Slope = b
X bt t 0
The ramp is shown graphically in Fig. 4–5. The trans-
0
form of the ramp forcing function is X(s) ⫽ b/s2.
0 t
We might, for example, desire to ramp up the
FIGURE 4–5 temperature of an oven by 10°F/min. This would be
Ramp function. an example of a ramp function.
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 79
SINUSOIDAL INPUT. This function is represented mathematically by the equations
X 0 t 0
X Asin t t 0
X = 0; t < 0
Period = 2p
w X = A sin wt; t > 0
A Aw
X(s) = 2
X(t)
0 s + w2
0 t
FIGURE 4–6
Sinusoidal input.
where A is the amplitude and w is the radian frequency. The radian frequency w is
related to the frequency f in cycles per unit time by w ⫽ 2p f. Figure 4–6 shows the
graphical representation of this function. The transform is X(s) ⫽ Aw /(s2 ⫹ w 2). This
forcing function forms the basis of an important branch of control theory known as
frequency response. Historically, a large segment of the development of control theory
was based on frequency-response methods, which will be presented in Chaps. 15 and
16. Physically, it is more difficult to obtain a sinusoidal forcing function in most pro-
cess variables than to obtain a step function.
This completes the discussion of some of the common forcing functions. We now
devote our attention to the transient response of the first-order system to each of the
forcing functions just discussed.
4.4 STEP RESPONSE
If a step change of magnitude A is introduced into a first-order system, the transform
of X(t) is
A
X (s )
s (4.12)
The transfer function, which is given by Eq. (4.7), is
Y (s ) 1
X (s ) ts 1 (4.7)
Combining Eqs. (4.7) and (4.12) gives
A 1
Y (s )
s ts 1 (4.13)
This can be expanded by partial fractions to give
A /t C1 C2
Y (s ) (4.14)
s(s 1/t ) s s 1/t
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80 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Solving for the constants C1 and C2 by the techniques covered in Chap. 3 gives C1 ⫽ A
and C2 ⫽ ⫺A. Inserting these constants into Eq. (4.14) and taking the inverse transform
give the time response for Y:
Y (t ) 0 t 0
(4.15)
(
Y (t ) A 1 e t /t
) t 0
Hereafter, for the sake of brevity, it will be understood that, as in Eq. (4.15), the response
is zero before t ⫽ 0. Equation (4.15) is plotted in Fig. 4–7 in terms of the dimension-
less quantities Y(t)/A and t/t. (Note that if we refer to the standard form for a first-order
system, Eq. (4.10), Kp ⫽ A in this case.)
Having obtained the step response, Eq. (4.15), from a purely mathematical
approach, we should consider whether the result seems to be correct from physical
principles. Immediately after the thermometer is placed in the new environment, the
temperature difference between the mercury in the bulb and the bath temperature is at
its maximum value. With our simple lumped-parameter model, we should expect the
flow of heat to commence immediately, with the result that the mercury temperature
rises, causing a corresponding rise in the column of mercury. As the mercury tempera-
ture rises, the driving force causing heat to flow into the mercury will diminish, with
the result that the mercury temperature changes at a slower rate as time proceeds. We
see that this description of the response based on physical grounds does agree with the
response given by Eq. (4–15) and shown graphically in Fig. 4–7.
Several features of this response are worth remembering:
1. The value of Y(t) reaches 63.2 percent of its ultimate value when the time elapsed
is equal to one time constant t. When the time elapsed is 2t, 3t, and 4t, the percent
response is 86.5, 95, and 98, respectively. From these facts, one can consider the
response essentially completed in three to four time constants.
2. One can show from Eq. (4.15) that the slope of the response curve at the origin in
Fig. 4–7 is 1. This means that if the initial rate of change of Y(t) were maintained, the
response would be complete in one time constant. (See the dotted line in Fig. 4–7.)
3. A consequence of the principle of super-
1.0
position is that the response to a step input
0.8
of any magnitude A may be obtained
directly from Fig. 4–7 by multiplying the
0.6 ordinate by A. Figure 4–7 actually gives
the response to a unit-step function input,
Y(t)
A
0.4 from which all other step responses are
derived by superposition.
0.2
These results for the step response of a first-
0 order system will now be applied to the fol-
0 1 2 3 4 5 lowing example.
t/t
FIGURE 4–7 Example 4.2. A thermometer having a
Response of a first-order system to a step input. time constant of 0.1 min is at a steady-state
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 81
temperature of 90°F. At time t ⫽ 0, the thermometer is placed in a temperature
bath maintained at 100°F. Determine the time needed for the thermometer to
read 98°F.
(Note: The time constant given in this problem applies to the thermometer
when it is located in the temperature bath. The time constant for the thermometer
in air will be considerably different from that given because of the lower heat-
transfer coefficient in air.)
In terms of symbols used in this chapter, we have
t 0 . 1 min xs 90 F A 10 F
The ultimate thermometer reading will, of course, be 100°F, and the ultimate
value of the deviation variable Y(⬁) is 10°F. When the thermometer reads 98°F,
Y(t) ⫽ 8°F.
Substituting into Eq. (4.12) the appropriate values of Y, A, and t gives
(
8 10 1 et / 0.1 )
Solving this equation for t yields
t 0 . 161 min
The same result can also be obtained by referring to Fig. 4–7, where it is seen that
Y/A ⫽ 0.8 at t/t ⫽ 1.6.
Using MATLAB to Obtain the Response of a First-Order System to a Step Function
The transform of the response is 10/s(0.1s ⫹ 1). We can simulate that in MATLAB by defining a
system using the numerator and denominator of the response:
num=[10];
den=[0.1 1];
We then use the step function in MATLAB to obtain the response (Fig. 4–8).
step(num,den)
To obtain numerical values for the plot, we use the tf (transfer function command).
sys=tf(num,den)
Transfer function:
10
0.1 s + 1
[temp,t]=step(sys); % Assigns the variables, temp and t, to the response.
data=[t,temp] % Concatenates time and temperature into one matrix and displays them.
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82 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
10
9
8
7
6
5
T
4
3
2
1
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
Time (min)
FIGURE 4–8
Step response of thermometer in Example 4.1.
data =
0 0
0.0055 0.5372
0.0110 1.0455
0.0166 1.5265
0.0221 1.9817
0.0276 2.4124
0.0331 2.8200
0.0387 3.2057
0.0442 3.5707
0.0497 3.9161
...... ......
0.1380 7.4851
0.1436 7.6202
0.1491 7.7481
0.1546 7.8690
0.1601 7.9835 temp=8.0 at approximately t = 0.16 min
0.1656 8.0918
0.1712 8.1943
0.1767 8.2913
...... ......
0.5908 9.9728
0.5963 9.9743
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 83
Using Simulink to Obtain the Response of a First-Order System to a Step Function
We constructed the block diagram for the system using Simulink (Fig. 4–9). The simulation was run
for 0.6 min, and the Scope output is shown in Fig. 4–10. The data were also exported to the MAT-
LAB workspace and graphed in Fig. 4–11 using the plot command.
[plot (ScopeData.time, ScopeData.signals.values)]
1
0.1s + 1
Step Thermometer Scope
FIGURE 4–9
Simulink block diagram for thermometer.
FIGURE 4–10
Thermometer response to step input from Simulink scope.
10
9
8
7
6
5
T
4
3
2
1
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
Time
FIGURE 4–11
Thermometer response to step input using MATLAB
plot command.
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84 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Note that the Simulink results are the same as we obtained previously by hand calculation and with
MATLAB.
The speed of the response of a first-order system is determined by the time constant for the sys-
tem. Consider the following first-order system disturbed by a step input (Fig. 4–12).
The response of a first-order system for several values of t is shown in Fig. 4–13.
It can be seen that as t increases, it takes longer for the system to respond to the step
disturbance.
1
tau. s + 1
Step First-Order System Scope
tau = 2,4,6,8,10 min
FIGURE 4–12
Simulink model for examining the effect of t on the step
response.
1
0.9
0.8
increasing t
slows the response
0.7
63.2% of the ultimate value
0.6
Response
0.5
This curve is t = 8, note that it passes
63.2% of the ultimate response at t = t = 8
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Time
FIGURE 4–13
Effect of t on the step response of a first-order system.
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 85
4.5 IMPULSE RESPONSE
The impulse response of a first-order system will now be developed. Anticipating the
use of superposition, we consider a unit impulse for which the Laplace transform is
X (s ) 1 (4.16)
Combining this with the transfer function for a first-order system, which is given by
Eq. (4.7), results in
1
Y (s ) (4.17)
ts 1
This may be rearranged to
1/t
Y (s ) (4.18)
s 1/t
The inverse of Y(s) can be found directly from the table of transforms and can be writ-
ten in the form
t Y (t ) et /t (4.19)
A plot of this response is shown in Fig. 4–14 in terms of the variables t/t and t Y(t). The
response to an impulse of magnitude A is obtained, as usual, by multiplying t Y(t) from
Fig. 4–14 by A/t.
Notice that the response rises immediately to 1.0 and then decays exponentially.
Such an abrupt rise is, of course, physically impossible, but as we will see in Chap. 5,
it is approached by the response to a finite pulse of narrow width, such as that of
Fig. 4–4.
1.0
0.8
0.6
t Y(t)
0.4
0.2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
t/t
FIGURE 4–14
Unit-impulse response of a first-order system.
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86 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Using MATLAB to Generate the Impulse Response to a First-Order System
num=[1];
den=[1 1];
sys=tf(num,den)
Transfer function:
1
s + 1
[x,y]=impulse(sys); % Assigns the variables x and y to the response.
data=[x,y] % Concatenates x and y into one matrix and displays them.
data =
0 1.0000
0.0552 0.9463
0.1104 0.8954
0.1656 0.8473
0.2209 0.8018
0.2761 0.7588
0.3313 0.7180
0.3865 0.6794
0.4417 0.6429
0.4969 0.6084
...... ......
5.0245 0.0066
5.0797 0.0062
5.1350 0.0059
5.1902 0.0056
5.2454 0.0053
5.3006 0.0050
5.3558 0.0047
5.4110 0.0045
5.4662 0.0042
5.5215 0.0040
5.5767 0.0038
5.6319 0.0036
5.6871 0.0034
5.7423 0.0032
5.7975 0.0030
5.8527 0.0029
5.9080 0.0027
5.9632 0.0026
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 87
plot=[x,y] % The result of this command is shown in Fig. 4–15.
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
Y
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
X
FIGURE 4–15
Impulse response of a first-order system using MATLAB.
4.6 RAMP RESPONSE
For a ramp input of x(t) ⫽ bt, where X(s) ⫽ b/s2, the output is
b
Y (s ) 2
s (t s 1)
Rearranging and using partial fractions yield.
b b /t b bt bt
Y (s ) 2 2 2
s 2 (t s 1) s ( s 1/t ) s s s 1/t
(
Y (t ) bt b t 1 e − t / t ) b(t t ) b t e − t / t
A plot of this response is shown in Fig. 4–16.
4.7 SINUSOIDAL RESPONSE
To investigate the response of a first-order system to a sinusoidal forcing function, the
example of the mercury thermometer will be considered again. Consider a thermometer
to be in equilibrium with a temperature bath at temperature xs. At some time t ⫽ 0, the
bath temperature begins to vary according to the relationship
x xs A sin w t t 0 (4.20)
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88 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
5
After an initial transient period,
4.5
the response is parallel with input.
4 Steady-state difference between
3.5 input and output (after transient)
is b*t
3
Y/bKp
2.5
2
bt
1.5 Output lags
input by t
1
Input
0.5
Output
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
t /t
FIGURE 4–16
Response of a first-order system to a ramp input.
where x ⫽ temperature of bath
xs ⫽ temperature of bath before sinusoidal disturbance is applied
A ⫽ amplitude of variation in temperature
w ⫽ radian frequency, rad/time
In anticipation of a simple result, we introduce a deviation variable X which is
defined as
X x xs (4.21)
Using this new variable in Eq. (4.20) gives
X A sin w t (4.22)
By referring to a table of transforms, the transform of Eq. (4.22) is
Aw (4.23)
X (s )
s2 w 2
Combining Eqs. (4.7) and (4.23) to eliminate X(s) yields
Aw 1/t
Y (s ) 2 2 s 1/ t
(4.24)
s w
This equation can be solved for Y(t) by means of a partial fraction expansion, as described
in Chap. 3. The result is
Awt et /t Awt A
Y (t ) 2 2
2 2 cos w t 2 2 sinw t (4.25)
t w 1 t w 1 t w 1
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 89
Equation (4.25) can be written in another form by using the trigonometric identity
p cos B q sin B r sin ( B q ) (4.26)
where
p
r p2 q 2 tan q
q
Applying the identity of Eq. (4.26) to Eq. (4.25) gives
Awt A
Y (t ) 22
et / t sin(w t f ) (4.27)
t w 1 t w2 1
2
where
f tan1 (wt )
As t → ⬁, the first term on the right side of Eq. (4.27) vanishes and leaves only the ulti-
mate periodic solution, which is sometimes called the steady-state solution
A
Y (t ) s
sin( wt f ) (4.28)
t 2w 2 1
By comparing Eq. (4.25) for the input forcing function with Eq. (4.28) for the ultimate
periodic response, we see that
1. The output is a sine wave with a frequency w equal to that of the input signal.
2. The ratio of output amplitude to input amplitude is 1 t 2 2 1 . This ratio is
always smaller than 1. We often state this by saying that the signal is attenuated.
3. The output lags behind the input by an angle f. It is clear that lag occurs, for the
sign of f is always negative.*
*By convention, the output sinusoid lags the input sinusoid if f in Eq. (4.28) is negative. In terms of a
recording of input and output, this means that the input peak occurs before the output peak. If f is positive in
Eq. (4.28), the system exhibits phase lead, or the output leads the input. In this book we always use the term
phase angle (f) and interpret whether there is lag or lead by the convention
f 0 phase lag
f 0 phase lead
For a particular system for which the time constant t is a fixed quantity, it is seen from Eq. (4.28) that the
attenuation of amplitude and the phase angle f depend only on the frequency w. The attenuation and phase lag
increase with frequency, but the phase lag can never exceed 90° and approaches this value asymptotically.
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90 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Sinusoidal Response of a First-Order System Using MATLAB
For a first-order transfer function 1/(t s ⫹ 1), determine the response to an input function x ⫽ sin (4t).
Plot the input and output on the same set of axes, and indicate the transient portion as well as the
steady-state portion of the response.
num=[1]; % Set up the transfer function as before…
den=[1 1];
sys=tf(num,den)
Transfer function:
1
s + 1
t=0:0.1:10; % Sets up a time vector to be used for the sine wave input.
u=sin(4*t); % Defines the sine wave input function.
z=lsim(sys,u,t); % Invokes the linear simulator within MATLAB and assigns
the output to z.
[plot(t,z,t,u)] % Plots the input and output on the same axes.
[hold on] % Holds the axes for further graphs.
[w=0.2353*exp(-t)+0.2425;] % Transient envelope.
[plot(t,w)] % Plots the transient envelope.
[q=0.2425;] % Peak height for the ultimate periodic response.
[plot(t,q)] % Plots the steady-state peak height
The resulting MATLAB graph is shown in Fig. 4–17.
1
Input sine wave
0.8
0.6 Transient envelope
0.4
0.2
0
Y
–0.2
–0.4 Output sine wave
–0.6
–0.8
–1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time
FIGURE 4–17
Response of a first-order system to a sine wave using MATLAB.
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 91
Note that the system response has pretty much settled down to the steady periodic output wave after
approximately 4 min (or 4 time constants).
By using Eq. (4.27), the analytic solution for the response is
Y 0 . 2353et 0 . 2425 sin(4 t 1. 326 rad)
Note that the phase angle is ⫺1.326 rad (⫺75.96°), and the response is nearly peaking as the input
is zero and vice versa.
The sinusoidal response is interpreted in terms of the mercury thermometer by the fol-
lowing example.
Example 4.3. A mercury thermometer having a time constant of 0.1 min is
placed in a temperature bath at 100°F and allowed to come to equilibrium with
the bath. At time t ⫽ 0, the temperature of the bath begins to vary sinusoidally
about its average temperature of 100°F with an amplitude of 2°F. If the frequency
of oscillation is 10/p cycles/min, plot the ultimate response of the thermometer
reading as a function of time. What is the phase lag?
In terms of the symbols used in this chapter
t 0 . 1 min
xs 100 F
A 2F
10
f cycles/min
p
10
w 2p f 2p 20 rad/min
p
From Eq. (4.28), the amplitude of the response and the phase angle are calculated;
thus
A 2
0 . 896 F
2
t w 12 4 1
f tan1 2 63 . 5 1. 11 rad
or Phase lag 63 . 5
The response of the thermometer is therefore
Y (t ) 0 . 896 sin (20 t 1 . 11)
or y(t ) 100 0 . 896 sin (20 t 1 . 11)
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92 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
To obtain the lag in terms of time rather than angle, we proceed as follows: A fre-
quency of 10/p cycles/min means that a complete cycle (peak to peak) occurs in
(10/p )⫺1 min. Since one cycle is equivalent to 360° and the lag is 63.5°, the time
corresponding to this lag is
63 . 5
Lag time ( time for 1 cycle )
360
or
63 . 5 p
Lag time 0 . 0555 min
360 10
thus,
y(t ) 100 0 . 896 sin[20(t 0 . 0555 min)]
In general, the lag in units of time is given by
f
Lag time
360 f
when f is expressed in degrees.
The response of the thermometer reading and the variation in bath tempera-
ture are shown in Fig. 4–18. Note that the response shown in this figure holds
only after sufficient time has elapsed for the nonperiodic term of Eq. (4.27) to
become negligible. For all practical purposes this term becomes negligible after a
time equal to about 3t. If the response were desired beginning from the time the
bath temperature begins to oscillate, it would be necessary to plot the complete
response as given by Eq. (4.27).
Period = 0.314 min lag = 0.056 min
102.0
100.9
100.0
99.1
98.0
Bath
Thermometer
temperature
temperature
Transient
Ultimate periodic response
0
t (min)
FIGURE 4–18
Response of a thermometer in Example 4.3.
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 93
SUMMARY
In this chapter several basic concepts and definitions of control theory have been intro-
duced. These include input variable, output variable, deviation variable, transfer func-
tion, response, time constant, first-order system, block diagram, attenuation, and phase
lag. Each of these ideas arose naturally in the study of the dynamics of the first-order
system, which was the basic subject matter of the chapter. As might be expected, the
concepts will find frequent use in succeeding chapters.
In addition to introducing new concepts, we have listed the response of the first-
order system to forcing functions of major interest. This information on the dynamic
behavior of the first-order system will be of significant value in the remainder of our
studies.
PROBLEMS
4.1. A thermometer having a time constant of 0.2 min is placed in a temperature bath, and after
the thermometer comes to equilibrium with the bath, the temperature of the bath is increased
linearly with time at a rate of 1°/min. Find the difference between the indicated temperature
and the bath temperature.
(a) 0.1 min after the change in temperature begins
(b) 1.0 min after the change in temperature begins
(c) What is the maximum deviation between indicated temperature and bath temperature,
and when does it occur?
(d) Plot the forcing function and response on the same graph. After a long enough time, by
how many minutes does the response lag the input?
4.2. A mercury thermometer bulb is 12 in long by 81 -in diameter. The glass envelope is very
thin. Calculate the time constant in water flowing at 10 ft/s at a temperature of 100°F. In
your solution, give a summary that includes
(a) Assumptions used
(b) Source of data
(c) Results
4.3. Given: a system with the transfer function Y(s)/X(s) ⫽ (T1 s ⫹ 1)/(T2 s ⫹ 1). Find Y(t) if X(t)
is a unit-step function. If T1/T2 ⫽ 5, sketch Y(t) versus t/T2. Show the numerical values of
minimum, maximum, and ultimate values that may occur during the transient. Check these
by using the initial-value and final-value theorems of App. 3A.
4.4. A thermometer having first-order dynamics with a time constant of 1 min is placed in a tem-
perature bath at 100°F. After the thermometer reaches steady state, it is suddenly placed in a
bath at 110°F at t ⫽ 0 and left there for 1 min, after which it is immediately returned to the
bath at 100°F.
(a) Draw a sketch showing the variation of the thermometer reading with time.
(b) Calculate the thermometer reading at t ⫽ 0.5 min and at t ⫽ 2.0 min.
4.5. Repeat Prob. 4.4 if the thermometer is in the 110°F bath for only 10 s.
4.6. A mercury thermometer, which has been on a table for some time, is registering the room
temperature, 75°F. Suddenly, it is placed in a 400°F oil bath. The following data are obtained
for the response of the thermometer.
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94 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Give two independent estimates of the thermometer time constant.
4.7. Rewrite the sinusoidal response of a first-
Time, s Thermometer reading, °F order system [Eq. (4.27)] in terms of a
cosine wave. Reexpress the forcing func-
0 75 tion [Eq. (4.22)] as a cosine wave, and
1 107
compute the phase difference between
2.5 140
input and output cosine waves.
5 205
8 244 4.8. The mercury thermometer of Prob. 4.6 is
10 282 again allowed to come to equilibrium in
15 328 the room air at 75°F. Then it is placed in
30 385 the 400°F oil bath for a length of time less
than 1 s and quickly removed from the
bath and reexposed to the 75°F ambient
conditions. It may be estimated that the heat-transfer coefficient to the thermometer in
air is one-fifth that in the oil bath. If 10 s after the thermometer is removed from the bath
it reads 98°F, estimate the length of time that the thermometer was in the bath.
4.9. A thermometer having a time constant of 1 min is initially at 50°C. It is immersed in a bath
maintained at 100°C at t ⫽ 0. Determine the temperature reading at t ⫽ 1.2 min.
4.10. In Prob. 4.9, if at t ⫽ 1.5 min the thermometer is removed from the bath and put in a bath
at 75°C, determine the maximum temperature indicated by the thermometer. What will be
the indicated temperature at t ⫽ 20 min?
4.11. A process of unknown transfer function is subjected to a unit-impulse input. The output of
the process is measured accurately and is found to be represented by the function y(t) ⫽
te⫺t. Determine the unit-step response of this process.
4.12. The temperature of an oven being heated using a pulsed resistance heater varies as
T 120 5 cos ( 25t 30 )
where t is the time in seconds. The temperature of the oven is being measured with a ther-
mocouple having a time constant of 5 s.
(a) What are the maximum and minimum temperatures indicated by the thermocouple?
(b) What is the maximum difference between the actual temperature and the indicated
temperature?
(c) What is the time lag between the actual temperature and the indicated temperature?
4.13. The temperature of a experimental heated enclosure is being ramped up from 80 to 450°F
at the rate of 20°F/min. A thermocouple, embedded in a thermowell for protection, is
being used to monitor the oven temperature. The thermocouple has a time constant
of 6 s.
(a) At t ⫽ 10 min, what is the difference between the actual temperature and the tempera-
ture indicated by the thermocouple? What is it at 60 min?
(b) When the thermocouple indicates 450°F, the heater will begin to modulate and main-
tain the temperature at the desired 450°F. What is the actual oven temperature when the
thermocouple first indicates 450°F?
4.14. For the transfer function in Fig. P4–14, the
X(t) 2 Y(t) response Y(t) is sinusoidal. The amplitude of
4s + 1 the output wave is 0.6 and it lags behind the
input by 1.5 min. Find X(t). Note: the time con-
FIGURE P4–14 stant in the transfer function is in minutes.
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CHAPTER 4 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 95
4.15. The graph in Fig. P4–15 is the response of a suspected first-order process to an impulse
function of magnitude 3. Determine the transfer function G(s) of the unknown process.
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
FIGURE P4–15
4.16. The level in a tank responds as a first-order system with changes in the inlet flow. Given
the following level versus time data that were gathered (Fig. P4–16) after the inlet flow was
16
Time (min) Level (ft)
15
0 4.8 14
0.138 5.3673 13
0.2761 5.9041 12
0.4141 6.412
Level (ft)
11
0.5521 6.8927
0.6902 7.3475 10
0.8282 7.7779 9
0.9663 8.1852 8
1.1043 8.5706 7
1.2423 8.9354 6
1.3804 9.2805
5
1.5184 9.6071
1.6564 9.9161 4
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
1.7945 10.2085 Time (min)
1.9325 10.4853
2.0705 10.7471
Inlet flow
2.2086 10.9949 1.5 gal/min → 4.8 gal/min
2.3466 11.2294 at time = 0
2.4847 11.4513
2.6227 11.6612
2.7607 11.8599
............ ............ LI
14.3558 15.3261
14.4938 15.328
14.6319 15.3297
14.7699 15.3313
Note: LI = level indicator
FIGURE P4–16
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96 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
increased quickly from 1.5 to 4.8 gal/min, deter-
mine the transfer function that relates the height
in the tank to the inlet flow. Be sure to use devia-
tion variables and include units on the steady-state
Salt Water gain and the time constant.
@ 5% salt 4.17. A simple mixing process follows first-order beha-
vior. A 200-gal mixing tank process, initially at
Volume = 200 gal steady state, is shown in Fig. P4–17. At time t ⫽ 0,
the inlet flow is switched from 5% salt to fresh-
water. What does the inlet flow rate need to be to
FIGURE P4–17
reduce the exit concentration to less than 0.5% in
30 min?
4.18. Joe, the maintenance man, dumps the contents of a 55-gal drum of water into the tank pro-
cess shown below.
40 gal/min
5 ft
Current volume = 40 gal/min
200 gal of water
3 ft
FIGURE P4–18
(a) Will the tank overflow?
(b) Plot the height as f(t), starting at t ⫽ 0, the time of the dump.
(c) Plot the output flow as f(t), starting at t ⫽ 0, the time of the dump.
NOTE: The output flow is proportional to the height of fluid in the tank.
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CHAPTER
4
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Standard form for first-order system transfer function:
Y (s ) Kp
G (s )
X (s) ts 1
where Kp is the steady-state gain and is the time constant (having units of time).
Note the 1 in the denominator when the transfer function is in standard form.
Deviation variables: The difference between the process system variables and
their steady-state values. When transfer functions are used, deviation values
are always used. The convenience and utility of deviation variables lie in the
fact that their initial values are most often zero.
X x xs Y y ys
Procedure for determining the transfer function for a process:
Step 1. Write the appropriate balance equations (usually mass or energy balances
for a chemical process).
Step 2. Linearize terms if necessary (details on this step are given in Chap. 5).
Step 3. Place balance equations in deviation variable form.
Step 4. Laplace-transform the linear balance equations.
Step 5. Solve the resulting transformed equations for the transfer function, the
output divided by the input.
Block diagrams: Graphically depict the relationship between the input variable,
the transfer function, and the output variables Y(s) X(s)G(s). We always use
transformed deviation variables with block diagrams.
X(s) Y(s)
G(s)
Forcing
function Transfer Response
Input function Output
Standard responses of first-order systems to common inputs:
Y (s ) Kp
G (s )
X (s) ts 1
97
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98 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Input Output
X(t) X(s) Y(s) Y(t)
Step u(t) 1 Kp Kp (1 ⫺ e⫺t/)
s s(t s 1)
Impulse ␦ (t) 1 Kp K p t / t
e
ts 1 t
Ramp btu(t) b bK p Kp [bt ⫺ b (1 ⫺ e⫺t/t)]
s2 2
s (t s 1)
Sinusoid u(t) A sin (w t) Aw Aw K p AK pwt AK p
et / t sin w t tan1 (wt )
s2 w 2 ( )
s 2 w 2 (t s 1) 1 (wt )2 1 (wt )2
Key features of standard responses of first-order systems to common inputs
Step Response of First-Order System
Ultimate Value Impulse Response of a First-Order System
1 1
0.9 0.9
0.8 0.8
Initial “jump” is to Kp /t
0.7 Response is 63.2% complete at t = t 0.7
0.6 0.6
Y*t/Kp
0.5
Y/Kp
0.5
0.4 Response is 63.2% complete at t = t
0.4
0.3 (Initial “jump” has decayed to 36.8%)
0.3
0.2
Initial slope intersects ultimate value at t = t 0.2
0.1 0.1
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4
t/t t/t
Sinusoidal Response of a First-Order System Response of First-Order System to Ramp Input
1.5 5
phase lag = tan −1(wt) 4.5
After an initial transient period,
the response is parallel with input.
1
Ratio =1/ 1+(wt )2 4 Steady-state difference between
3.5 input and output (after transient)
0.5 is b*t.
3
Y/AKp
Y/bKp
0 2.5
2
−0.5 b*t
1.5 Output lags
input byt
1 Input
−1
After an initial transient period,
the response is periodic with 0.5 Output
the same frequency
−1.5 0
5 10 15 20 0 1 2 3 4 5
Time/t Time/t
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CHAPTER
5
PHYSICAL EXAMPLES
OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS
I n the first part of this chapter, we will consider several physical systems that can
be represented by a first-order transfer function. In the second part, a method for
approximating the dynamic response of a nonlinear system by a linear response will be
presented. This approximation is called linearization.
5.1 EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS
Liquid Level
Consider the system shown in Fig. 5–1, which consists of a tank of uniform cross-
sectional area A to which is attached a flow resistance R such as a valve, a pipe, or a
weir. Assume that qo, the volumetric flow rate (volume/time) through the resistance, is
related to the head h by the linear relationship
h
qo (5.1)
R
A resistance that has this linear relationship between flow and head is referred to as
a linear resistance. (A pipe is a linear resistance if the flow is in the laminar range. A
specially contoured weir, called a Sutro weir, produces a linear head-flow relationship.
Turbulent flow through pipes and valves is generally proportional to h. Flow through
weirs having simple geometric shapes can be expressed as Khn, where K and n are posi-
tive constants. For example, the flow through a rectangular weir is proportional to h3/2.)
A time-varying volumetric flow q of liquid of constant density r enters the tank.
Determine the transfer function that relates head to flow.
We can analyze this system by writing a transient mass balance around the tank:
Rate of Rate of Rate of accumulation
mass flow in − mass flow out = of mass in tank
99
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100 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
q (t) In terms of the variables used in this analysis,
the mass balance becomes
d ( rAh)
r q(t ) r qo (t )
h (t) dt
(5.2)
dh
R
qo(t) q(t ) qo (t ) A
dt
FIGURE 5–1
Liquid-level system.
Combining Eqs. (5.1) and (5.2) to eliminate qo(t) gives the following linear differential
equation:
h dh
q A (5.3)
R dt
We will introduce deviation variables into the analysis before proceeding to the transfer
function. Initially, the process is operating at steady state, which means that dh/dt 0
and we can write Eq. (5.3) as
hs
qs 0 (5.4)
R
where the subscript s has been used to indicate the steady-state value of the variable.
Subtracting Eq. (5.4) from Eq. (5.3) gives
1 d (h hs )
q qs ( h hs ) A (5.5)
R dt
If we define the deviation variables as
Q q qs
H h hs
then Eq. (5.5) can be written
1 dH
Q HA (5.6)
R dt
Taking the transform of Eq. (5.6) gives
1
Q (s ) H (s) AsH (s) (5.7)
R
Notice that H(0) is zero, and therefore the transform of dH/dt is simply sH(s).
Equation (5.7) can be rearranged into the standard form of the first-order lag
to give
H (s ) R
(5.8)
Q (s ) ts 1
where t AR.
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 101
In comparing the transfer function of the tank given by Eq. (5.8) with the transfer
function for the thermometer given by Eq. (4.7), we see that Eq. (5.8) contains the fac-
tor R. The term R is simply the conversion factor that relates h(t) to q(t) when the sys-
tem is at steady state. As we saw in Chap. 4, this value is the steady-state gain. We can
again verify the physical significance of this value (as we did in Chap. 4) by applying
the final-value theorem of App. 3A to the determination of the steady-state value of H
when the flow rate Q(t) changes according to a unit-step change; thus
Q (t ) u(t )
where u(t) is the symbol for the unit-step change. The transform of Q(t) is
1
Q(s)
s
Combining this forcing function with Eq. (5.8) gives
1 R
H (s )
s ts 1
Applying the final-value theorem, proved in App. 3A, to H(s) gives
H (t ) |tS lim CsH (s) D lim
R
R
s→0 s→0 t s 1
This shows that the ultimate change in H(t) for a unit change in Q(t) is simply R.
If the transfer function relating the inlet flow q(t) to the outlet flow is desired,
note that we have from Eq. (5.1)
hs
qos (5.9)
R
Subtracting Eq. (5.9) from Eq. (5.1) and using the deviation variable Qo qo qos
give
H
Qo (5.10)
R
Taking the transform of Eq. (5.10) gives
H (s )
Qo (s) (5.11)
R
Combining Eqs. (5.11) and (5.8) to eliminate H(s) gives
Qo (s) 1
(5.12)
Q(s ) ts 1
Notice that the steady-state gain for this transfer function is dimensionless, which is to
be expected because the input variable q(t) and the output variable qo(t) have the same
units (volume/time).
The possibility of approximating an impulse forcing function in the flow rate to
the liquid-level system is quite real. Recall that the unit-impulse function is defined as a
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102 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
pulse of unit area as the duration of the pulse approaches zero, and the impulse function
can be approximated by suddenly increasing the flow to a large value for a very short
time; that is, we may pour very quickly a volume of liquid into the tank. The nature of the
impulse response for a liquid-level system will be described by the following example.
Example 5.1. A tank having a time constant of 1 min and a resistance of 19 ft/cfm
is operating at steady state with an inlet flow of 10 ft3/min (or cfm). At time t 0,
the flow is suddenly increased to 100 ft3/min for 0.1 min by adding an additional
9 ft3 of water to the tank uniformly over a period of 0.1 min. (See Fig. 5–2a
for this input disturbance.) Plot the response in tank level and compare with the
impulse response.
Before proceeding with the details of the computation, we should observe
that as the time interval over which the 9 ft3 of water is added to the tank is short-
ened, the input approaches an impulse function having a magnitude of 9.
From the data given in this example, the transfer function of the process is
1
H (s )
9
Q (s ) s 1
The input may be expressed as the difference in step functions, as was done in
Example 3A.5.
Q(t ) 90[u(t ) u(t 0 . 1)]
The transform of this is
Q(s )
90
s
(1 e0.1s )
Combining this and the transfer function of the process, we obtain
1 e0.1s
H (s) 10 (5.13)
s(s 1) s(s 1)
The first term in Eq. (5.13) can be inverted as shown in Eq. (4.15) to give
10(1 et). The second term, which includes e0.1s, must be inverted by use of
the theorem on translation of functions given in App. 3A. According to this theo-
rem, the inverse of est0 f (s) is f(t t0)u(t t0) with u(t t0) 0 for t t0 < 0
or t < t0 . The inverse of the second term in Eq. (5.13) is thus
e0.1s
L−1 0 for t 0 . 1
s(s 1)
(
10 1 e( t 0.1) ) for t 0 . 1
or
( )
10 1 e( t 0.1) u(t 0 . 1)
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 103
The complete solution to this problem, which is the inverse of Eq. (5.13), is
( ) (
H (t ) ⫽ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺t u(t ) ⫺ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺( t ⫺ 0.1) u(t ⫺ 0 . 1) ) (5.14)
which is equivalent to
H (t ) ⫽ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺t( ) t ⬍ 0.1
(
H (t ) ⫽ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺t ⫺ 1 ⫺ e⫺( t ⫺ 0.1) ) ( ) t ⬎ 0.1
Simplifying this expression for H(t) for t > 0.1 gives
H (t ) ⫽ 1 . 052e⫺t t ⬎ 0.1
From Eq. (4.19), the response of the system to an impulse of magnitude 9 is
given by
H (t ) impulse
⫽ (9) ( 19 e⫺t ) ⫽ e⫺t
In Fig. 5–2, the pulse response of the liquid-level system and the ideal
impulse response are shown for comparison. Notice that the level rises very rap-
idly during the 0.1 min that additional flow is entering the tank; the level then
decays exponentially and follows very closely the ideal impulse response.
1.0
Pulse response
Area = 9 ft3
H(t)
Impulse response
q (ft3/min)
100 (ideal)
10 0
0 0.1 0.2 0 1 2
t (min) t (min)
(a) (b)
FIGURE 5–2
Approximation of an impulse function in a liquid-level system
(Example 5.1). (a) Pulse input; (b) response of tank level.
The responses to step and sinusoidal forcing functions are the same for the liquid-
level system as for the mercury thermometer of Chap. 4. Hence, they need not be
rederived. This is the advantage of characterizing all first-order systems by the same
transfer function.
Liquid-Level Process with Constant-Flow Outlet
An example of a transfer function that often arises in control systems may be devel-
oped by considering the liquid-level system shown in Fig. 5–3. The resistance shown in
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104 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
q (t )
h(t )
qo = constant
FIGURE 5–3
Liquid-level system with constant outlet flow.
Fig. 5–1 is replaced by a constant-flow pump. The same assumptions of constant cross-
sectional area and constant density that were used before also apply here.
For this system, Eq. (5.2) still applies, but qo(t) is now a constant; thus
dh
q(t ) qo A (5.15)
dt
At steady state, Eq. (5.15) becomes
qs qo 0 (5.16)
Subtracting Eq. (5.16) from Eq. (5.15) and introducing the deviation variables
Q q qs and H h hs give
dH
Q A (5.17)
dt
Taking the Laplace transform of each side of Eq. (5.17) and solving for H/Q give
H (s ) 1
(5.18)
Q (s ) As
Notice that the transfer function 1/As in Eq. (5.18) is equivalent to integration. (Recall
from App. 3A that multiplying the transform by s corresponds to differentiation of the
function in the time domain, while dividing by s corresponds to integration in the time
domain.) Therefore, the solution of Eq. (5.18) is
1 t
A ∫0
h(t ) hs Q(t ) dt (5.19)
Clearly, if we increase the inlet flow to the tank, the level will increase because the out-
let flow remains constant. The excess volumetric flow rate into the tank accumulates,
and the level rises. For instance, if a step change Q(t) u(t) were applied to the system
shown in Fig. 5–3 the result would be
h(t ) hs t /A (5.20)
The step response given by Eq. (5.20) is a ramp function that grows without limit.
Such a system that grows without limit for a sustained change in input is said to have
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 105
nonregulation. Systems that have a limited change in output for a sustained change in
input are said to have regulation. An example of a system having regulation is the step
response of a first-order system, such as that shown in Fig. 5–1. If the inlet flow to the
process shown in Fig. 5–1 is increased, the level will rise until the outlet flow becomes
equal to the inlet flow, and then the level stops changing. This process is said to be
self-regulating.
The transfer function for the liquid-level system with constant outlet flow given
by Eq. (5.18) can be considered as a special case of Eq. (5.8) as R → .
lim 1
R
R→ ∞ ARs 1 As
The next example of a first-order system is a mixing process.
Mixing Process
Consider the mixing process shown in Fig. 5–4 in which a stream of solution containing
dissolved salt flows at a constant volumetric flow rate q into a tank of constant holdup
volume V. The concentration of the salt in the entering
x(t)
q stream x (mass of salt/volume) varies with time. It is
y(t)
desired to determine the transfer function relating the
q outlet concentration y to the inlet concentration x.
If we assume the density of the solution to be
V constant, the flow rate in must equal the flow rate
y (t)
out, since the holdup volume is fixed. We may ana-
lyze this system by writing a transient mass balance
FIGURE 5–4
for the salt; thus
Mixing process.
Flow rate of Flow rate of Rate of accumulation
− =
salt in salt out of salt in tank
Expressing this mass balance in terms of symbols gives
d (Vy) dy
qx qy V (5.21)
dt dt
We will again introduce deviation variables as we have in the previous examples. At
steady state, Eq. (5.21) may be written
qxs qys 0 (5.22)
Subtracting Eq. (5.22) from Eq. (5.21) and introducing the deviation variables
X x xs
Y y ys
give
dY
qX qY V
dt
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106 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Taking the Laplace transform of this expression and rearranging the result give
Y (s ) 1
X (s ) ts 1 (5.23)
where t V/q.
Steam or
electricity
This mixing process is, therefore, another
first-order process for which the dynamics are
now well known.
Our last example of a first-order system
is a heating process.
w, Ti q
Heating Process
Consider the heating process shown in Fig. 5–5.
A stream at temperature Ti is fed to the tank.
Heat is added to the tank by means of an elec-
tric heater. The tank is well mixed, and the
w, T temperature of the exiting stream is T. The flow
rate to the tank is constant at w lb/h.
FIGURE 5–5 A transient energy balance on the tank
Heating process.
yields
Rate of Rate of Rate o f Rate o f
energy flow − energy flow + energy flow in = accumulation of
into tank out of tank from heater energy in tank
Converting this energy balance to symbols results in
d ( T Tref ) dT
wC ( Ti Tref ) wC ( T Tref ) q rVC rVC (5.24)
dt dt
where T ref is the reference temperature and C is the heat capacity of the fluid. At steady
state, dT/dt is zero, and Eq. (5.24) can be written
wC ( Tis Ts ) qs 0 (5.25)
where the subscript s has been used to indicate steady state. Subtracting Eq. (5.25) from
Eq. (5.24) gives
d ( T Ts )
wC ( Ti Tis ) wC ( T Ts ) q qs r VC (5.26)
dt
If we assume that Ti is constant (and so Ti Tis) and introduce the deviation variables
T ′ T Ts
Q q qs
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 107
Eq. (5.26) becomes
dT ′
wCT ′ Q rVC (5.27)
dt
Taking Laplace transforms of Eq. (5.27) gives
wCT ′(s) Q(s) r VCsT ′(s) (5.28)
Rearranging Eq. (5.28) produces the following first-order transfer function relating
T(s) and Q(s):
T ′(s ) 1/wC K
(5.29)
Q(s) ( r V /w) s 1 t s 1
Thus, this process exhibits first-order dynamics as the tank temperature T responds to
changes in the heat input to the tank.
Example 5.2. Consider the mixed tank heater shown in Fig. 5–6. Develop a
transfer function relating the tank outlet temperature to changes in the inlet tem-
perature. Determine the response of the outlet temperature of the tank to a step
change in the inlet temperature from 60 to 70C. Before we proceed, intuitively
what would we expect to happen? If the inlet temperature rises by 10C, we
expect the outlet temperature to eventually rise by 10C if nothing else changes.
Let’s see what modeling the process will tell us.
From Eq. (5.26) we can write the following simplified balance, realizing
that q qs:
d (T Ts )
wC ( Ti Tis ) wC ( T Ts ) rVC
dt
In terms of deviation variables, this becomes
dT ′
wCTi′ wCT ′ rVC
dt
Transforming, we get
200 L/min Ti = 60°C
Water wCTi ′(s) wCT ′(s) rVCsT ′(s)
V = 1,000 L
T = 80°C
and finally, after rearranging,
T ′(s ) 1 1
Heat input
q Ti ′ (s) ( rV /w ) s 1 t s 1
FIGURE 5–6
Mixed tank heater.
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108 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Substituting in numerical values for the variables, we obtain the actual transfer
function for this mixed tank heater.
rV V V tank volume 1, 000 L
t ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 5 min
w w /r u volumetric flow ratte 200 L /min
T ′(s ) 1
⫽
Ti′ (s) 5s ⫹ 1
If the inlet temperature is stepped from 60 to 70⬚C, Ti ′(t ) ⫽ 70 ⫺ 60 ⫽ 10 and
Ti ′(s) ⫽ 10/s . Thus,
10 1
T ′(s ) ⫽
s 5s ⫹ 1
Inverting to the time domain, we obtain the expression for T⬘(t)
(
T ′(t ) ⫽ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺t / 5 )
and finally, we obtain the expression for T(t), the actual tank outlet temperature.
(
T (t ) ⫽ Ts ⫹ T ′(t ) ⫽ 80 ⫹ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺t / 5 )
A plot of the outlet temperature (in deviation variables) is shown in the
Fig. 5–7a. The actual outlet temperature is shown in Fig. 5–7b. Note that for
the uncontrolled mixing tank, a step change of 10⬚C in the inlet temperature
10 90
Outlet temperature (°C) Actual outlet temperature (°C)
9 deviation variables 89
8 88
7 87
6 86
5 85
4 84
3 83
2 82
1 81
0 80
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Time (min) Time (min)
(a) (b)
FIGURE 5–7
(a) Tank outlet temperature (deviation variable); (b) actual tank outlet
temperature.
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 109
ultimately produces a 10⬚C change in the outlet temperature, just as we predicted
intuitively before we began our modeling. This result is just what we expected.
The three examples presented in this section are intended to show that the dynamic
characteristics of many physical systems can be represented by a first-order transfer
function. In the remainder of the book, more examples of first-order systems will appear
as we discuss a variety of control systems.
In summarizing the previous examples of first-order systems, the time constant
for each has been expressed in terms of system parameters; thus
mC
t ⫽ for thermometer , Eq. (4. 5)
hA
t ⫽ AR for liq u id-level process, Eq. (5. 8)
V
t ⫽ for mixing process, Eq. (5. 23)
q
rV
t ⫽ for heating proce ss, Eq. (5. 29)
w
5.2 LINEARIZATION
Thus far, all the examples of physical systems, including the liquid-level system of
Fig. 5–1, have been linear. Actually, most physical systems of practical importance are
nonlinear.
Characterization of a dynamic system by a transfer function can be done only for
linear systems (those described by linear differential equations). The convenience of
using transfer functions for dynamic analysis, which we have already seen in applica-
tions, provides significant motivation for approximating nonlinear systems by linear
ones. A very important technique for such approximation is illustrated by the following
discussion of the liquid-level system of Fig. 5–1.
We now assume that the flow out of the tank follows a square root relationship
qo ⫽ Ch1/ 2 (5.30)
where C is a constant.
For a liquid of constant density and a tank of uniform cross-sectional area A, a
material balance around the tank gives
dh
q(t ) ⫺ qo (t ) ⫽ A (5.31)
dt
Combining Eqs. (5.30) and (5.31) gives the nonlinear differential equation
dh
q ⫺ Ch1/ 2 ⫽ A (5.32)
dt
At this point, we cannot proceed as before and take the Laplace transform. This is due
to the presence of the nonlinear term h1/2, for which there is no simple transform. This
difficulty can be circumvented by linearizing the nonlinear term.
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110 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
By means of a Taylor series expansion, the function qo(h) may be expanded
around the steady-state value hs; thus
q ″o ( hs ) ( h hs )2 . . .
qo qo ( hs ) qo′ ( hs ) ( h hs )
2
where qo′ ( hs ) is the first derivative of qo evaluated at hs , q ″o ( hs ) is the second deriva-
tive, etc. If we keep only the linear term, the result is
qo 艑 qo ( hs ) qo′ ( hs ) ( h hs ) (5.33)
Taking the derivative of qo with respect to h in Eq. (5.30) and evaluating the derivative
at h hs give
1 / 2
qo′ ( hs ) 1
2
Chs
Introducing this into Eq. (5.33) gives
1
qo qos (h hs ) (5.34)
R1
1 / 2
where qos qo ( hs ) and 1/R1 12 Ch s .
Substituting Eq. (5.34) into Eq. (5.31) gives
h hs dh
q qos A (5.35)
R1 dt
At steady state the flow entering the tank equals the flow leaving the tank; thus
qs qos (5.36)
Introducing this last equation into Eq. (5.35) gives
dh h hs
A q qs (5.37)
dt R1
Introducing deviation variables Q q qs and H h hs into Eq. (5.37) and trans-
forming give
H (s ) R1
(5.38)
Q(s) ts 1
where
2hs1 / 2
R1 t R1 A
C
We see that a transfer function is obtained that is identical in form with that of the linear
system, Eq. (5.8). However, in this case, the resistance R1 depends on the steady-state
conditions around which the process operates. Graphically, the resistance R1 is the recip-
rocal of the slope of the tangent line passing through the point ( qos, hs ) , as shown in
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 111
q (t)
Tangent line
dqo (hs)
qo Slope = 1 =
R1 dh
h (t) Nonlinear
qos qo = Ch1/2
resistance
qo(t) 0
0 hs
h
FIGURE 5–8
Liquid-level system with nonlinear resistance.
Fig. 5–8. Furthermore, the linear approximation given by Eq. (5.35) is the equation of
the tangent line itself. From the graphical representation, it should be clear that the linear
approximation improves as the deviation in h becomes smaller. If one does not have an
analytic expression such as h1/2 for the nonlinear function, but only a graph of the func-
tion, the technique can still be applied by representing the function by the tangent line
passing through the point of operation.
Whether or not the linearized result is a valid representation depends on the oper-
ation of the system. If the level is being maintained by a controller, at or close to a fixed
level hs, then by the very nature of the control imposed on the system, deviations in
level should be small (for good control) and the linearized equation is adequate. On the
other hand, if the level should change over a wide range, the linear approximation may
be very poor and the system may deviate significantly from the prediction of the linear
transfer function. In such cases, it may be necessary to use the more difficult methods of
nonlinear analysis, some of which are discussed in Chaps. 24 and 25. We shall extend
the discussion of linearization to more complex systems in Chap. 20.
Using MATLAB to Compare Nonlinear (Exact) Solutions and Linearized Solutions
For the tank draining models of Eqs. (5.32) and (5.38) we have the following systems:
dh
Nonlinear model q Ch1/2 A (5.32)
dt
H (s ) R1
Linearized model (5.38)
Q(s) ts 1
where
2hs1/ 2
R1
C
t R1 A
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112 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Consider the case where A 3 ft2 and the steady-state height is 4 ft when the inlet flow is 16 cfm.
Compare the linearized and nonlinear (exact) solutions for the transient response of the tank height
to a step change in feed flow from 16 to 20 cfm.
Solution:
From Eq. (5.30),
1/ 2
qos Ch s
16 cfm C (4 ft )1/ 2
thus,
C 8 cfm ft1/ 2
and
2hs1/ 2 2 4 ft ft
R1 0.5
C 8 cfm/ft1/ 2 cfm
ft 2
t R1 A 0 . 5 (3 ft ) 1 . 5 min
cfm
Substituting the numerical values into the nonlinear model, Eq. (5.32), yields
dh
20 8 h 3 h(0) 4 ft
dt
The MATLAB m-file necessary to simulate this equation is shown below.
% FILENAME is level.m
function hprime=level(t,h)
hprime=(20—8*sqrt(h))/3;
This file calculates the derivative dh/dt at any given t and h. We call the m-file using the numerical
differential equation solver ODE45.
>> [t,h] = ode45(@level , [0,10] , [4] );
Matrices that MATLAB m-file level.m time span... initial condition
you want the routine to contains the tinitial to tfinal h(0) must
answers returned numerically model correspond to
into. solve ODE tinitial
The linearized model, with numerical values substituted in, is
H (s ) 0.5
Q (s ) 1 . 5s 1
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 113
where
H h4 Q q 16 deviation variables
4 0.5 2
H (s )
s 1 . 5s 1 s (1 . 5s 1)
step change
Q by 4 cfm
Inverting gives
(
H (t ) 2 1 et / 1.5 ) linearizzed solution
(
h(t ) 4 2 1 et / 1.5 )
Entering this equation into MATLAB yields
>> hlin 4 2*(1 exp (t/1.5));
Plot the linearized and nonlinear solutions on the same axes using MATLAB (see Fig. 5–9).
>>plot(t,h,t,hlin);
>> xlabel(’Time’);
>> ylabel(’h’);
>> title(’Comparison of Nonlinear and Linearized Solutions’);
Comparison of Nonlinear and Linearized Solutions
6.5
Nonlinear solution
6
Linear solution
5.5
h
5
4.5
4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Time
FIGURE 5–9
Comparison of nonlinear and linearized solutions for tank draining.
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114 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
In general, the linearization of a nonlinear function is accomplished using a
Taylor series expansion truncated to include only the linear terms. Thus for a single-
variable function
df
f ( x ) f ( xs ) ( x xs ) (higher-order terms)) (5.39)
dx xs
For functions of two variables, we have
∂f ∂f
f ( x , y) f ( xs , ys ) ( x xs ) ( y ys )
∂x ( xs , ys ) ∂y ( x s , ys ) (5.40)
(higher-order terms)
Consider the differential equation describing the dynamics of a system
dy
f ( y) x ( t )
dt nonlinear
(5.41)
term
Linearizing the nonlinear term gives
dy ∂f
f ( ys ) ( y ys ) x (t )
dt ∂y ys (5.42)
linearized approximattion
Writing this equation again for the steady-state case gives
dys ∂f
f ( ys ) ( ys ys ) xs (5.43)
dt ∂y ys
Subtracting the steady-state case in Eq. (5.43) from Eq. (5.42), we can convert the origi-
nal differential equation to deviation variables:
d ( y ys ) ∂f
( y ys ) x xs
dt ∂y ys
dY ∂f
Y X
dt ∂y ys
where X x xs and Y y ys. Note that the f (ys) term is eliminated in the process
of forming deviation variables, and we are left with only linear terms in the equation
which is now amenable to solution using Laplace transforms.
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 115
SUMMARY
In this chapter, we demonstrated several physical examples of first-order systems.
Transfer functions were developed for those physical systems and placed into the stan-
dard form for first-order systems. We will see more examples of first-order systems as
we discuss control systems in later chapters.
We have also characterized, in an approximate sense, a nonlinear system by a lin-
ear transfer function. In general, this technique may be applied to any nonlinearity that
can be expressed in a Taylor series (or, equivalently, has a unique slope at the operating
point). Since this includes most nonlinearities arising in process control, we have ample
justification for studying linear systems in considerable detail.
PROBLEMS
5.1. Derive the transfer function H(s)/Q(s) for the liquid-level system of Fig. P5–1 when
(a) The tank level operates about the steady-state value of hs 1 ft
(b) The tank level operates about the steady-state
q, ft3/min value of hs 3 ft
The pump removes water at a constant rate of
10 cfm (cubic feet per minute); this rate is inde-
pendent of head. The cross-sectional area of the
R tank is 1.0 ft2, and the resistance R is 0.5 ft/cfm.
h(t)
2 ft 5.2. A liquid-level system, such as the one shown in
Fig. 5–1, has a cross-sectional area of 3.0 ft2. The
valve characteristics are
FIGURE P5–1
q 8 h
Outlet flow
where q flow rate, cfm, and h level above the
qo (ft3/min)
2.4 valve, ft. Calculate the time constant for this system
if the average operating level above the valve is
(a) 3 ft
1.0
(b) 9 ft
5.3. A tank having a cross-sectional area of 2 ft2 is
0.3 1.0 operating at steady state with an inlet flow rate of
h(ft) 2.0 cfm. The flow-head characteristics are shown
FIGURE P5–3 in Fig. P5–3.
(a) Find the transfer function H(s)/Q(s).
q (b) If the flow to the tank increases from 2.0 to
2.2 cfm according to a step change, calculate the
level h two minutes after the change occurs.
α 5.4. Develop a formula for finding the time constant of
h0 the liquid-level system shown in Fig. P5–4 when
the average operating level is h0. The resistance
R R is linear. The tank has three vertical walls and
B one that slopes at an angle a from the vertical as
shown. The distance separating the parallel walls
FIGURE P5–4 is 1.
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116 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
5.5. Consider the stirred-tank reactor shown in
Ci, F
Fig. P5–5.
The reaction occurring is
Volume V A → B
Co, F and it proceeds at a rate
FIGURE P5–5 r kCo
where r (moles A reacting)/(volume)(time)
k reaction rate constant
Co (t) concentration of A in reactor at any time t (mol A/volume)
V volume of mixture in reactor
Further, let
F constant feed rate, volume/time
Ci (t ) concentration of A in feed stream, moles/volume
Assuming constant density and constant volume V, derive the transfer function relating the
concentration in the reactor to the feed-stream concentration. Prepare a block diagram for
the reactor. Sketch the response of the reactor to a unit-step change in Ci.
5.6. A thermocouple junction of area A, mass m, heat capacity C, and emissivity e is located in
a furnace that normally is at TisC. At these temperatures convective and conductive heat
transfer to the junction is negligible compared with radiative heat transfer. Determine the
linearized transfer function between the furnace temperature Ti and the junction temperature
T0. For the case
m 0.1 g
C 0 . 12 cal/ (g i C)
e 0.7
A 0 . 1 cm 2
Tis 1100 C
plot the response of the thermocouple to a 10C step change in furnace temperature. Com-
pare this with the true response obtained by integration of the differential equation.
5.7. A liquid-level system has the following properties:
Tank dimensions: 10 ft high by 5-ft diameter
Steady-state operating characteristics:
Inflow, gal/h Steady-state level, ft
0 0
5,000 0.7
10,000 1.1
15,000 2.3
20,000 3.9
25,000 6.3
30,000 8.8
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 117
(a) Plot the level response of the tank under the following circumstances: The inlet flow
rate is held at 300 gal/min for 1 h and then suddenly raised to 400 gal/min.
(b) How accurate is the steady-state level calculated from the dynamic response in part
(a) when compared with the value given by the table above?
(c) The tank is now connected in series with a second tank that has identical operating char-
acteristics, but which has dimensions 8 ft high by 4-ft diameter. Plot the response of the
original tank (which is upstream of the new tank) to the change described in part (a)
when the connection is such that the tanks are (1) interacting and (2) noninteracting. (See
Chap. 6.)
5.8. A mixing process may be described as follows: A stream with solute concentration Ci
(pounds/volume) is fed to a perfectly stirred tank at a constant flow rate of q (volume/time).
The perfectly mixed product is withdrawn from the tank, also at the flow rate q at the same
concentration as the material in the tank C0. The total volume of solution in the tank is
2.1 constant at V. Density may be considered to be inde-
pendent of concentration.
A trace of the tank concentration versus
2.0 time appears as shown in Fig. P5–8.
(a) Plot on this same figure your best guess
of the quantitative behavior of the inlet
1.9 concentration versus time. Be sure to
C (Ib/gal)
label the graph with quantitative infor-
1.8 mation regarding times and magnitudes
and any other data that will demonstrate
your understanding of the situation.
1.7 (b) Write an equation for Ci as a function of
6:30 6:52
A.M. A.M.
time.
Data: tank dimensions: 8 ft high by 5-ft diameter
Time
Tank volume V: 700 gal
FIGURE P5–8 Flow rate q: 100 gal/min
10 cfm Disturbance
Average density: 70 lb/ft3
5.9. The liquid-level process shown in Fig. P5–9
is operating at steady state when the following
disturbance occurs: At time t 0, 1 ft3 water
is added suddenly (unit impulse) to the tank; at
= 1 min t 1 min, 2 ft3 of water is added suddenly to
h
the tank. Sketch the response of the level in the
tank versus time, and determine the level at
t 0.5, 1, and 1.5 min.
R = 0.5 5.10. A tank having a cross-sectional area of 2 ft2
and a linear resistance of R 1 ft/cfm is
FIGURE P5–9 operating at steady state with a flow rate of
1 cfm. At time 0, the flow varies as shown in
2 Fig. P5–10.
q (cfm)
(a) Determine Q(t) and Q(s) by combining
1 simple functions. Note that Q is the devi-
ation in flow rate.
0 (b) Obtain an expression for H(t) where H is
0 1 2 3
t (min) the deviation in level.
(c) Determine H(t) at t 2 and t .
FIGURE P5–10
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118 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
q ft3/min A = 2 ft2 5.11. Determine y(t 5) if
Y(s) e3s/s(7s 1).
5.12. Derive the transfer function H/Q for the
liquid-level system shown in Fig. P5–12.
The resistances are linear; H and Q are
h deviation variables. Show clearly how
you derived the transfer function. You are
expected to give numerical values in the
transfer function.
R1 = 2 ft/cfm R2 = 5 ft/cfm 5.13. The liquid-level system shown in Fig.
P5–13 is initially at steady state with the
FIGURE P5–12 inlet flow rate at 1 cfm. At time 0, 1 ft3
of water is suddenly added to the tank; at
t 1, 1 ft3 is added; etc. In other words, a
train of unit impulses is applied to the tank
at intervals of 1 min. Ultimately the output
wave train becomes periodic as shown in
the sketch. Determine the maximum and
minimum values of this output.
Train of impulses
1 cfm A = 1 ft2
Hmax
H
Hmin
h
R=1 0 n n +1 n +2 n +3
i
FIGURE P5–13
5.14. The two-tank mixing process shown in Fig. P5–14 contains a recirculation loop that trans-
fers solution from tank 2 to tank 1 at a flow rate of a qo.
αq0
q0 = 1 cfm
x(t) = feed
concentration
1 ft3 1 ft3
c1 c2 q0
FIGURE P5–14
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CHAPTER 5 PHYSICAL EXAMPLES OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS 119
(a) Develop a transfer function that relates the concentration c2 in tank 2 to the concen-
tration x in the feed, that is, C2 (s)/X(s) where C2 and X are deviation variables. For
convenience, assume that the initial concentrations are x c1 c2 0.
(b) If a unit-step change in x occurs, determine the time needed for c2 to reach 60 percent
of its ultimate value for the cases where 0, 1, and .
(c) Sketch the response for a .
Assume that each tank has a constant holdup volume of 1 ft3. Neglect transportation lag in
the line connecting the tanks and the recirculation line. Try to answer parts (b) and (c) by
intuition.
5.15. Dye for our new line of blue jeans is being blended in a mixing tank. The desired color of
blue is produced using a concentration of 1500 ppm blue dye, with a minimum acceptable
concentration of 1400 ppm. At 9 A.M. today the dye injector plugged, and the dye flow was
interrupted for 10 min, until we realized the problem and unclogged the nozzle. For how
many minutes was the flow leaving the mixer off-specification (< 1400 ppm)? How many
gallons of off-spec dye were made? See Fig. P5–15.
Water 20 gal/min
Concentrated 20 gal/min aqueous dye for jeans
dye injector (1500 ppm blue dye)
V = 100 gal
FIGURE P5–15
5.16. For the reactor (CSTR) shown in Fig. P5–16, determine the transfer function that relates
the exit concentration from the reactor to changes in the feed concentration. If we instanta-
neously double the feed concentration from 1 to 2 mol/L, what is the new exiting concen-
tration 1 min later? What is the new steady-state reactor concentration?
The rate constant is
2
k
(mol/L )(min)
5 L/min Reaction : 2A B
CA0 = 1 mol/L Rate law : -rA = kCA2
5 L/min
CA0 = 0.2 mol/L
Volume = 50 L
FIGURE P5–16
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120 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
The reaction rate law is rA kCA2, where rA is the production rate of A in moles per liter
per minute.
5.17. The Antoine equation for the vapor pressure of a liquid at a given temperature is given by
P * e A B / (T C )
The constants for benzene are
A 15 . 9008
B 2788 . 51 °C
C 220 . 80 °C
for the vapor pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Linearize the equation about a
temperature of 40C.
Compare the actual vapor pressure (from the Antoine equation) at 45 and 60C
with the vapor pressure calculated from the linearized equation. What is the percent differ-
ence in each case? Comment on the suitability of the linearized equation.
5.18. Find the transfer function that relates the height in the vessel (Fig. P5–18) to changes in the
inlet flow rate.
qi (cfm)
h
θ = 30°
q0 (cfm)
R1
(valve resistance)
FIGURE P5–18
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CHAPTER
5
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Here are some physical examples of first-order systems:
System Transfer function
q (t)
A = area
Figure 5–1 Liquid H (s ) R
level system
h (t) Q (s ) ARs 1
R
q0(t)
x(t)
q
y(t) Y (s ) 1
q Figure 5–4 Mixing
process X (s ) (V / q)s 1
V
y (t)
Steam or
electricity
Figure 5–5 Heating T ′(s ) 1/ ( wC )
w, Ti q
process Q (s ) ( rV /w ) s 1
w, T
(continued)
121
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122 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
System Transfer function
Fluid
y = thermometer
reading
x = fluid temperature Figure 4–1a Y (s ) 1
Thermometer X (s ) ( mc /hA) s 1
Mercury Glass wall
TAYLOR SERIES EXPANSIONS FOR LINEARIZING
NONLINEAR TERMS
df
Functions of a single variable: f ( x ) f ( xs ) ( x xs )
dx xs
Functions of two variables:
∂f ∂f
f ( x , y) f ( xs , ys ) ( x xs ) ( y ys )
∂x ( xs , ys ) ∂y ( xs , ys )
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CHAPTER
6
RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER
SYSTEMS IN SERIES
6.1 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Very often, a physical system can be represented by several first-order processes con-
nected in series. To illustrate this type of system, consider the liquid-level systems
shown in Fig. 6–1 in which two tanks are arranged so that the outlet flow from the first
tank is the inlet flow to the second tank.
Two possible piping arrangements are shown in Fig. 6–1. In Fig. 6–1a the outlet
flow from tank 1 discharges directly into the atmosphere before spilling into tank 2, and
the flow through R1 depends only on h1. The variation in h2 in tank 2 does not affect the
transient response occurring in tank 1. This type of system is referred to as a noninter-
acting system. In contrast to this, the system shown in Fig. 6–1b is said to be interacting
because the flow through R1 now depends on the difference between h1 and h2. We will
consider first the noninteracting system of Fig. 6–1a.
6.2 NONINTERACTING SYSTEM
As in the previous liquid-level example, we shall assume the liquid to be of constant
density, the tanks to have uniform cross-sectional area, and the flow resistances to be
linear. Our problem is to find a transfer function that relates h2 to q, that is, H2(s)/Q(s).
The approach will be to obtain a transfer function for each tank, Q1(s)/Q(s) and H2(s)/
Q1(s), by writing a transient mass balance around each tank; these transfer functions
will then be combined to eliminate the intermediate flow Q1(s) and produce the desired
transfer function. A balance on tank 1 gives
dh1
q − q1 ⫽ A1 (6.1)
dt
123
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124 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
q (t)
A1
q (t) A1
h1
R1 A2 A2
q1
h1
h2 R2 R1 h2 R2
q1
q2 q2
(a) (b)
FIGURE 6–1
Two-tank liquid-level system: (a) Noninteracting; (b) interacting.
A balance on tank 2 gives
dh2
q1 ⫺ q2 ⫽ A2 (6.2)
dt
The flow-head relationships for the two linear resistances are given by the expressions
h1
q1 ⫽ (6.3)
R1
h2
q2 ⫽ (6.4)
R2
Combining Eqs. (6.1) and (6.3) in exactly the same manner as was done in Chap. 5 and
introducing deviation variables give the transfer function for tank 1
Q1 (s) 1
⫽ (6.5)
Q(s ) t 1s ⫹ 1
where Q1 ⫽ q1 ⫺ q1s , Q ⫽ q ⫺ qs , and t1 ⫽ R1A1.
In the same manner, we can combine Eqs. (6.2) and (6.4) to obtain the transfer
function for tank 2
H 2 (s ) R2
⫽ (6.6)
Q1 (s) t 2s ⫹ 1
where H 2 ⫽ h2 ⫺ h2s and t 2 ⫽ R2A2.
Having the transfer function for each tank, we can obtain the overall transfer
function H2(s)/Q(s) by multiplying Eqs. (6.5) and (6.6) to eliminate Q1(s):
H 2 (s ) 1 R2
⫽ (6.7)
Q (s ) t 1s ⫹ 1 t 2 s ⫹ 1
Notice that the overall transfer function of Eq. (6.7) is the product of two first-order transfer
functions, each of which is the transfer function of a single tank operating independently
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CHAPTER 6 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS IN SERIES 125
of the other. In the case of the interacting system of Fig. 6–1b, the overall transfer function
cannot be found by simply multiplying the separate transfer functions; this will become
apparent when the interacting system is analyzed later.
Example 6.1. Two noninteracting tanks are connected in series as shown in
Fig. 6–1a. The time constants are t 2 ⫽ 1 and t 1 ⫽ 0.5; R2 ⫽ 1. Sketch the
response of the level in tank 2 if a unit-step change is made in the inlet flow rate
to tank 1.
The transfer function for this system is found directly from Eq. (6.7); thus
H 2 (s ) R2
⫽
Q (s ) (t 1s ⫹ 1) (t 2 s ⫹ 1) (6.8)
For a unit-step change in Q, we obtain
1 R2
H 2 (s ) ⫽ (6.9)
s (t 1s ⫹ 1)(t 2 s ⫹ 1)
Inversion by means of partial fraction expansion gives
t 1t 2 1 ⫺t /t 1 1
H 2 (t ) ⫽ R2 1 ⫺ e ⫺ e⫺t /t 2 (6.10)
t 1 ⫺ t 2 t 2 t 1
Substituting in the values of t1, t2, and R2 gives
(
H 2 (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ 2e⫺t ⫺ e⫺2 t ) (6.11)
A plot of this response is shown in Fig. 6–2. Notice that the response is S-shaped
and the slope dH2/dt at the origin is zero. If the change in flow rate were intro-
duced into the second tank, the response would be first-order and is shown for
comparison in Fig. 6–2 by the dotted curve.
1.0
One tank
H2(t)
0.5 Two tanks
0
0 1 2 3
t
FIGURE 6–2
Transient response of liquid-level system (Example 6.1).
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126 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
MATLAB/Simulink Simulation of the Transient Response in Fig. 6–2
It’s quite easy to verify the result in Fig. 6–2 using Simulink (Fig. 6–3). The model is shown below
at the left, and the output from the model is shown in the graph.
1
1 1
One Tank
0.5s+1 s+1
Feed, Q Tank 1 Tank 2 Two Tanks
Response 0.5
1
s+1
0
Tank 2 Feed, Q Tank 2 only 0 1 2 3 4
FIGURE 6–3
Simulink simulation of one tank and two tanks in series.
From Example 6.1, notice that the step response of a system consisting of two first-
order systems is S-shaped and that the response changes very slowly just after introduc-
tion of the step input. This sluggishness or delay is sometimes called transfer lag and
is always present when two or more first-order systems are connected in series. For
a single first-order system, there is no transfer lag; i.e., the response begins immedi-
ately after the step change is applied, and the rate of change of the response (slope of
response curve) is maximal at t ⫽ 0.
Generalization for Several Noninteracting Systems in Series
We have observed that the overall transfer function for two noninteracting first-order
systems connected in series is simply the product of the individual transfer functions.
We may now generalize this concept by considering n noninteracting first-order sys-
tems as represented by the block diagram of Fig. 6–4.
X0 k1 X1 k2 X2 Xi⫺1 ki kn Xn
t1s⫹1 t2s⫹1 tis⫹1 tns⫹1
FIGURE 6–4
Noninteracting first-order systems.
The block diagram is equivalent to the relationships
X1 (s) k1
⫽
X 0 (s) t 1s ⫹ 1
X 2 (s) k2
⫽
X1 (s) t 2s ⫹ 1
etc.
X n (s ) kn
⫽
X n ⫺1 (s) t ns ⫹ 1
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CHAPTER 6 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS IN SERIES 127
To obtain the overall transfer function, we simply multiply the individual transfer func-
tions; thus
n
X n (s ) ki
X 0 (s )
⫽ ∏ t is ⫹ 1
(6.12)
i ⫽1
To show how the transfer lag is increased as the number of stages increases, Fig. 6–5
gives the unit-step response curves for several systems containing one or more first-
order stages in series.
1.0
1
0.8 n=
2
=
n
0.6
3
=
n
Y(t)
4
=
0.4 n
1 n
0.2 u(t) Y(t)
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
FIGURE 6–5
Step response of noninteracting first-order systems in series.
MATLAB/Simulink Simulation of Noninteracting First-Order Systems in Fig. 6–5
Let’s reproduce the response in Fig. 6–5 for four tanks in series using Simulink (Fig. 6–6). Note how
simple the model is and that the result is identical to Fig. 6–5.
1
1 1 1 1
s+1 s+1 s+1 s+1 0.8
Input Tank 1 Tank 2 Tank 3 Tank 4 0.6
0.4
Response 0.2
0
0 2 4 6
FIGURE 6–6
Simulink diagram for noninteracting first-order systems in series.
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128 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
6.3 INTERACTING SYSTEM
To illustrate an interacting system, we will derive the transfer function for the system
shown in Fig. 6–1b. The analysis is started by writing mass balances on the tanks as
was done for the noninteracting case. The balances on tanks 1 and 2 are the same as
before and are given by Eqs. (6.1) and (6.2).
dh1
Tank 1 q ⫺ q1 ⫽ A1 (6.1)
dt
dh2
Tank 2 q1 ⫺ q2 ⫽ A2 (6.2)
dt
However, the flow-head relationship for R1 is now
1
q1 ⫽ ( h1 ⫺ h2 ) (6.13)
R1
The flow-head relationship for R2 is the same as before [Eq. (6.4)].
h2
q2 ⫽ (6.4)
R2
A simple way to combine Eqs. (6.1), (6.2), (6.4), and (6.13) is to first express them in
terms of deviation variables, transform the resulting equations, and then combine the
transformed equations to eliminate the unwanted variables.
At steady state, Eqs. (6.1) and (6.2) can be written
qs ⫺ q1s ⫽ 0 (6.14)
q1s ⫺ q2s ⫽ 0 (6.15)
Subtracting Eq. (6.14) from Eq. (6.1) and Eq. (6.15) from Eq. (6.2) and introducing
deviation variables give
dH1 (6.16)
Tank 1 Q ⫺ Q1 ⫽ A1
dt
(6.17)
dH 2
Tank 2 Q1 ⫺ Q2 ⫽ A2
dt
Expressing Eqs. (6.13) and (6.4) in terms of deviation variables gives
H1 ⫺ H 2
Valve 1 Q1 ⫽ (6.18)
R1
H2 (6.19)
Valve 2 Q2 ⫽
R2
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CHAPTER 6 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS IN SERIES 129
Transforming Eqs. (6.16) through (6.19) gives
Tank 1 Q(s) ⫺ Q1 (s) ⫽ A1sH1 (s) (6.20)
Tank 2 Q1 (s) ⫺ Q2 (s) ⫽ A2 sH 2 (s) (6.21)
Valve 1 R1Q1 (s) ⫽ H1 (s) ⫺ H 2 (s) (6.22)
Valve 2 R2Q2 (s) ⫽ H 2 (s) (6.23)
The analysis has produced four algebraic equations containing five unknowns:
Q, Q1, Q2, H1, and H2. These equations may be combined to eliminate Q1, Q2, and H1
and to arrive at the desired transfer function:
H 2 (s ) R2
⫽ (6.24)
Q (s ) t 1t 2 s 2 ⫹ (t 1 ⫹ t 2 ⫹ A1 R2 ) s ⫹ 1
Notice that the product of the transfer functions for the tanks operating separately,
Eqs. (6.5) and (6.6), does not produce the correct result for the interacting system.
The difference between the transfer function for the noninteracting system, Eq. (6.7),
and that for the interacting system, Eq. (6.24), is the presence of the cross-product
term A1R2 in the coefficient of s.
The term interacting is often referred to as loading. The second tank of Fig. 6–1b
is said to load the first tank.
To understand the effect of interaction on the transient response of a system, con-
sider a two-tank system for which the time constants are equal (t 1 ⫽ t 2 ⫽ t). If the
tanks are noninteracting, the transfer function relating inlet flow to outlet flow is
2
Q2 (s) 1
⫽
t s ⫹ 1
(6.25)
Q(s )
The unit-step response for this transfer function can be obtained by the usual procedure
to give
t ⫺t /t
Q2 (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺t /t ⫺ e (6.26)
t
If the tanks are interacting, the overall transfer function, according to Eq. (6.24), is
(assuming further that A1 ⫽ A2)
Q2 (s) 1
⫽ 2 2 (6.27)
Q(s) t s ⫹ 3t s ⫹ 1
By application of the quadratic formula, the denominator of this transfer function can
be written as
Q2 (s) 1
⫽ (6.28)
Q(s) (0 . 38t s ⫹ 1)(2 . 62t s ⫹ 1)
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130 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
For this example, we see that the effect of interaction has been to change the effective
time constants of the interacting system. One time constant has become considerably
larger and the other smaller than the time constant t of either tank in the noninteract-
ing system. The response of Q2(t) to a unit-step change in Q(t) for the interacting case
[Eq. (6.28)] is
Q2 (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫹ 0 . 17e⫺t / 0.38t ⫺ 1 . 17e⫺t / 2.62t (6.29)
In Fig. 6–7, the unit-step responses [Eqs. (6.26) and (6.29)] for the two cases are
plotted to show the effect of interaction. From this figure, it can be seen that interaction
slows up the response. This result can be understood on physical grounds in the follow-
ing way: If the same size step change is introduced into the two systems of Fig. 6–1,
the flow from tank 1 (q1) for the noninteracting case will not be reduced by the increase
in level in tank 2. However, for the interacting case, the flow q1 will be reduced by the
buildup of level in tank 2. At any time t1 following the introduction of the step input, q1
for the interacting case will be less than for the noninteracting case with the result that
h2 (or q2) will increase at a slower rate.
1.0
0.8 Q = u(t) 1 1 Q2
0.6
Q2/Q
Noninteracting
Interacting
0.4
1 1 Q2
0.2 Q = u(t)
0
0 1 2 3
FIGURE 6–7
Effect of interaction on step response of two-tank system.
In general, the effect of interaction on a system containing two first-order lags
is to change the ratio of effective time constants in the interacting system. In terms of
the transient response, this means that the interacting system is more sluggish than the
noninteracting system.
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CHAPTER 6 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS IN SERIES 131
SUMMARY
In this chapter we discussed the response of first-order systems in series. We observed
that the nature of the response is dependent upon whether the first-order systems in
series form a noninteracting or an interacting system. We used MATLAB to visual-
ize and analyze the response of these two different types of systems and to study their
behavior.
This chapter concludes our specific discussion of first-order systems. We will
make continued use of the material developed here in the succeeding chapters.
PROBLEMS
6.1. Determine the transfer function H(s)/Q(s) for the liquid-level system shown in Fig. P6–1.
Resistances R1 and R2 are linear. The flow rate from tank 3 is maintained constant at b by
means of a pump; i.e., the flow rate from tank 3 is independent of head h. The tanks are
noninteracting.
q (t) A1
R1 A2
Tank 1
R2 A3
Tank 2
qo = b
h
Tank 3
FIGURE P6–1
6.2. The mercury thermometer in Chap. 4 was considered to have all its resistance in the convec-
tive film surrounding the bulb and all its capacitance in the mercury. A more detailed analy-
sis would consider both the convective resistance surrounding the bulb and that between the
bulb and the mercury. In addition, the capacitance of the glass bulb would be included. Let
Ai ⫽ inside area of bulb, for heat transfer to mercury
Ao ⫽ outside area of bulb, for heat transfer from surrounding fluid
m ⫽ mass of mercury in bulb
mb ⫽ mass of glass bulb
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132 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
C ⫽ heat capacity of mercury
Cb ⫽ heat capacity of glass bulb
hi ⫽ convective coefficient between bulb and mercury
ho ⫽ convective coefficient between bulb and surrounding fluid
T ⫽ temperature of mercury
Tb ⫽ temperature of glass bulb
Tf ⫽ temperature of surrounding fluid
Determine the transfer function between Tf and T. What is the effect of the bulb resistance
and capacitance on the thermometer response? Note that the inclusion of the bulb results
in a pair of interacting systems, which give an overall transfer function somewhat differ-
ent from that of Eq. (6.24).
6.3. There are N storage tanks of volume V arranged so that when water is fed into the first tank,
an equal volume of liquid overflows from the first tank into the second tank, and so on. Each
tank initially contains component A at some concentration Co and is equipped with a perfect
stirrer. At time 0, a stream of zero concentration is fed into the first tank at a volumetric rate q.
Find the resulting concentration in each tank as a function of time.
6.4. (a) Find the transfer functions H2/Q and H3/Q for the three-tank system shown in Fig. P6–4
where H2, H3, and Q are deviation variables. Tank 1 and tank 2 are interacting.
(b) For a unit-step change in q (that is, Q ⫽ 1/s), determine H3(0) and H3(⬁), and sketch
H3(t) versus t.
q
A1 = 1 A2 = 1
h2
R1 = 2 R2 = 2
Tank 1 Tank 2
A3 = 0.5
h3
R3 = 4
Tank 3
FIGURE P6–4
6.5. Three identical tanks are operated in series in a noninteracting fashion as shown in Fig. P6–5.
For each tank, R ⫽ 1 and t ⫽ 1. The deviation in flow rate to the first tank is an impulse
function of magnitude 2.
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CHAPTER 6 RESPONSE OF FIRST-ORDER SYSTEMS IN SERIES 133
(a) Determine an expression for H(s) where H is the deviation in level in the third tank.
(b) Sketch the response H(t).
(c) Obtain an expression for H(t).
h
FIGURE P6–5
6.6. In the two-tank mixing process shown in Fig. P6–6, x varies from 0 lb salt/ft3 to 1 lb salt/ft3
according to a step function. At what time does the salt concentration in tank 2 reach
0.6 lb salt/ft3? The holdup volume of each tank is 6 ft3.
3 ft3/min
X
C
Tank 1 Tank 2
FIGURE P6–6
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134 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
6.7. Starting from first principles, derive the transfer functions H1(s)/Q(s) and H2(s)/Q(s) for the
liquid-level system shown in Fig. P6–7. The resistances are linear and R1 ⫽ R2 ⫽ 1. Note
that two streams are flowing from tank 1, one of which flows into tank 2. You are expected
to give numerical values of the parameters in the transfer functions and to show clearly how
you derived the transfer functions.
q(t)
A2 = 2 ft2
h1
Ra = 2 R1 = 1
Tank 1
A2 = 1 ft2
h2
R2 = 1
Tank 2
FIGURE P6–7
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CHAPTER
6
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Noninteracting systems For two systems in series, if the output from sys-
tem 1 is not affected by the output from system 2, the systems are said to be
noninteracting.
q (t)
A1
X0 X1 X2 Xn⫺1 Xn
G1 G2 Gn
h1
R1 A2
q1 n
X n (s )
X 0 (s )
⫽ ∏ Gi
h2 R2 i ⫽1
q2
H 2( s ) 1 R2
⫽
Q (s ) t 1s ⫹ 1 t 2 s ⫹ 1
Interacting systems The output from system 1 is affected by the output from
system 2. The overall transfer function for the process is not merely the prod-
uct of the transfer functions in series.
q (t) A1
A2 n
X n (s )
X 0 (s )
⫽ ∏ Gi
h1 i ⫽1
R1 h2 R2
q1
q2
135
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136 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
For the interacting two-tank system, the transfer function is
H 2 (s ) R2
⫽
Q (s ) t 1t 2 s 2 ⫹ (t 1 ⫹ t 2 ⫹ A1 R2 )s ⫹ 1
Note the presence of the cross-product
term in the denominator.
This term has the effect of slowing down the response of the process.
1.0
0.8 Q = u(t) 1 1 Q2
0.6
Q2/Q
Noninteracting
Interacting
0.4
1 1 Q2
0.2 Q = u(t)
0
0 1 2 3
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CHAPTER
7
HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS:
SECOND-ORDER AND
TRANSPORTATION LAG
7.1 SECOND-ORDER SYSTEM
Transfer Function
This section introduces a basic system called a second-order system or a quadratic lag.
Second-order systems are described by a second-order differential equation that relates
the ouput variable y to the input variable x (the forcing function) with time as the inde-
pendent variable.
d2y dy
A 2 ⫹ B ⫹ Cy ⫽ x (t ) (7.1)
dt dt
A second-order system can arise from two first-order systems in series, as we saw
in Chap. 6. Some systems are inherently second-order, and they do not result from a
series combination of two first-order systems. Inherently second-order systems are not
extremely common in chemical engineering applications. Most second-order systems
that we encounter will result from the addition of a controller to a first-order process.
Let’s examine an inherently second-order system and develop some terminology that
will be useful in our analysis of the control of chemical processes.
Consider a simple manometer as shown in Fig. 7–1. The pressure on both legs of
the manometer is initially the same. The length of the fluid column in the manometer
is L. At time t 0, a pressure difference is imposed across the legs of the manometer.
Assuming the resulting flow in the manometer to be laminar and the steady-state fric-
tion law for drag force in laminar flow to apply at each instant, we will determine the
transfer function between the applied pressure difference P and the manometer read-
ing h. If we perform a momentum balance on the fluid in the manometer, we arrive at
the following terms:
(Sum of forces causing fluid to move ) ⫽ (Rate of change of momentum of fluid) (7.2)
137
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138 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
P1 = 0 P2 = 0 P1 P2
D h h/2
Reference level
t=0 h/2
L
Before (Initial) After (Final)
FIGURE 7–1
Manometer.
where
Sum of forces Un b alanced pressure forces Frictional forces
causing fluid to move ⫽ ⫺
causing motion opposing motion
Unbalanced pressure forces p D2 p D2
⫽ ( P1 ⫺ P2 ) ⫺ rgh
causing motion 4 4
Frictional forces Skin friction Shear stress Area in contact
opposing motion ⫽ at wall ⫽ at wall ⫻ with wall
Frictional forces 8 mV 8 m 1 dh
opposing motion ⫽ t Wall (p DL) ⫽ D (p DL ) ⫽ D 2 dt (p DL )
The term for the skin friction at the wall is obtained from the Hagen-Poiseuille relation-
ship for laminar flow (McCabe, Smith and Harriott, 2004). Note that V is the average
velocity of the fluid in the tube, which is also the velocity of the interface, which is
equal to 12 dh /dt (see Fig. 7–2).
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 139
P1 P2
V
V h/2
h Reference level
t=0
h/2
FIGURE 7–2
Average velocity of the fluid in the manometer.
The rate of change of momentum of the fluid [the right side of Eq. (7.2)] may be
expressed as
d
(Rate of change of momentum) ⫽ (mass ⫻ velocity ⫻ momentum correction factor )
dt
p D2 dV
⫽ r L ( b )
4 dt
p D2 1 d 2h
⫽ r L ( b )
4 2 dt 2
The momentum correction factor b accounts for the fact that the fluid has a parabolic
velocity profile in the tube, and the momentum must be expressed as b m V for laminar
flow (see McCabe, Smith and Harriott, 2004). The value of b for laminar flow is 4/3. Sub-
stituting the appropriate terms into Eq. (7.2) produces the desired force balance equation
for the manometer.
p D2 4 1 d 2h p D2 p D 2 8 m 1 dh
L ⫽ ( ⫺ ) ⫺ ⫺ (p DL (7.3)
r 4 D 2 dt
P1 P2 rgh
3 2 dt 2 4 4
Rearranging Eq. (7.3), we obtain
p D2 4 1 d 2 h 8 m 1 dh p D2 p D2
r 4 L + ( p DL ) ⫹ r gh ⫽ ( P1 ⫺ P2 )
3 2 dt 2 D 2 dt 4 4
and finally, dividing both sides by rg(p D2/4), we arrive at the standard form for a
second-order system.
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140 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
2L d 2h 16 m L dh P1 ⫺ P2 ∆P
⫹ ⫹h ⫽ ⫽ (7.4)
3g dt 2 rD g2 dt r g rg
(A more detailed version of the analysis of the manometer can be found in Bird et al.,
1960). Note that as with first-order systems, standard form has a coefficient of 1 on the
dependent variable term, h in this case. Second-order systems are described by a second-
order differential equation. We may rewrite this Eq. (7.4) in general terms as
d 2Y dY
t2 ⫹ 2zt ⫹ Y ⫽ X (t ) (7.5)
dt 2 dt
where
2L
t2 ⫽ (7.6)
3g
16 m L
2zt ⫽ (7.7)
rD 2 g
∆P
X (t ) ⫽ and Y ⫽ h (7.8)
rg
Solving for t and z from Eqs. (7.6) and (7.7) gives
2L
t ⫽ s (7.9)
3g
8m 3L
z ⫽ dimensionless (7.10)
rD 2 2g
By definition, both t and z must be positive. The reason for introducing t and z in the
particular form shown in Eq. (7.5) will become clear when we discuss the solution of
Eq. (7.5) for particular forcing functions X(t).
Equation (7.5) is written in a standard form that is widely used in control theory.
If the fluid column is motionless (dY/dt 0) and located at its rest position (Y 0)
before the forcing function is applied, the Laplace transform of Eq. (7.4) becomes
t 2 s 2Y (s) ⫹ 2zt sY (s) ⫹ Y (s) ⫽ X (s) (7.11)
From this, the transfer function follows:
Y (s) 1
⫽ 2 2 (7.12)
X (s) t s ⫹ 2zt s ⫹ 1
The transfer function given by Eq. (7.12) is written in standard form, and we will show
later that other physical systems can be represented by a transfer function having the
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 141
denominator of t2s2 2zt s 1. All such systems are defined as second-order. Note
that it requires two parameters, t and z, to characterize the dynamics of a second-order
system in contrast to only one parameter for a first-order system. We now discuss the
response of a second-order system to some of the common forcing functions, namely,
step, impulse, and sinusoidal.
Step Response
If the forcing function is a unit-step function, we have
1
X (s ) ⫽ (7.13)
s
In terms of the manometer shown in Fig. 7–1, this is equivalent to suddenly applying a
pressure difference [such that X(t) P/rg 1] across the legs of the manometer at
time t 0.
Superposition will enable us to determine easily the response to a step function of
any other magnitude.
Combining Eq. (7.13) with the transfer function of Eq. (7.12) gives
1 1
Y (s ) ⫽ (7.14)
s t 2 s 2 ⫹ 2zt s ⫹ 1
The quadratic term in this equation may be factored into two linear terms that contain
the roots
z z2 ⫺1
sa ⫽ ⫺ ⫹ (7.15)
t t
z z2 ⫺1
sb ⫽ ⫺ ⫹
t t (7.16)
Equation (7.14) can now be written
1/t 2
Y (s ) ⫽ (7.17)
s ( s ⫺ sa ) ( s ⫺ sb )
The response of the system Y(t) can be found by inverting Eq. (7.17). The roots sa and
sb will be real or complex depending on value of the parameter z. The nature of the
roots will, in turn, affect the form of Y(t). The problem may be divided into the three
cases shown in Table 7.1. Each case will now be discussed.
TABLE 7–1
Step response of a second-order system
Case y Nature of roots Description of response
I <1 Complex Underdamped or oscillatory
II 1 Real and equal Critically damped
III >1 Real Overdamped or nonoscillatory
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142 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
CASE I STEP RESPONSE FOR y < 1. For this case, the inversion of Eq. (7.17) yields
the result
1 t 1⫺z2
Y (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺z t /t sin 1 ⫺ z 2 ⫹ tan⫺1 (7.18)
1⫺z2 t z
To derive Eq. (7.18), use is made of the techniques of Chap. 3. Since z < 1, Eqs. (7.15)
to (7.17) indicate a pair of complex conjugate roots in the left half-plane and a root at
the origin. In terms of the symbols of Fig. 3–1, the complex roots correspond to s2 and
s2* and the root at the origin to s6.
The reader should realize that in Eq. (7.18), the argument of the sine function is in
radians, as is the value of the inverse tangent term.
By referring to Table 3.1, we see that Y(t) has the form
Y (t ) ⫽ C1 ⫹ e⫺z t /t C2 cos 1 ⫺ z 2 ⫹ C3 sin 1 ⫺ z 2
t t
(7.19)
t t
The constants C1, C2, and C3 are found by partial fractions. The resulting equation is
then put in the form of Eq. (7.18) by applying the trigonometric identity used in Chap. 4,
Eq. (4.26). The details are left as an exercise for the reader. It is evident from Eq. (7.18)
that Y(t) → 1 as t → .
The nature of the response can be understood most clearly by plotting the solution
to Eq. (7.17) as shown in Fig. 7–3, where Y(t) is plotted against the dimensionless vari-
able t/t for several values of z, including those above unity, which will be considered
in the next section. Note that for z < 1 all the response curves are oscillatory in nature
and become less oscillatory as z is increased. The slope at the origin in Fig. 7–3 is
zero for all values of z. The response of a second-order system for z < 1 is said to be
underdamped.
What is the physical significance of an underdamped response? Using the manom-
eter as an example, if we step-change the pressure difference across an underdamped
manometer, the liquid levels in the two legs will oscillate before stabilizing. The oscil-
lations are characteristic of an underdamped response.
CASE II STEP RESPONSE FOR y ⴝ 1. For this case, the response is given by the
expression
Y (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ 1 ⫹ e⫺t / t
t
(7.20)
t
This is derived as follows: Equations (7.15) and (7.16) show that the roots s1 and s2 are
real and equal. By referring to Fig. 3–1 and Table 3.1, it is seen that Eq. (7.20) is the
correct form. The constants are obtained, as usual, by partial fractions.
The response, which is plotted in Fig. 7–3, is nonoscillatory. This condition,
z 1, is called critical damping and allows the most rapid approach of the response to
Y 1 without oscillation.
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 143
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
ζ = 0.8
0.6
0.4
Y(t)
0.8 0.2
1.4
1.2
ζ = 1.0
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
t/
FIGURE 7–3
Response of a second-order system to a unit-step forcing function.
CASE III STEP RESPONSE FOR z > 1. For this case, the inversion of Eq. (7.17) gives
the result
t z t
Y (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ e⫺z t /t cosh z 2 ⫺ 1 ⫹ sinh z 2 ⫺ 1 (7.21)
t z2 − 1 t
where the hyperbolic functions are defined as
e a ⫺ e⫺a
sinh a ⫽
2
e a ⫹ e⫺a
cosh a ⫽
2
The procedure for obtaining Eq. (7.21) is parallel to that used in the previous cases.
The response has been plotted in Fig. 7–3 for several values of z. Notice that the
response is nonoscillatory and becomes more “sluggish” as z increases. This is known
as an overdamped response. As in previous cases, all curves eventually approach the
line Y 1.
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144 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Actually, the response for z > 1 is not new. We saw it previously in the discussion
of the step response of a system containing two first-order systems in series, for which
the transfer function is
Y (s ) 1
⫽ (7.22)
X (s ) (t 1s ⫹ 1) (t 2 s ⫹ 1)
This is true for z > 1 because the roots s1 and s2 are real, and the denominator of Eq.
(7.12) may be factored into two real linear factors. Therefore, Eq. (7.12) is equivalent to
Eq. (7.22) in this case. By comparing the linear factors of the denominator of Eq. (7.12)
with those of Eq. (7.22), it follows that
(
t1 ⫽ z ⫹ z 2 ⫺ 1 t ) (7.23)
(
t2 ⫽ z ⫺ z 2 ⫺ 1 t ) (7.24)
Note that if t1 t 2, then t t 1 t 2 and z 1. The reader should verify these results.
Using MATLAB/Simulink to Determine the Step Response of the Manometer
Consider a manometer as illustrated in Fig. 7–1. The manometer is being used to determine the
pressure difference between two instrument taps on an air line. The working fluid in the manometer
is water. Determine the response of the manometer to a step change in pressure across the legs of
the manometer.
Data
L 200 cm
g 980 cm/s2
m ⫽ 1 cP ⫽ 0 . 01 g/ (cm⭈ s)
for th e working fluid, water
r ⫽ 1 . 0 g/cm 3
∆P 0 for t ⬍ 0
⫽
rg 10 cm for t ⱖ 0
D 0.11 cm, 0.21 cm, 0.31 cm (Three Cases)
Solution. From Eq. (7.4), we have the governing differential equation for the manometer:
2L d 2h 16 mL dh P1 ⫺ P2 ∆P
⫹ ⫹h ⫽ ⫽
3g dt 2 2 dt
rD g r g rg
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 145
In terms of transformed deviation variables, this becomes
t 2 s 2Y (s) ⫹ 2zt sY (s) ⫹ Y (s) ⫽ X (s)
∆P ∆P
where Y ⫽ h ⫺ hs and X⫽ ⫺
rg rg s
3L 8m 3L
t ⫽ and z ⫽
2g rD 2 2g
Let’s calculate the time constant for the manometer.
2L 2(200 cm)
t ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 369 s
3g 3(980 cm 2 /s )
and the damping coefficient for the three different tube diameters
8m 3L 8[0 . 01 g/ (cm ⭈ s)] 3(200 cm) 0 . 0443
z ⫽ ⫽ ⫽
rD 2 2g 3 2 2
(1 . 0 g/cm )( D ) 2(980 cm/s ) D2
Diameter (cm)
0.11 3.66
0.21 1.00
0.31 0.46
Clearly we have one underdamped system (z < 1), one critically damped system (z 1), and
one overdamped system (z > 1). One method of obtaining the responses is to substitute the values
of t and z into Eqs. (7.18), (7.20), and (7.21) and plot the resulting equations, realizing that the forc-
ing function is 10 times a unit step. Another way to obtain the responses is to use MATLAB and
Simulink to obtain the response of the transfer function Y/X to the forcing function input X.
Y (s ) 1 10
⫽ 22 and X ⫽
X (s ) t s ⫹ 2zt s ⫹ 1 s
The three necessary transfer functions are as follows:
Diameter (cm) s z s2 2zs Transfer function
0.11 0.369 3.66 0.136 2.70 1
0 . 136s 2 ⫹ 2 . 70 s ⫹ 1
0.21 0.369 1.00 0.136 0.738 1
0 . 136s 2 ⫹ 0 . 738s ⫹ 1
0.31 0.369 0.46 0.136 0.340 1
0 . 136s 2 ⫹ 0 . 340 s ⫹ 1
(continued)
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146 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
The Simulink model for simulating the transfer functions is shown in Fig. 7–4, and the response is
shown in Fig. 7–5.
1
0.136s2 + 2.70s + 1
Overdamped manometer
1
0.136s2 + 0.738s + 1
Pressure forcing Scope
function Critically damped manometer
10/s
1
0.136s2 + 0.340s + 1
Underdamped manometer
FIGURE 7–4
Simulink diagram for manometer simulation.
12
Underdamped
10
Overdamped
8
Critically
damped
Height 6
4
2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time
FIGURE 7–5
Manometer response to step input.
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 147
Substituting the values for t and z into Eqs. (7.18), (7.20), and (7.21), we get
1 t 1 ⫺z 2
Y (t ) ⫽ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺zt / t sin 1 ⫺ z 2 ⫹ tan⫺1 underdamped manometer
1 ⫺ z 2 t z
⫺1
⫽ 10 1 ⫺ 1.1 3 e⫺1.25t sin 2 . 41t ⫹ tan
1.93
1.09 rad
t ⫺t / 0.369
Y (t ) ⫽ 10 1 ⫺ 1 ⫹ e⫺t /t ⫽ 10 1 ⫺ 1 ⫹
t
e critically damped manometer
t 0 . 369
t z t
Y (t ) ⫽ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺zt / t 2
cosh z ⫺ 1 ⫹ sinh z 2 ⫺ 1 overdampee d manometer
t z2 ⫺1 t
{
⫽ 10 1 ⫺ e⫺9.92 t [ cosh(9.54 t ) ⫹ 1.04 sin h(9.54 t ) ]}
Plotting these responses gives the same results as the Simulink model.
On a practical note, notice that t increases with the total length of the fluid column and that z
increases with the viscosity of the fluid. If the damping coefficient z is small (< < 1.0), the response
of the manometer to a change in pressure can be very oscillatory, and it becomes difficult to obtain
accurate readings of the pressure. To dampen the oscillations, it is common practice to place a
restriction on the bend of the tube. This increases the drag force of the fluid and is equivalent to
increasing m in the equation for z. Such a restriction (a partially open valve) is called a snubber.
Terms Used to Describe an Underdamped System
Of these three cases, the underdamped response occurs most frequently in control sys-
tems. Hence a number of terms are used to describe the underdamped response quan-
titatively. Equations for some of these terms are listed below for future reference. In
general, the terms depend on z and/or t. All these equations can be derived from the
time response as given by Eq. (7.18); however, the mathematical derivations are left to
the reader as exercises.
1. Overshoot. Overshoot is a measure of how much the response exceeds the ultimate
value following a step change and is expressed as the ratio A/B in Fig. 7–6.
The overshoot for a unit step is related to z by the expression
⫺pz
Overshoot ⫽ exp (7.25)
1 ⫺ z 2
This relation is plotted in Fig. 7–7. The overshoot increases for decreasing z.
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148 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Period T
Response time
limit
A C
1.0
Y(t)
T
B
0
0 tr Response
Rise time time
t
FIGURE 7–6
Terms used to describe an underdamped second-order response.
1.0
0.8
f
fn
0.6
0.4
Overshoot
0.2
Decay
ratio
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
ζ
FIGURE 7–7
Characteristics of a step response of an underdamped second-order system.
Why are we concerned about overshoot? Perhaps the temperature in our chemical
reactor cannot be allowed to exceed a specified temperature to protect the catalyst
from deactivation, or if it’s a level control system, we don’t want the tank to over-
flow. If we know these physical limitations, we can determine allowable values of
z and choose our control system parameters to be sure to stay within those limits.
2. Decay ratio. The decay ratio is defined as the ratio of the sizes of successive peaks
and is given by C/A in Fig. 7–6. The decay ratio is related to z by the expression
⫺2p z
2
Decay ratio ⫽ exp ⫽ (overshoot) (7.26)
1 ⫺ z 2
which is plotted in Fig. 7–7. Notice that larger z means greater damping, hence
greater decay.
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 149
3. Rise time. This is the time required for the response to first reach its ultimate value
and is labeled tr in Fig. 7–6. The reader can verify from Fig. 7–3 that tr increases
with increasing z.
4. Response time. This is the time required for the response to come within 5
percent of its ultimate value and remain there. The response time is indicated in
Fig. 7–6. The limits 5 percent are arbitrary, and other limits can be used for
defining a response time.
5. Period of oscillation. From Eq. (7.18), the radian frequency (radians/time) is the
coefficient of t in the sine term; thus,
1⫺z2
radian frequency w ⫽ (7.27)
t
Since the radian frequency w is related to the cyclical frequency f by w 2pf, it
follows that
1 1 1⫺z2
f ⫽ ⫽ (7.28)
T 2p t
where T is the period of oscillation (time/cycle). In terms of Fig. 7–6, T is the time
elapsed between peaks. It is also the time elapsed between alternate crossings of
the line Y 1.
6. Natural period of oscillation. If the damping is eliminated [B 0 in Eq. (7.1), or
z 0], the system oscillates continuously without attenuation in amplitude. Under
these “natural” or undamped conditions, the radian frequency is 1/t, as shown by
Eq. (7.27) when z 0. This frequency is referred to as the natural frequency w n:
1
wn ⫽ (7.29)
t
The corresponding natural cyclical frequency fn and period Tn are related by the
expression
1 1
fn ⫽ ⫽ (7.30)
Tn 2pt
Thus, t has the significance of the undamped period.
From Eqs. (7.28) and (7.30), the natural frequency is related to the actual frequency
by the expression
f
⫽ 1⫺z2
fn
which is plotted in Fig. 7–7. Notice that for z < 0.5 the natural frequency is nearly
the same as the actual frequency.
In summary, it is evident that z is a measure of the degree of damping, or the
oscillatory character, and t is a measure of the period, or speed, of the response of a
second-order system.
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150 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Impulse Response
If a unit impulse d (t) is applied to the second-order system, then from Eqs. (7.12) and
(3A.1) the transform of the response is
1
Y (s ) ⫽ 2 2
(7.31)
t s ⫹ 2zt s ⫹ 1
As in the case of the step input, the nature of the response to a unit impulse will depend
on whether the roots of the denominator of Eq. (7.31) are real or complex. The problem
is again divided into the three cases shown in Table 7.1, and each is discussed below.
CASE I IMPULSE RESPONSE FOR y < 1. The inversion of Eq. (7.31) for z < 1 yields
the result
1 1 t
Y (t ) ⫽ e⫺z t / t sin 1 ⫺ z 2 (7.32)
t 1⫺z 2 t
which is plotted in Fig. 7–8. The slope at the origin in Fig. 7–8 is 1.0 for all values of z.
A simple way to obtain Eq. (7.32) from the step response of Eq. (7.18) is to take
the derivative of Eq. (7.18) with respect to t (remember from App. 3A that the deriva-
tive of the unit-step function is the impulse function). Comparison of Eqs. (7.14) and
(7.31) shows that
Y (s)impulse ⫽ sY (s)step (7.33)
0.8
ζ = 0.2
0.6 0.4
0.6
0.8
0.4
1.0
τ Y(t)
0.2 = 1.2
1.4
0
−0.2
−0.4
0 2 4 6 8 10
t/
FIGURE 7–8
Response of a second-order system to a unit-impulse forcing function.
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 151
The presence of s on the right side of Eq. (7.33) implies differentiation with respect to t
in the time response. In other words, the inverse transform of Eq. (7.31) is
Y (t )impulse ⫽
d
dt
(
Y (t )step ) (7.34)
Application of Eq. (7.34) to Eq. (7.18) yields Eq. (7.32). This principle also yields the
results for the next two cases.
CASE II IMPULSE RESPONSE FOR y 1. For the critically damped case, the response
is given by
1 ⫺t / t
Y (t ) ⫽ te (7.35)
t2
which is plotted in Fig. 7–8.
CASE III IMPULSE RESPONSE FOR y > 1. For the overdamped case, the response is
given by
1 1 t
Y (t ) ⫽ e⫺zt / t sinh z 2 ⫺ 1 (7.36)
t z 2⫺1 t
which is also plotted in Fig. 7–8.
To summarize, the impulse–response curves of Fig. 7–8 show the same general
behavior as the step response curves of Fig. 7–3. However, the impulse response always
returns to zero. Terms such as decay ratio, period of oscillation, etc., may also be used
to describe the impulse response. Many control systems exhibit transient responses
such as those of Fig. 7–8.
Sinusoidal Response
If the forcing function applied to the second-order system is sinusoidal
X (t ) ⫽ A sin w t
then it follows from Eqs. (7.12) and (4.23) that
Aw
Y (s ) ⫽ (7.37)
(s 2
⫹w 2
) (t 2s2 ⫹ 2zt s ⫹ 1)
The inversion of Eq. (7.37) may be accomplished by first factoring the two quadratic
terms to give
Aw /t 2
Y (s ) ⫽ (7.38)
( s ⫺ jw ) ( s ⫹ jw ) ( s ⫺ sa ) ( s ⫺ sb )
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152 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
Here sa and sb are the roots of the denominator of the transfer function and are given by Eqs.
(7.15) and (7.16). For the case of an underdamped system (z < 1), the roots of the denomi-
nator of Eq. (7.38) are a pair of pure imaginary roots (1jw, jw) contributed by the forc-
(
ing function and a pair of complex roots ⫺z /t ⫹ j 1 ⫺ z 2 / t , ⫺ z /t ⫺ j 1 ⫺ z 2 / t
We may write the form of the response Y(t) by referring to Fig. 3–1 and Table 3.1; thus
Y (t ) ⫽ C1 cos w t ⫹ C2 sin w t ⫹ e⫺z t / t C3 cos 1 ⫺ z 2 ⫹ C4 sin 1 ⫺ z 2
t t
t t
(7.39)
The constants are evaluated by partial fractions. Notice in Eq. (7.39) that as t → , only
the first two terms do not become zero. These remaining terms are the ultimate periodic
solution; thus
Y (t )t → ⬁ ⫽ C1 cos w t ⫹ C2 sin w t (7.40)
The reader should verify that Eq. (7.40) is also true for z 1. From this little
effort, we see already that the response of the second-order system to a sinusoidal driv-
ing function is ultimately sinusoidal and has the same frequency as the driving function.
If the constants C1 and C2 are evaluated, we get from Eqs. (4.26) and (7.40)
A
Y (t ) ⫽ sin (w t ⫹ f ) (7.41)
1 ⫺ (w t )2 2 ⫹ ( 2zwt )2
2zwt
where f ⫽ ⫺tan⫺1
1 ⫺ (wt )2
By comparing Eq. (7.41) with the forcing function
X (t ) ⫽ A sin w t
it is seen that
1. The ratio of the output amplitude to the input amplitude is
output amplitude 1
Amplitude ratio ⫽ ⫽
input amplitude 2 2
⫹ ( 2zwt )
1 ⫺ (wt ) 2
It will be shown in Chap. 15 that this may be greater or less than 1, depending upon
the values of z and w t. This is in direct contrast to the sinusoidal response of the
first-order system, where the ratio of the output amplitude to the input amplitude is
always less than 1.
2. The output lags the input by phase angle |f |.
2 zwt
f ⫽ phase angle ⫽ ⫺tan⫺1
1 ⫺ (wt )2
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 153
It can be seen from Eq. (7.41), and will be shown in Chap. 15, that |f | approaches
180° asymptotically as w increases. The phase lag of the first-order system, on the
other hand, can never exceed 90°. Discussion of other characteristics of the sinu-
soidal response will be deferred until Chap. 15.
We now have at our disposal considerable information about the dynamic behav-
ior of the second-order system. It happens that many control systems that are not truly
second-order exhibit step responses very similar to those of Fig. 7–3. Such systems are
often characterized by second-order equations for approximate mathematical analysis.
Hence, the second-order system is quite important in control theory, and frequent use
will be made of the material in this chapter.
7.2 TRANSPORTATION LAG
A phenomenon that is often present in flow systems is the transportation lag. Syn-
onyms for this term are dead time and distance velocity lag. As an example, consider
the system shown in Fig. 7–9, in which a liquid flows through an insulated tube of uni-
form cross-sectional area A and length L at a
Cross-sectional area = A
constant volumetric flow rate q. The density r
and the heat capacity C are constant. The tube
x(t) y(t) wall has negligible heat capacity, and the veloc-
q q
L ity profile is flat (plug flow).
The temperature x of the entering fluid
FIGURE 7–9 varies with time, and it is desired to find the
System with transportation lag. response of the outlet temperature y(t) in terms
of a transfer function.
As usual, it is assumed that the system is initially at steady state; for this system,
it is obvious that the inlet temperature equals the outlet temperature; i.e.,
xs ⫽ ys (7.42)
If a step change were made in x(t) at t 0, the change would not be detected at the
end of the tube until t s later, where t is the time required for the entering fluid to pass
through the tube. This simple step response is shown in Fig. 7–10.
If the variation in x(t) were some arbitrary function, as shown in Fig. 7–10, the
response y(t) at the end of the pipe would be identical with x(t) but again delayed by t
x(t)
x(t)
τ
y(t) y(t)
0 τ t 0 τ t
(a) (b)
FIGURE 7–10
Response of transportation lag to various inputs.
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154 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
units of time. The transportation lag parameter t is simply the time needed for a particle
of fluid to flow from the entrance of the tube to the exit, and it can be calculated from
the expression
volume of tube
t ⫽
volumetric flow rate
AL
or t ⫽ (7.43)
q
It can be seen from Fig. 7–10 that the relationship between y(t) and x(t) is
y( t ) ⫽ x ( t ⫺ t ) (7.44)
Subtracting Eq. (7.42) from Eq. (7.44) and introducing the deviation variables X x xs
and Y y ys give
Y (t ) ⫽ X ( t ⫺ t ) (7.45)
If the Laplace transform of X(t) is X(s), then the Laplace transform of X(t t) is est X(s).
This result follows from the theorem on translation of a function, which was discussed
in App. 3A. Equation (7.45) becomes
Y (s) ⫽ e⫺st X (s)
Y (s )
or ⫽ e⫺st (7.46)
X (s )
Therefore, the transfer function of a transportation lag is est.
The transportation lag is quite common in the chemical process industries where
a fluid is transported through a pipe. We shall see in a later chapter that the presence of
a transportation lag in a control system can make it much more difficult to control. In
general, such lags should be avoided if possible by placing equipment close together.
They can seldom be entirely eliminated.
APPROXIMATION OF TRANSPORT LAG. The transport lag is quite different from the
other transfer functions (first-order, second-order, etc.) that we have discussed in that it
is not a rational function (i.e., a ratio of polynomials.) As shown in Chap. 13, a system
containing a transport lag cannot be analyzed for stability by the Routh test. The trans-
port lag can also be difficult to simulate by computer. For these reasons, several approx-
imations of transport lag that are useful in control calculations are presented here.
One approach to approximating the transport lag is to write et s as 1/et s and to
express the denominator as a Taylor series; the result is
1 1
e⫺t s ⫽ ts
⫽
e 1 ⫹ t s ⫹ t s / 2 ⫹ t 3 s 3 / 3! ⫹
2 2
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 155
Keeping only the first two terms in the denominator gives
1
e⫺t s ⬵ (7.47)
1 ⫹ ts
This approximation, which is simply a first-order lag, is a crude approximation of a
transport lag. An improvement can be made by expressing the transport lag as
e⫺t s / 2
e⫺t s ⫽
et s / 2
Expanding numerator and denominator in a Taylor series and keeping only terms of
first-order give
1 ⫺ ts / 2
e⫺t s ⬵ first-order Padé (7.48)
1 ⫹ ts / 2
This expression is also known as a first-order Padé approximation.
Another well-known approximation for a transport lag is the second-order Padé
approximation:
1 ⫺ t s / 2 ⫹ t 2 s 2 /12
e⫺t s ⬵ second-ordee r Padé (7.49)
1 ⫹ t s / 2 ⫹ t 2 s 2 /12
Equation (7.48) is not merely the ratio of two Taylor series; it has been optimized to
give a better approximation.
The step responses
1.0
of the three approximations
of transport lag presented
0.6 (1) here are shown in Fig. 7–11.
The step response of ets is
(4)
0.2 also shown for comparison.
Y 0 Notice that the response for
−0.2 the first-order Padé approxi-
mation drops to 1 before ris-
−0.6
(3) ing exponentially toward 1.
(2) The response for the second-
order Padé approximation
−1.0
0 1 t/τ 2 jumps to 1 and then descends
to below 0 before returning
FIGURE 7–11 gradually back to 1.
Step response to approximation of the transport lag ets:
1 Although none of the
(1) ; (2) first-order Padé; (3) second-order Padé ; (4) ets. approximations for ets is
ts ⫹ 1
very accurate, the approxima-
tion for et s is more useful when it is multiplied by several first-order or second-order
transfer functions. In this case, the other transfer functions filter out the high-frequency
content of the signals passing through the transport lag, with the result that the transport
lag approximation, when combined with other transfer functions, provides a satisfactory
result in many cases. The accuracy of a transport lag can be evaluated most clearly in
terms of frequency response, a topic covered later in this book.
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156 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
SUMMARY
After studying the material in this chapter, we now have at our disposal considerable
information about the dynamic behavior of the second-order systems and transportation
lags. We noted that even though many control systems are not truly second-order, they
frequently exhibit step responses very similar to what we have observed in this chapter.
Such systems are often characterized by second-order equations for an approximate
mathematical analysis. Therefore, the second-order system is quite important in control
theory, and we will make use of this material often in future chapters.
PROBLEMS
7.1. A step change of magnitude 4 is introduced into a system having the transfer function
Y (s ) 10
⫽ 2
X (s ) s ⫹ 1 . 6s ⫹ 4
Determine
(a) Percent overshoot
(b) Rise time
(c) Maximum value of Y(t)
(d) Ultimate value of Y(t)
(e) Period of oscillation
7.2. The two-tank system shown in Fig. P7–2 is
20 ft3/min 10 ft3 operating at steady state. At time t 0, 10 ft3
A1
of water is quickly added to the first tank. Using
appropriate figures and equations in the text,
h1
R1 determine the maximum deviation in level (feet)
A2
in both tanks from the ultimate steady-state
values and the time at which each maximum
h2 R2 occurs. Data:
A1 ⫽ A2 ⫽ 10 ft 2
FIGURE P7–2 R1 ⫽ 0. 1 ft/cfm
R2 ⫽ 0. 35 ft/cfm
7.3. The two-tank liquid-level system shown in Fig.
q
P7–3 is operating at steady state when a step
A1 change is made in the flow rate to tank 1. The
transient response is critically damped, and it
h1 takes 1.0 min for the change in level of the sec-
R1
A2 ond tank to reach 50 percent of the total change.
If the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the
h2
tanks is A1/A2 2, calculate the ratio R1/R2. Cal-
R2 culate the time constant for each tank. How long
does it take for the change in level of the first
FIGURE P7–3 tank to reach 90 percent of the total change?
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 157
7.4. Use Simulink to solve Prob. 7.3.
7.5. Design a mercury manometer that will measure pressures up to 2 atm absolute and will give
responses that are slightly underdamped (that is, z 0.7).
7.6. Verify Eqs. (7.18), (7.20), and (7.21).
7.7. Verify Eqs. (7.25) and (7.26).
7.8. Verify Eq. (7.41).
7.9. If a second-order system is overdamped, it is more difficult to determine the parameters z
and t experimentally. One method for determining the parameters from a step response has
been suggested by R. C. Oldenbourg and H. Sartorius (The Dynamics of Automatic Con-
trols. ASME, p. 78, 1948), as described below.
(a) Show that the unit-step response for the overdamped case may be written in the form
r1er2t ⫺ r2er1t
S (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺
r1 ⫺ r2
where r1 and r2 are the (real and negative) roots of
t 2 s 2 ⫹ 2zt s ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0
(b) Show that S(t) has an inflection point at
ln ( r2 / r1 )
ti ⫽
r1 / r2
(c) Show that the slope of the step response at the inflection point
dS (t )
⫽ S⬘( ti )
dt t ⫽ ti
has the value
S⬘( ti ) ⫽ ⫺r1er1ti ⫽ ⫺r2er2ti
r1 / ( r1 ⫺r2 )
r
⫽ ⫺r1 2
r1
(d) Show that the value of the step response at the inflection point is
r1 ⫹ r2
S A ti B ⫽ 1 ⫹ S⬘( ti )
r1r 2
and that hence
1 ⫺ S ( ti ) 1 1
⫽ ⫺
S⬘( ti ) r1 r2
(e) On a typical sketch of a unit-step response, show distances equal to
1 1 ⫺ S ( ti )
and
S⬘( ti ) S⬘( ti )
and hence present two simultaneous equations resulting from a graphical method for
determination of r1 and r2.
( f ) Relate z and t to r1 and r2.
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158 PART 2 LINEAR OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
7.10. Determine Y(0), Y(0.6), and Y() if
1 25 ( s ⫹ 1)
Y (s ) ⫽
s s 2 ⫹ 2s ⫹ 25
7.11. In the liquid-level system shown in Fig. P7–11, the deviation in flow rate to the first tank
is an impulse function of magnitude 5. The following data apply: A1 1 ft2, A2 A3
2 ft2, R1 1 ft /cfm, and R2 1.5 ft /cfm.
Q(t) = 5δ (t)
A1
h1
R1
Tank 1 A2
h2
R2
Tank 2 A3
h3
Constant flow
Tank 3
FIGURE P7–11
(a) Determine expressions for H1(s), H2(s), and H3(s) where H1, H2, and H3 are deviations
in tank level for tanks 1, 2, and 3.
(b) Sketch the responses of H1 (t), H2 (t), and H3 (t). (You need show only the shape of the
responses; do not plot.)
(c) Determine H1 (3.46), H2 (3.46), and H3 (3.46). For H2 and H3, use graphs in Chap. 7
of this text after first finding values of t and z for an equivalent second-order system.
7.12. Sketch the response Y(t) if Y(s) e2s/[s2 1.2s 1]. Determine Y(t) for t 0, 1, 5, and .
7.13. The two tanks shown in Fig. P7–13 are connected in an interacting fashion. The system is
initially at steady state with q 10 cfm. The following data apply to the tanks: A1 1 ft2,
A2 1.25 ft2, R1 1 ft/cfm, and R2 0.8 ft/cfm.
q
A1 A2
h1 h2
R1 R2
FIGURE P7–13
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 159
(a) If the flow changes from 10 to 11 cfm according to a step change, determine H2(s), i.e.,
the Laplace transform of H2(t), where H2 is the deviation in h2.
(b) Determine H2(1), H2(4), and H2().
(c) Determine the initial levels (actual levels) h1(0) and h2(0) in the tanks.
(d) Obtain an expression for H1(s) for the unit-step change described above.
7.14. From figures in this chapter, determine Y(4) for the system response expressed by
2 2s ⫹ 4
y( s ) ⫽
s 4 s 2 ⫹ 0 . 8s ⫹ 1
7.15. A step change of magnitude 3 is introduced into the transfer function
Y (s ) 10
⫽ 2
X (s) 2s ⫹ 0 . 3s ⫹ 0 . 5
Determine the overshoot and the frequency of oscillation.
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CHAPTER
7
CAPSULE SUMMARY
STANDARD FORM FOR A SECOND-ORDER
SYSTEM: 2
2 d Y dY
t ⫹ 2zt ⫹ Y ⫽ X (t )
dt 2 dt
t ⫽ Time constant
z ⫽ Damping coefficient (magn i tude of this parameter determines the natu
u re of the response)
Sample Second-Order System Response Sample Second-Order System Response
to a Unit-Step Input to a Unit Impulse Input
1.4 0.7
Underdamped ζ<1 0.6 Underdamped ζ<1
1.2
Input Step 0.5
1
Critically damped ζ=1
0.4 Critically damped ζ=1
0.8
Output
Output
0.3
0.6 0.2
Overdamped ζ>1
0.1 Overdamped ζ>1
0.4
0
0.2
−0.1
0 −0.2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Time Time
TERMS TO DESCRIBE AN UNDERDAMPED
(OSCILLATORY) SECOND-ORDER RESPONSE
⫺pz A
Overshoot ⫽ exp ⫽
1 ⫺ z 2 B
⫺2pz C
Decay ratio ⫽ exp ⫽ (overshoot)2 ⫽
1 ⫺ z 2 A
1⫺z 2 1
Radian frequency w ⫽ w n ⫽ natural frequenc y ⫽
t t
160
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CHAPTER 7 HIGHER-ORDER SYSTEMS: SECOND-ORDER AND TRANSPORTATION LAG 161
Period T
Response time
limit
A C
1.0
Y(t)
T
B
0
0 tr Response
Rise time time
t
SINUSOIDAL RESPONSE OF A SECOND-
ORDER SYSTEM
2zwt
sin w t ⫹⫺tan⫺1
A
2
1⫺(w t)2 ⫹ ( 2zwt )2 1⫺ (wt )2
A sin w t 1
→ →
t 2 s 2 ⫹ 2zt s ⫹ 1 ultimate response after
transsients disappear
output amplitude 1 2zwt
Amplitude ratio ⫽ ⫽ f ⫽ phase angle ⫽ ⫺t a n⫺1
input ampli t ude 2 2 1 ⫺ (wt )2
⫹ ( 2zwt )
1 ⫺ (wt ) 2
TRANSPORTATION LAG
x(t)
x(t)
τ
y(t) y(t) Y (s) ⫽ e⫺st X (s)
0 τ t 0 τ t
(a) (b)
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PART
III
LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP
SYSTEMS
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CHAPTER
8
THE CONTROL SYSTEM
8.1 INTRODUCTION
In previous chapters, the dynamic behavior of several basic systems was examined.
With this background, we can extend the discussion to a complete control system and
introduce the fundamental concept of feedback. To work with a familiar system, the
treatment will be based on a stirred-tank heater.
Figure 8–1 is a sketch of the apparatus. To orient the reader, the physical descrip-
tion of the process will be reviewed. A liquid stream at a temperature Ti enters an insu-
lated, well-stirred tank at a constant flow rate w (mass/time). It is desired to maintain
(or control) the temperature in the tank at TR by means of the controller. If the measured
tank temperature Tm differs from the desired temperature TR, the controller senses the
difference or error ε TR Tm and changes the heat input in such a way as to reduce
the magnitude of e. If the controller changes the heat input to the tank by an amount that
is proportional to e, we have proportional control.
In Fig. 8–1, it is indicated that the source of heat input q may be electricity or
steam. If an electrical source were used, the final control element might be a variable
transformer that is used to adjust current to a resistance heating element; if steam were
used, the final control element would be a control valve that adjusts the flow of steam.
In either case, the output signal from the controller should adjust q in such a way as to
maintain control of the temperature in the tank.
8.2 COMPONENTS OF A CONTROL SYSTEM
The system shown in Fig. 8–1 may be divided into the following components:
1. Process (stirred-tank heater).
2. Measuring element (thermometer).
3. Controller.
4. Final control element (variable transformer or control valve).
165
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166 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Final control
Electrical power element Controller
or steam
Tm
Desired
q temperature
w, Ti (set point, TR)
Temperature
measuring
Process element
w, Ti
FIGURE 8–1
Control system for a stirred-tank heater.
Each of these components can be readily identified as a separate physical item in the
process. In general, these four components will constitute most of the control systems
that we consider in this text; however, the reader should realize that more complex con-
trol systems exist in which more components are used. For example, some processes
require a cascade control system in which two controllers and two measuring elements
are used. A cascade system is discussed in Chap. 17.
8.3 BLOCK DIAGRAM
For computational purposes, it is convenient to represent the control system of Fig. 8–1
by means of the block diagram shown in Fig. 8–2. Such a diagram makes it much easier
to visualize the relationships among the various signals. New terms, which appear in
Fig. 8–2, are set point and load. The set point is a synonym for the desired value of the
controlled variable. The load refers to a change in any variable that may cause the con-
trolled variable of the process to change. In this example, the inlet temperature Ti is a
load variable. Other possible loads for this system are changes in flow rate and heat loss
from the tank. (These loads are not shown on the diagram.)
Controller mechanism
Ti, load
Comparator +
+ Final +
TR Controller control Process T
Set point _ element Controlled
Error variable
Tm Measuring
Measured variable element
FIGURE 8–2
Block diagram of a simple control system.
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 167
The control system shown in Fig. 8–2 is called a closed-loop system or a feed-
back system because the measured value of the controlled variable is returned or “fed
back” to a device called the comparator. In the comparator, the controlled variable is
compared with the desired value or set point. If there is any difference between the
measured variable and the set point, an error is generated. This error enters a controller,
which in turn adjusts the final control element to return the controlled variable to the
set point.
Negative Feedback Versus Positive Feedback
Several terms have been used that may need further clarification. The feedback prin-
ciple, which is illustrated by Fig. 8–2, involves the use of the controlled variable T to
maintain itself at a desired value TR. The arrangement of the apparatus of Fig. 8–2 is
often described as negative feedback to contrast with another arrangement called posi-
tive feedback. Negative feedback ensures that the difference between TR and Tm is used
to adjust the control element so that the tendency is to reduce the error. For example,
assume that the system is at steady state and that T Tm TR. If the load Ti should
increase, T and Tm would start to increase, which would cause the error e to become
negative. With proportional control, the decrease in error would cause the control-
ler and final control element to decrease the flow of heat to the system, with the result
that the flow of heat would eventually be reduced to a value such that T approaches TR.
A verbal description of the operation of a feedback control system, such as the one
just given, is admittedly inadequate, for this description necessarily is given as a
sequence of events. Actually all the components operate simultaneously, and the only
adequate description of what is occurring is a set of simultaneous differential equa-
tions. This more accurate description is the primary subject matter of the present and
succeeding chapters.
If the signal to the comparator were obtained by adding TR and Tm, we would have
a positive feedback system, which is inherently unstable. To see that this is true, again
assume that the system is at steady state and that T Tm TR. If Ti were to increase, T
and Tm would increase, which would cause the signal from the comparator (e in Fig. 8–2)
to increase, with the result that the heat to the system would increase. However, this
action, which is just the opposite of that needed, would cause T to increase further. It
should be clear that this situation would cause T to “run away” and control would not
be achieved. For this reason, positive feedback would never be used intentionally in
the system of Fig. 8–2. However, in more complex systems it may arise naturally. An
example of this is discussed in Chap. 20.
Servo Problem Versus Regulator Problem
The control system of Fig. 8–2 can be considered from the point of view of its abil-
ity to handle either of two types of situations. In the first situation, which is called the
servomechanism-type (or servo) problem, we assume that there is no change in load
Ti and that we are interested in changing the bath temperature according to some pre-
scribed function of time. For this problem, the set point TR would be changed in accor-
dance with the desired variation in bath temperature. If the variation is sufficiently
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168 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
slow, the bath temperature may be expected to follow the variation in TR very closely.
There are occasions when a control system in the chemical industry will be operated in
this manner. For example, one may be interested in varying the temperature of a reactor
according to a prescribed time-temperature pattern. However, the majority of problems
that may be described as the servo type come from fields other than the chemical indus-
try. The tracking of missiles and aircraft and the automatic machining of intricate parts
from a master pattern are well-known examples of the servo-type problem. The servo
problem can be viewed as trying to follow a moving target (i.e., the changing set point).
The other situation will be referred to as the regulator problem. In this case, the desired
value TR is to remain fixed, and the purpose of the control system is to maintain the
controlled variable at TR in spite of changes in load Ti. This problem is very common in
the chemical industry, and a complicated industrial process will often have many self-
contained control systems, each of which maintains a particular process variable at a
desired value. These control systems are of the regulator type.
In considering control systems in the following chapters, we will frequently dis-
cuss the response of a linear control system to a change in set point (servo problem) sep-
arately from the response to a change in load (regulator problem). However, it should
be realized that this is done only for convenience. The basic approach to obtaining the
response of either type is essentially the same, and the two responses may be superim-
posed to obtain the response to any linear combination of set point and load changes.
8.4 DEVELOPMENT OF BLOCK DIAGRAM
Each block in Fig. 8–2 represents the functional relationship existing between the input
and output of a particular component. In previous chapters, such input-output relations
were developed in the form of transfer functions. In block diagram representations of
control systems, the variables selected are deviation variables, and inside each block
is placed the transfer function relating the input-output pair of variables. Finally, the
blocks are combined to give the overall block diagram. This is the procedure to be fol-
lowed in developing Fig. 8–2.
Process
Consider first the block for the process. This block will be seen to differ somewhat from
those presented in previous chapters in that two input variables are present; however,
the procedure for developing the transfer function remains the same.
An unsteady-state energy balance around the tank gives
dT
q wC ( Ti To ) wC ( T To ) rCV (8.1)
dt
where To is the reference temperature.
[Note: In this analysis, it is assumed that the flow rate of heat q is instantaneously available and independent
of the temperature in the tank. In some stirred-tank heaters, such as a jacketed kettle, q depends on both the
temperature of the fluid in the jacket and the temperature of the fluid in the kettle. In this introductory chapter,
systems (electrically heated tank or direct steam-heated tank) are selected for which this complication can be
ignored. In Chap. 20, the analysis of a steam-jacketed kettle is given in which the effect of kettle temperature
on q is taken into account.]
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 169
At steady state, dT/dt is zero, and Eq. (8.1) can be written
qs wC ( Tis To ) wC ( Ts To ) 0 (8.2)
where the subscript s has been used to indicate steady state.
Subtracting Eq. (8.2) from Eq. (8.1) gives
d ( T Ts )
q qs wC [( Ti Tis ) ( T Ts )] rCV (8.3)
dt
Notice that the reference temperature To cancels in the subtraction. If we introduce the
deviation variables
Ti Ti Tis (8.4)
Q q qs (8.5)
T T Ts (8.6)
Eq. (8.3) becomes
dT
Q wC ( Ti T ) rCV (8.7)
dt
Taking the Laplace transform of Eq. (8.7) gives
Q ( s ) wC [ Ti ( s ) T ( s ) ] rCVsT ( s ) (8.8)
or
rV Q (s)
T ( s ) s 1 Ti ( s ) (8.9)
w wC
This last expression can be written
1/wC 1
Stirred heater transfer function T ( s ) Q (s) Ti ( s ) (8.10)
ts 1 ts 1
rV kg
where t [] [] min
w kg / min
The gain for Q(t) is
1 1 C
[] kg []
wC kJ/ ( kg C ) kJ /min
[ ]
min
Note that if we multiply this gain by a heat input with units of kilojoules per minute, we
obtain a quantity with units of degrees Celsius, as we would expect. From Eq. (8.10) we
can see that two independent quantities, the heater input and the inlet temperature, can
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170 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
cause changes in the outlet temperature. The effects of these two quantities are additive
(a consequence of linear equations and superposition).
If there is a change in Q(t) only, then Ti ( t ) 0 and the transfer function relating
T to Q is
T ( s ) 1/wC (8.11)
Q (s) ts 1
If there is a change in Ti ( t ) only, then Q(t) 0 and the transfer function relating T
to Ti is
T( s ) 1 (8.12)
Ti ( s ) ts 1
Equation (8.10) is represented by the block diagram shown in Fig. 8–3a. This diagram
is simply an alternate way to express Eq. (8.10) in terms of the transfer functions of
Eqs. (8.11) and (8.12). Superposition makes this representation possible. Notice that
in Fig. 8–3 we have indicated summation of signals by the symbol shown in Fig. 8–4,
which is called a summing junction. Subtraction can also be indicated with this symbol
by placing a minus sign at the appropriate input. The summing junction was used previ-
ously as the symbol for the comparator of the controller (see Fig. 8–2). This symbol,
which is standard in the control literature, may have several inputs but only one output.
A block diagram that is equivalent to Fig. 8–3a is shown in Fig. 8–3b. That this
diagram is correct can be seen by rearranging Eq. (8.10); thus
T ( s ) Q ( s ) Ti ( s )
1 1
(8.13)
wC ts 1
1
T′i (s)
s+1
T ′i (s)
+
1 +
1 1
Q(s) C Q(s)
T ′(s) C + s+1 T ′(s)
s+ 1 +
(a) (b)
FIGURE 8–3
Block diagram for process.
In Fig. 8–3b, the input variables (1/wC) Q(s)
Input
and Ti ( s ) are summed before being oper-
+ ated on by the transfer function 1/(ts 1).
+
Note that in all cases the units in the block
Input Output diagram must be consistent. The quantities
being combined at a summing junction must
FIGURE 8–4 have the same units. The readers should
Summing junction. convince themselves that this is indeed the
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 171
f Steam at case. We will see this again and again as we
constant develop more complex block diagrams in
w, Ti conditions
future chapters. Note that the rearrangement
in Eq. (8.13) is merely for mathematical
T convenience, and not what actually hap-
w+f≅w pens. Physically the two inputs (heat and
inlet temperature) have independent effects
FIGURE 8–5
Supplying heat by steam. on the outlet temperature.
The physical situation that exists for
the control system (Fig. 8–1) if steam heat-
ing is used requires more careful analysis to show that Fig. 8–3 is an equivalent block
diagram. Assume that a supply of steam at constant conditions is available for heating
the tank. One method for introducing heat to the system is to let the steam flow through
a control valve and discharge directly into the water in the tank, where it will condense
completely and become part of the stream leaving the tank (see Fig. 8–5).
If the flow of steam, f (lb/time) is small compared with the inlet flow w, the total
outlet flow is approximately equal to w. When the system is at steady state, the heat
balance may be written
wC ( Tis To ) wC ( Ts To ) fs ( H g Hls ) 0 (8.14)
where To reference temperature used to evaluate enthalpy of all streams entering
and leaving tank
Hg specific enthalpy of steam supplied, a constant
Hls specific enthalpy of condensed steam flowing out at Ts, as part of total
stream
The term Hls may be expressed in terms of heat capacity and temperature (assuming no
phase change occurs between Ts and To).
Hls C ( Ts To ) (8.15)
From this, we see that if the steady-state temperature changes, Hls changes. In Eq. (8.14),
fs ( H g Hls ) is equivalent to the steady-state input qs used previously, as can be seen
by comparing Eq. (8.2) with Eq. (8.14).
Now consider an unsteady-state operation in which f is much less than w and the
temperature T of the bath does not deviate significantly from the steady-state tempera-
ture Ts. For these conditions, we may write the unsteady-state balance approximately;
thus
dT
wC ( Ti To ) wC ( T To ) f ( H g Hls ) rCV (8.16)
dt
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172 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
In a practical situation for steam, Hg will be about 1000 Btu/lbm. If the tempera-
ture of the bath T never deviates from Ts by more than 10, the error in using the term
f ( H g Hls ) instead of f(Hg Hl) will be no more than 1 percent. Under these con-
ditions, Eq. (8.16) represents the system closely, and by comparing Eq. (8.16) with
Eq. (8.1), it is clear that
q f ( H g Hls ) (8.17)
Therefore, q is proportional to the flow of steam f, which may be varied by means
of a control valve. It should be emphasized that the analysis presented here is only
approximate. Both f and the deviation in T must be small. The smaller they become, the
more closely Eq. (8.16) represents the actual physical system. An exact analysis of the
problem leads to a differential equation with time-varying coefficients, and the transfer-
function approach does not apply. The problem becomes considerably more difficult.
A better approximation will be discussed in Chap. 20, where linearization techniques
are used.
Example 8.1. Stirred-tank heater model. Let’s revisit the stirred-tank heater
introduced in Example 5.2 (Fig. 8–6).
(a) Determine the response of the outlet temperature of the tank to a step change
in the inlet temperature from 60 to 70C.
(b) Determine the response of the outlet temperature of the tank to a step increase
in the heat input of 42 kW.
(c) Determine the response of the outlet temperature of the tank to a simultane-
ous step change in the inlet temperature from 60 to 70C and a step increase
in the heat input of 42 kW.
The energy balance for the stirred-tank heater is Eq. (8.10):
1/wC 1
T( s ) Q (s) Ti ( s ) (8.10)
ts 1 ts 1
Ti = 60°C
200 L/min
Water
V = 1,000 L
T = 80°C
Heat input
q
FIGURE 8–6
Stirred-tank heater revisited.
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 173
Substituting in numerical values for the variables, we obtain the actual transfer
function for this stirred-tank heater.
rV V V tank volume 1, 000 L
t 5 min
w w /r u volumetric flow ratte 200 L/min
1 1 1 C C
wC 200 L 1 kg 4 . 184 kJ 1 min 14 kJ/s 14 kW
min L kg C 60 s
1 1 C
T (s) Ti (s) Q (s )
5s 1 5s 1 14 kW
The block diagram for the tank is shown in Fig. 8–7.
Remember that T , Ti , and Q(s)
T ′i are deviation variables:
Q +
1 + 1 T′
14 5s + 1 T T 80
Ti Ti 60
FIGURE 8–7
Block diagram for stirred-tank heater (tank and heater only).
Q q qs
The steady-state heat input qs may be found from the steady-state energy balance,
Eq. (8.2).
qs wC ( Tis To ) wC ( Ts To ) 0 (8.2)
kgg 1 min kJ
qs wC ( Ts Tis ) 200 4 . 184 (80 C 60 C ) 280 kW
min 60 s kg C
Thus,
Q q qs q 280 kW
Solution
(a) If the inlet temperature is stepped from 60 to 70C, then Ti(t ) 70 60 10
and Ti (s) 10/ s.
Note that Q 0. Thus,
10 1
T (s)
s 5s 1
Inverting to the time domain, we obtain the expression for T(t).
T (t ) 10(1 et / 5 )
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174 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
10 Outlet Temperature (°C) 90 Ac tual Outlet
9 Deviation 89 Temperature (°C)
8 Variable 88
7 87
6 86
5 85
4 84
3 83
2 82
1 81
0 80
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Time (min) Time (min)
(a) (b)
FIGURE 8–8
Outlet temperature from stirred-tank heater. (a) Deviation variable; (b) actual temperature.
and finally, we obtain the expression for T(t), the actual tank outlet temperature.
T (t ) Ts T (t ) 80 10(1 et / 5 )
A plot of the outlet temperature (in deviation variables) is shown in Fig. 8–8a. The
actual outlet temperature is shown in Fig. 8–8b. Note that for the uncontrolled mixing
tank, a step change of 10C in the inlet temperature ultimately produces a 10C change
in the outlet temperature. This result is just what we would expect after considering the
physics of the situation.
(b) For a step increase in the heat input of 42 kW, Q 42/s. Note that Ti 0 for this
case. The expression for T is given by
42 1 1
T (s)
s 14 5s 1
Inverting to the time domain, we obtain the expression for T(t).
T (t ) 3(1 et / 5 )
and finally, we obtain the expression for T(t), the actual tank outlet temperature.
T (t ) Ts T (t ) 80 3(1 et / 5 )
Qualitatively, this response is the same as for part (a); however, the ultimate tempera-
ture change due to the increased heat input is 3C.
(c) If both changes occur simultaneously, the expression for T(t) is given by
42 1 1 10 1
T (s)
s 14
5s 1 s
5s 1
∆T due to change in heat input ∆T due to change in inlet temperature
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 175
Inverting, we obtain
T (t ) 13(1 et / 5 )
T (t ) Ts T (t ) 80 13(1 et / 5 )
As we can see, because the system is linear, the principle of superposition applies and
the effects are additive.
Measuring Element
The temperature measuring element, which senses the bath temperature T and transmits
a signal Tm to the controller, may exhibit some dynamic lag. From the discussion of the
mercury thermometer in Chap. 4, we observed this lag to be first-order. In this exam-
ple, we will assume that the temperature measuring element is a first-order system, for
which the transfer function is
Tm ( s ) 1
Measuring element transfer function (8.18)
T( s ) t ms 1
where the input-output variables T and Tm are deviation variables, defined as
T T Ts
Tm Tm Tms
Note that when the control system is at steady
1
T′(s) state, Tms Ts , which means that the tempera-
T ′m(s)
ms + 1
ture measuring element reads the true bath tem-
perature. The transfer function for the measuring
FIGURE 8–9 element may be represented by the block dia-
Block diagram of measuring element. gram shown in Fig. 8–9.
Thermocouples, commonly used temper-
ature sensing devices in industry, have time constants on the order of 6 to 20 seconds
(Riggs, 2007). The size of the time constant depends on the mass (size) of the thermo-
couple. Sometimes thermocouples are installed inside a protective sleeve called a ther-
mowell that extends into the pipe or tank. The thermowell provides a protective barrier
for the thermocouple against corrosion and abrasion, but can increase the effective time
constant for the sensor.
Example 8.2. The temperature sensing element for the stirred-tank heater in
Example 8.1 is a thermocouple. The manufacturer’s specifications state that
the thermocouple has a response time of 45 s (with the response time defined
by the manufacturer as the time required for the thermocouple’s reading to be
90 percent complete after a step change). Assuming that the thermocouple
behaves as a first-order system, determine the transfer function for the tempera-
ture measuring element.
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176 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
The model for the sensor is first-order. If T(s) 1/s, a unit-step change, then
the sensor response is
1 1
Tm (s)
s t m s 1
Inverting gives
Tm (t ) (1 e t / t m )
Since the ultimate value of Tm is 1, we know from the manufacturer’s specifica-
tions that we can expect the response to be 90 percent complete at t 45 s, which
enables us to determine tm.
0 . 9 (1 e 45 s /t m )
45 s
2 . 303
tm
t m 19 . 5 s 0 . 33 min
Therefore, the transfer function relating the actual temperature in the tank T to
the measured or indicated temperature Tm is
Tm ( s ) 1
T( s ) 0 . 33s 1
The block diagram for the stirred-tank heater, including the thermocouple, is
shown in Fig. 8–10.
Example 8.3. For a step change in the inlet temperature to the stirred tank of
10C (no change in heat input Q 0), plot the actual tank temperature and the
temperature indicated by the thermocouple in Example 8.2 as a function of time.
We can solve the equations by hand to obtain:
T (t ) 10(1 et /5 ) (from Example 8. 1)
and
10 0 . 71 10 . 71 10
Tm (s)
s ( 0 . 33s 1)( 5s 1) s 3 . 03 s 0.2 s
Inverting to get Tm (t ) yields
Tm (t ) 10 0 . 71e3.03t 10 . 71e0.2 t
Plotting T and Tm , we obtain Fig. 8–11. From the graphs, it is clear that Tm ,
lags behind T.
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 177
T i′
+
Q 1 + 1 T′ 1 T ′m
14 5s + 1 0.33s + 1
FIGURE 8–10
Block diagram for stirred-tank heater and measuring element.
10 7
Actual Expanded view of short times
9 temperature T′
6
8
Actual
7 5 temperature T ′
Temperature
change (°C)
Temperature
change (°C)
6 4
5 Indicated temperature T ′m
4 3
3 2
Indicated temperature T ′m
2
1
1
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time (min) Time (min)
(a) (b)
FIGURE 8–11
Comparison of temperature response for measured and actual temperatures in the stirred-
tank heater. (a) Complete response; (b) expanded time scale for short times.
1 Actual temp. T′ 1
Inlet temp. T′i 5s + 1 0.33s + 1
Step Tank model Thermocouple Indicated temp. T ′m
Scope
Temps
To workspace
FIGURE 8–12
Simulink block diagram for Example 8.3.
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178 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
We can also obtain these plots easily using Simulink (see Figs. 8–12 and 8–13).
If we choose not to use the Scope, we can plot from the MATLAB workspace and
obtain the same graph that we did previously (Fig. 8–14).
plot(temps.time,temps.signals.values)
FIGURE 8–13
Scope output from Simulink simulation of Example 8.3.
10
Actual
9 temperature T ′
8
Temperature Change (°C)
7
6
Indicated temperature T′m
5
4
3
2
1
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Time (min)
FIGURE 8–14
MATLAB plot of output for stirred-tank heater reponse.
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 179
Controller and Final Control Element
For convenience, the blocks representing the controller and the final control element
are combined into one block. In this way, we need be concerned only with the overall
response between the error in the temperature and the heat input to the tank. Also, it
is assumed that the controller is a proportional controller. (In Chap. 9, the response of
other controllers, which are commonly used in control systems, will be described.) The
relationship for a proportional controller is
q K ce A (8.19)
where e TR TM
TR set point temperature
Kc proportional sensitivity or controller gain
A heat input when e 0, also called the bias value (shortly we will show that
A qs, the steady-state heat input)
At steady state, it is assumed that the set point, the process temperature, and the mea-
sured temperature are all equal to one another; thus
TRs Ts Tms (8.20)
Let e be the deviation variable for error; thus
e e es (8.21)
where e s TRs Tms .
Since TRs Tms , e s 0 and Eq. (8.21) becomes
e e 0 e (8.22)
This result shows that e is itself a deviation variable.
Since at steady state there is no error, and A is the heat input for zero error, we see
from Eq. (8.19) that
qs K ce s A 0 A A
Note: The steady-state heat input qs is the heat required to raise the steady-state inlet
temperature from Tis to TRs , the desired steady-state set point temperature. The steady-
state output from the controller/heater is termed the bias value. It is the output from the
controller when the error is zero (i.e., steady state). It is simply calculated in this case
from qs wC (TRs Tis ), which is easily deduced from Eq. (8.2).
Equation (8.19) may now be written in terms of qs; thus
q K ce qs
or Q K ce (8.23)
where Q q qs.
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180 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
The transform of Eq. (8.23) is simply
Proportional controller transfer function Q ( s ) K ce ( s ) (8.24)
Note that e, which is also equal to e , may be expressed as
e TR TRs ( Tm Tms ) (8.25)
or e TR Tm (8.26)
Equation (8.25) follows from the definition of e and the fact that TRs Tms . Taking
the transform of Eq. (8.26) gives
Error definition for stirred heater e ( s ) TR ( s ) Tm ( s ) (8.27)
The transfer function for the proportional controller given by Eq. (8.24) and the defini-
tion of the error given by Eq. (8.27) may be expressed by the block diagram shown in
Fig. 8–15.
We have now completed the development of the separate blocks. If these are
combined according to Fig. 8–2, we obtain the block diagram for the complete control
system shown in Fig. 8–16. The reader should verify this figure. Note that when we con-
struct a block diagram, it is indicating the flow of information around the control loop. If
a line in the block diagram splits, the information in that line is merely being sent to two
different places–there is not a process “stream” that is being divided in any way.
+ (s)
T′R(s) Kc Q(s)
_
T ′m(s)
FIGURE 8–15
Block diagram of proportional controller.
T ′i(s)
+ +
Q 1 1
T′R(s) Kc T′(s)
C + s +1
-
′ (s)
Tm 1
ms + 1
FIGURE 8–16
Block diagram of control system.
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 181
Example 8.4 Using the numerical values given in Examples 8.1 and 8.2 and a
value of 20 for the proportional gain (Kc 20), plot the response of the tank tem-
perature to a change in the set point (or desired temperature) TR of 5C.
At this point, we have not yet learned how to handle the block diagram alge-
bra required to obtain this response by a hand calculation (this will be the topic
of Chaps. 11 and 12). However, Simulink provides us with a very easy means of
determining the response.
We merely construct the block diagram in Simulink exactly as written (see
Fig. 8–17). The plot of the response of the tank temperature to a change in the set
point is shown in Fig. 8–18.
Actual tank
Set point T r′ Error Q′(kW) 1 temp. T'
+_ 20 0.0714 5s+1
Step Proportional gain Tank
change Kc Heater gain Scope
temps
Measured temp, T ′m 1
To workspace
0.33s+1
Thermocouple
FIGURE 8–17
Simulink model of stirred tank control system.
6
Set point T ′r
5
Temperature change (°C)
4
Actual tank temperature T ′
3
2
1
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Time (min)
FIGURE 8–18
Response of stirred tank heater control system for proportional control only to a step change in the
set point of 5C (Kc 20).
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182 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
SUMMARY
It has been shown that a control system can be translated to a block diagram that includes
the transfer functions of the various components. It should be emphasized that a block
diagram is simply a systematic way of writing the simultaneous differential and alge-
braic equations that describe the dynamic behavior of the components. In the present
case, these were Eqs. (8.10), (8.18), (8.24), and (8.27). The block diagram clarifies the
relationships among the variables of these simultaneous equations. Another advantage
of the block diagram representation is that it clearly shows the feedback relationship
between measured variable and desired variable and how the difference in these two
signals (the error e ) is used to maintain control. A set of equations generally does not
clearly indicate the relationships shown by the block diagram.
In the next several chapters, tools will be developed that will enable us to reduce
a block diagram such as the one in Fig. 8.16 to a single block that relates T(s) to Ti or
TR . We will then obtain the transient response of the control system shown in Fig. 8.16
to some specific changes in Ti and TR . However, first we pause in Chap. 9 to look
more carefully at the controller and control element blocks, which have been skimmed
over in this chapter.
PROBLEMS
8.1. The two-tank heating process shown in Fig. P8–1 consists of two identical, well-stirred
tanks in series. A flow of heat can enter tank 2. At time t 0, the flow rate of heat to tank 2
suddenly increases according to a step function to 1,000 Btu/min, and the temperature of the
inlet water Ti drops from 60 to 52F according to a step function. These changes in heat flow
and inlet water temperature occur simultaneously.
(a) Develop a block diagram that relates the outlet temperature of tank 2 to the inlet tem-
perature to tank 1 and the flow of heat to tank 2.
(b) Obtain an expression for T2 ( s ) where T2 is the deviation in the temperature of tank 2.
This expression should contain numerical values of the parameters.
(c) Determine T2(2) and T2 ().
(d) Sketch the response T2 ( t ) versus t.
Initially, Ti T1 T2 60F and q 0. The following data apply:
w 250 lb/min
Holdup volume of each tank 5 ft3
Density of fluid 50 lb/ft3
Heat capacity of fluid 1 Btu/(lb · F)
q
w T1 w
Ti T2
Tank 1 Tank 2
FIGURE P8–1
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 183
8.2. The two-tank heating process shown in Fig. P8–2 consists of two identical, well-stirred
tanks in series. At steady state, Ta Tb 60F. At time t 0, the temperature of each
stream entering the tanks changes according to a step function, that is, Ta 10u ( t ) and
Tb 20u ( t ) where Ta and Tb are deviation variables.
(a) Develop the block diagram that relates T2 , the deviation in temperature in tank 2, to Ta
and Tb.
(b) Obtain an expression for T2 ( s ) .
(c) Determine T2(2).
The following data apply:
w1 w2 250 lb/min
Holdup volume of each tank 10 ft3
Density of fluid 50 lb/ft3
Heat capacity of fluid 1 Btu/(lb · F)
Tb
w2
Ta T1 T2
w1 w1 w3 = w1 + w2
Tank 1 Tank 2
FIGURE P8 –2
8.3. The heat transfer equipment shown in Fig. P8–3 consists of two tanks, one nested inside the
other. Heat is transferred by convection through the wall of the inner tank. The contents of
each tank are well mixed. The following data and information apply:
1. The holdup volume of the inner tank is 1 ft3. The holdup of the outer tank is 1 ft3.
2. The cross-sectional area for heat transfer between the tanks is 1 ft2.
3. The overall heat-transfer coefficient for the flow of heat between the tanks is 10 Btu/
(h · ft2 · F).
4. The heat capacity of fluid in each tank is 1 Btu/(lb · F). The density of each fluid is 50
lb/ft3.
Initially the temperatures of the feed stream to the outer tank and the contents of the outer
tank are equal to 100F. The con-
tents of the inner tank are initially Q Inner tank
at 100F. At time zero, the flow of
10 lb/h
heat to the inner tank Q is changed
according to a step change from 0
to 500 Btu/h. T
(a) Obtain an expression for the Outer tank
Laplace transform of the tem-
perature of the inner tank T(s).
(b) Invert T(s) and obtain T for FIGURE P8 –3
time 0, 5 h, 10 h, and .
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CHAPTER
8
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Controller mechanism
Ti, load
Comparator +
+ Final +
TR Controller control Process T
Set point _ element Controlled
Error variable
Tm Measuring
Measured variable element
FIGURE 8–2
Block diagram of a simple control system.
Closed loop: The measured value of the controlled variable is fed back to the
controller.
Controller: A device that outputs a signal to the process or final control ele-
ment based on the magnitude of the error signal. A proportional controller
outputs a signal proportional to the error.
Deviation variable: The difference between the actual value of a variable and
its steady-state value. Block diagrams are always constructed using deviation
variables.
Error: The difference between the value of the set point and that of the mea-
sured variable.
Final control element: A device that provides a modulated input to the process
in response to a signal from the controller. For example, this may be a heater,
a control valve, or a variety of other devices.
Load: The change in any process variable that can cause the controlled variable
to change.
Measuring element: A sensor used to determine the value of the controlled
variable and to send it to the comparator/controller. Examples include a ther-
mocouple (temperature), a strain gage (pressure), a gas chromatograph (com-
position), and a pH electrode (acidity). These sensors typically have some
dynamic behavior associated with them and can affect the design of the con-
trol system.
184
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CHAPTER 8 THE CONTROL SYSTEM 185
Negative feedback: The error is the difference between the set point and the
measured variable (this is usually the desired configuration).
Positive feedback: The measured variable is added to the set point. (This is
usually an undesirable situation, and frequently it leads to instability.)
Regulator problem: The goal of a control system for this type of problem is to
enable the system to compensate for load changes and maintain the controlled
variable at the set point.
Servo problem: The goal of a control system for this type of problem is to
force the system to “track” the requested set point changes.
Set point: The desired value of the controlled variable.
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CHAPTER
9
CONTROLLERS AND FINAL
CONTROL ELEMENTS
I n Chap. 8, the block diagram representation of a simple control system (Fig. 8–2) was
developed. This chapter will focus attention on the controller and final control ele-
ment and will discuss the dynamic characteristics of some of these components that are
in common use. As shown in Fig. 8–2, the input signal to the controller is the error, and
the output signal of the controller is fed to the final control element. In many process
control systems, this output signal is an air pressure, and the final control element is a
pneumatic valve that opens and closes as the air pressure on the diaphragm changes.
For the mathematical analysis of control systems, it is sufficient to regard the
controller as a simple computer. For example, a proportional controller may be thought
of as a device that receives the error signal and puts out a signal proportional to it. Simi-
larly, the final control element may be regarded as a device that produces corrective
action on the process. The corrective action is regarded as mathematically related to the
output signal from the controller. However, it is desirable to have some appreciation
of the actual physical mechanisms used to accomplish this. For this reason, we begin
this chapter with a physical description of a pneumatic control valve and a simplified
description of a proportional controller.
Up to about 1960, most controllers were pneumatic. Although pneumatic control-
lers are still in use and function quite well in many installations, the controllers being
installed today are electronic or computer-based instruments. For this reason, the propor-
tional controller to be discussed in this chapter will be electronic or computer-based. The
transfer functions that are presented in this chapter apply to either type of controller, and
186
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CHAPTER 9 CONTROLLERS AND FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS 187
the discussion is in no way restrictive. Other pneumatic devices, such as control valves,
are found throughout chemical processing plants and are a very important part of chemi-
cal process control systems.
After the introductory discussion, transfer functions will be presented for simpli-
fied or idealized versions of the control valve and the conventional controllers. These
transfer functions, for practical purposes, will adequately represent the dynamic behav-
ior of control valves and controllers. Hence, they will be used in subsequent chapters
for mathematical analysis and design of control systems.
9.1 MECHANISMS
Control Valve
The control valve shown in Fig. 9–1 contains a pneumatic device (valve motor) that
moves the valve stem as the pressure on a spring-loaded diaphragm changes. The stem
positions a plug in the orifice of the valve body. In the air-to-close valve, as the air
pressure increases, the plug moves downward and restricts the flow of fluid through the
valve. In the air-to-open valve, the valve opens and allows greater flow as the valve-top
air pressure increases. The choice between air-to-open and air-to-close is usually made
based on safety considerations. If the instrument air pressure fails, we would like the
valve to fail in a safe position for the process. For example, if the control valve were on
the cooling water inlet to a cooling jacket for an exothermic chemical reactor, we would
want the valve to fail open so that we do not lose cooling water flow to the reactor. In
such a situation, we would choose an air-to-close valve.
Valve motors are often constructed so that the valve stem position is proportional
to the valve-top pressure. Most commercial valves move from fully open to fully closed
as the valve-top pressure changes from 3 to 15 psig.
In general, the flow rate of fluid through the valve depends upon the upstream and
downstream fluid pressures and the size of the opening through the valve. The plug and
seat (or orifice) can be shaped so that various relationships between stem position and
size of opening (hence, flow rate) are obtained. In our example, we assume for simplic-
ity that at steady state the flow (for fixed upstream and downstream fluid pressures) is
Air Air
p Motor p Motor
Stem Valve Stem Valve
Plug Plug
Air-to-close Air-to-open
(a) (b)
FIGURE 9–1
Pneumatic control valves. (a) Air to close; (b) air to open.
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188 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
proportional to the valve-top pneumatic pressure. A valve having this relation is called
a linear valve. A more complete discussion of control valves is presented in Chap. 19.
Controller
The control hardware required to control the temperature of a stream leaving a heat
exchanger is shown in Fig. 9–2. This hardware consists of the following components
listed here along with their respective conversions:
Transducer (temperature-to-current)
Computer/Controller (current-to-current)
Converter (current-to-pressure)
Control valve (pressure-to-flow rate)
Figure 9–2 shows that a thermocouple is used to measure the temperature; the signal
from the thermocouple is sent to a transducer, which produces a current output in the
range of 4 to 20 mA, which is a linear function of the input. The output of the transducer
enters the controller where it is compared to the set point to produce an error signal. The
computer/controller converts the error to an output signal in the range of 4 to 20 mA in
accordance with the computer control algorithm. The only control algorithm we have
considered so far has been proportional. Later in this chapter other control algorithms
will be described. The output of the computer/controller enters the converter, which
produces an output in the range of 3 to 15 psig, as a linear function of the input. Finally,
the air pressure output of the converter is sent to the top of the control valve, which
adjusts the flow of steam to the heat exchanger. We assume that the valve is linear and
120 V 120 V 20 psig air
Transducer Computer / Converter
Controller
4–20 mA 4–20 mA
Set point
temp.
Gain 3–15 psig
Valve
Set point
120 V Hot process
stream
Heat exchanger
Cold process
stream
Temperature
measuring
unit
(thermocouple)
FIGURE 9–2
Schematic diagram of control system.
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CHAPTER 9 CONTROLLERS AND FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS 189
is the air-to-open type. The external power (120 V) needed for each component is also
shown in Fig. 9–2. Electricity is needed for the transducer, computer/controller, and
converter. A source of 20 psig air is also needed for the converter.
To see how the components interact with one another, consider the process to be
operating at steady state with the outlet temperature equal to the set point. If the tem-
perature of the cold process stream decreases, the following events occur: After some
delay the thermocouple detects a decrease in the outlet temperature and produces a
proportional change in the signal to the controller. As soon as the controller detects the
drop in temperature, relative to the set point, the controller output increases according
to proportional action. The increase in signal to the converter causes the output pressure
from the converter to increase and to open the valve wider to admit a greater flow of the
hot process stream. The increased flow of hot stream will eventually increase the output
temperature and move it toward the set point. From this qualitative description, we see
that the flow of signals from one component to the next is such that the outlet tem-
perature of the heat exchanger should return toward the set point. An equivalent P&ID
(piping and instrumentation diagram) for this control system is shown in Fig. 9–3 (for
other P&ID symbols, see App. 9A). In a well-tuned control system, the response of the
Temperature
recording controller
TRC
Temperature
TT
transmitter
Temperature
TE
element
Cold
process stream
Heat
exchanger
Air-to-open I
control valve P
Current-to-pressure
converter
Hot
process stream
FIGURE 9–3
Piping and instrumentation diagram for control system of Fig. 9–2.
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190 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
temperature will oscillate around the set point before coming to steady state. We will
give considerable attention to the transient response of a control system in the remain-
der of this book. Further discussion will also be given on control valves in Chap. 19.
For convenience in describing various control laws (or algorithms) in the next
part of this chapter, the transducer, controller, and converter will be lumped into one
block, as shown in Fig. 9–4.
This concludes our brief introduction to valves and controllers. We now present
transfer functions for such devices. These transfer functions, especially for controllers,
are based on ideal devices that can be only approximated in practice. The degree of
approximation is sufficiently good to warrant use of these transfer functions to describe
the dynamic behavior of controller mechanisms for ordinary design purposes.
Transducer Controller Converter
mA mA psig
x p
Measured
variable
(a)
''Controller''
x p
(b)
FIGURE 9–4
Equivalent block for transducer, controller, and converter.
9.2 IDEAL TRANSFER FUNCTIONS
Control Valve
A pneumatic valve always has some dynamic lag, which means that the stem position
does not respond instantaneously to a change in the applied pressure from the control-
ler. From experiments conducted on pneumatic valves, it has been found that the rela-
tionship between flow and valve-top pressure for a linear valve can often be represented
by a first-order transfer function; thus
Control valve
Q(s) Kv
first-order (9.1)
transfer function P (s) t vs 1
where Kv is the steady-state gain, i.e., the constant of proportionality between the steady-
state flow rate and the valve-top pressure, and tv is the time constant of the valve.
In many practical systems, the time constant of the valve is very small when
compared with the time constants of other components of the control system, and the
transfer function of the valve can be approximated by a constant.
Control valve
Q(s) (9.2)
(fast dynamics) Kv
transfer functio n P (s)
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CHAPTER 9 CONTROLLERS AND FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS 191
Under these conditions, the valve is said to contribute negligible dynamic lag.
To justify the approximation of a fast valve by a transfer function, which is sim-
ply Kv, consider a first-order valve and a first-order process connected in series, as
shown in Fig. 9–5.
Value Process
Kv Kp
P Y
vs+1 Ps+1
FIGURE 9–5
Block diagram for first-order valve and a first-order process.
According to the discussion of Chap. 6, if we assume no interaction (which is generally
valid for this case), the relationship between the air pressure to the valve and the output
from the process (perhaps a reactor temperature) is
Y (s) Kv KP
P (s) (t v s 1) (t P s 1)
For a unit-step change in the valve-top pressure P,
1 K v KP
Y
s (t v s 1) (t P s 1)
the inverse of which is
t vt P 1 t / t v 1 t / t P
Y ( t ) K v K P 1 e e
t v t P t P t v
If tv V tP, this equation is approximately
(
Y ( t ) K v K P 1 et /t P )
The last expression is the unit-step response of the transfer function
Y (s) KP
Kv
P (s) t Ps 1
so that the combination of process and valve is essentially first-order. This clearly dem-
onstrates that when the time constant of the valve is much smaller than that of the pro-
cess, the valve transfer function can be taken as Kv.
A typical pneumatic valve has a time constant of the order of 1 s. Many indus-
trial processes behave as first-order systems or as a series of first-order systems having
time constants that may range from a minute to an hour. For these systems we have
shown that the lag of the valve is negligible, and we will make frequent use of this
approximation.
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192 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Controllers
In this section, we present the transfer functions for the controllers frequently used in
industrial processes. Because the transducer and the converter will be lumped together
with the controller for simplicity, the result is that the input will be the measured vari-
able x (e.g., temperature and fluid level) and the output will be a pneumatic signal p.
(See Fig. 9–4.) Actually this form (x as input and p as output) applies to a pneumatic
controller. For convenience, we will refer to the lumped components as the controller
in the following discussion, even though the actual electronic controller is but one of
the components.
PROPORTIONAL CONTROL. The simplest type of controller is the proportional con-
troller. (The ON/OFF control is really the simplest, but it is a special case of the pro-
portional controller as we’ll see shortly.) Our goal is to reduce the error between the
process output and the set point. The proportional controller, as we will see, can reduce
the error, but cannot eliminate it. If we can accept some residual error, proportional
control may be the proper choice for the situation.
The proportional controller has only one adjustable parameter, the controller gain.
The proportional controller produces an output signal (pressure in the case of a pneu-
matic controller, current, or voltage for an electronic controller) that is proportional to
the error e. This action may be expressed as
Proportional
p K ce ps (9.3)
controller
where p output signal from controller, psig or mA
Kc proportional gain, or sensitivity
e error (set point) (measured variable)
ps a constant, the steady-state output from the controller [the bias value, see
Eqs. (8.19) and (8.23)]
The error e, which is the difference between the set point and the signal from the mea-
suring element, may be in any suitable units. However, the units of the set point and
the measured variable must be the same, since the error is the difference between these
quantities.
In a controller having adjustable gain, the value of the gain Kc can be varied by
entering it into the controller, usually by means of a keypad (or a knob on older equip-
ment). The value of ps is the value of the output signal when e is zero, and in most con-
trollers ps can be adjusted to obtain the required output signal when the control system
is at steady state and e 0.
To obtain the transfer function of Eq. (9.3), we first introduce the deviation
variable
P p ps
into Eq. (9.3). At time t 0, we assume the error es to be zero. Then e is already a
deviation variable. Equation (9.3) becomes
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CHAPTER 9 CONTROLLERS AND FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS 193
P ( t ) K ce ( t ) (9.4)
Taking the transform of Eq. (9.4) gives the transfer function of an ideal proportional
controller.
Proportional controller P (s)
Kc (9.5)
transfer function e (s)
The actual behavior of a proportional controller is depicted in Fig. 9–6. The
controller output will saturate (level out) at pmax 15 psig or 20 mA at the upper end
and at pmin 3 psig or 4 mA at the lower end of the output. The ideal transfer func-
tion Eq. (9.5) does not predict this saturation phenomenon.
Proportional controller—Ideal behavior Proportional controller—actual behavior
p p
Saturation
slope = Kc pmax
ps = bias value ps = bias value
0
0 ε Saturation
pmin
0
0 ε
(a) (b)
FIGURE 9–6
Proportional controller output as a function of error input to the controller. (a) Ideal behavior;
(b) actual behavior.
The next example will help to clarify the concept of controller gain.
Example 9.1. A pneumatic proportional controller is used in the process shown
in Fig. 9–2 to control the cold stream outlet temperature within the range of 60 to
120F. The controller gain is adjusted so that the output pressure goes from 3 psig
(valve fully closed) to 15 psig (valve fully open) as the measured temperature goes
from 71 to 75F with the set point held constant. Find the controller gain Kc.
∆p 15 psig 3 psig
Gain 3 psi/ F
∆e 75 F 71 F
Now assume that the gain of the controller is changed to 0.4 psi/F. Find the error in
temperature that will cause the control valve to go from fully closed to fully open.
∆p 12 psi
∆T 30 F
gain 0 . 4 psi/ F
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194 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
At this level of gain, the valve will be fully open if the error signal reaches 30F.
The gain Kc has the units of psi per unit of measured variable. [Regarding the
units on controller gain, if the actual controller of Fig. 9–4 is considered, both
the input and the output units are in milliamperes. In this case the gain will be
dimensionless (i.e., mA/mA).]
ON/OFF CONTROL. A special case of proportional control is on/off control. If the gain
Kc is made very high, the valve will move from one extreme position to the other if the
process deviates only slightly from the set point. This very sensitive action is called on/
off action because the valve is either fully open (on) or fully closed (off); i.e., the valve
acts as a switch. This is a very simple controller and is exemplified by the thermostat
used in a home-heating system. In practice, a dead band is inserted into the controller.
With a dead band, the error reaches some finite positive value before the controller
“turns on.” Conversely, the error must fall to some finite negative value before the
controller “turns off.” This behavior is shown in Fig. 9–7. Expanding the width of the
dead band makes the controller less sensitive to noise and prevents the phenomenon
of chattering, where the controller will rapidly cycle on and off as the error fluctuates
about zero. Chattering is detrimental to equipment performance.
Ideal on/off controller On/off controller with dead band
p
p pmax
pmax
Dead band
pmin pmin
Slope = Kc = infinite
0 0
ε 0 ε
0
(a) (b)
FIGURE 9–7
Output from on/off controller as a function of error input to the controller. (a) Ideal on/off
controller; (b) on/off controller with dead band.
For various reasons, it is often desirable to add other modes of control to the basic
proportional action. These modes, integral and derivative action, are discussed below
with the objective of obtaining the ideal transfer functions of the expanded controllers.
The reasons for introducing these modes will be discussed briefly at the end of this
chapter and in greater detail in later chapters.
PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL (PI) CONTROL. If we cannot tolerate any residual error,
we will have to introduce an additional control mode: integral control. If we add integral
control to our proportional controller, we have what is termed PI, or proportional-integral
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CHAPTER 9 CONTROLLERS AND FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS 195
control. The integral mode ultimately drives the error to zero. This controller has two
adjustable parameters for which we select values, the gain and the integral time. Thus
it is a bit more complicated than a proportional controller, but in exchange for the addi-
tional complexity, we reap the advantage of no error at steady state.
PI control is described by the relationship
Proportional-integral Kc t
controller
p K ce
tI ∫0 e dt + ps (9.6)
where Kc proportional gain
tI integral time, min
ps constant (the bias value)
In this case, we have added to the proportional action term Kce another term that
is proportional to the integral of the error. The values of Kc and tI are both adjustable.
To visualize the response of this controller, consider the response to a unit-step
change in error, as shown in Fig. 9–8. This unit-step response is most directly obtained
by inserting e 1 into Eq. (9.6), which yields
Kc
p ( t ) Kc t ps (9.7)
tI
p Kc
τI
ps
} Kc
1
0
0
t
FIGURE 9–8
Response of a PI controller to a unit-step change in error.
Notice that p changes suddenly by an amount Kc and then changes linearly with time at
a rate Kc/tI.
To obtain the transfer function of Eq. (9.6), we again introduce the deviation vari-
able P p ps into Eq. (9.6) and then take the transform to obtain
Proportional-integral
P (s) 1
controller Kc 1
transfer funcction e (s) t Is (9.8)
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196 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Some manufacturers prefer to use the term reset rate, which is defined as the reciprocal
of tI. The integral adjustment on a controller may be denoted by integral time or reset
rate (carefully check the specific controller to be sure which value to enter). The cali-
bration of the proportional and integral action is often checked by observing the jump
and slope of a step response, as shown in Fig. 9–8.
PROPORTIONAL-DERIVATIVE (PD) CONTROL. Derivative control is another mode
that can be added to our proportional or proportional-integral controllers. It acts upon
the derivative of the error, so it is most active when the error is changing rapidly. It
serves to reduce process oscillations.
This mode of control may be represented by
Proportional-derivative de
p K ce K ct D ps (9.9)
controller dt
where Kc proportional gain
tD derivative time, min
ps constant (bias value)
In this case, we have added to the proportional term another term Kc tD de/dt, which is
proportional to the derivative of the error. The values of Kc and tD are both adjustable.
Other terms that are used to describe the derivative action are rate control and anticipa-
tory control.
The action of this controller can be visualized by considering the response to a
linear change in error as shown in Fig. 9–9.
AKc
p Derivative
AKc D 1
alone
ps
} Proportional alone
A
1
0
0
t
FIGURE 9–9
Response of a PD controller to a ramp input in error.
This response is obtained by introducing the linear function e (t) At into Eq. (9.9) to
obtain
p ( t ) AK c t AK ct D ps
Notice that p changes suddenly by an amount AKc tD as a result of the derivative action
and then changes linearly at a rate AKc. The effect of derivative action in this case is to
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CHAPTER 9 CONTROLLERS AND FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS 197
anticipate the linear change in error by adding output AKc tD to the proportional action.
The controller is taking preemptive action to counter the anticipated change in the error
that it predicted from the slope of the error versus time curve.
To obtain the transfer function from Eq. (9.9), we introduce the deviation variable
P p ps and then take the transform to obtain
Proportional-derivative
P (s)
controller K c (1 t D s ) (9.10)
transfer fuu nction e (s)
PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL-DERIVATIVE (PID) CONTROL. This mode of control
is a combination of the previous modes and is given by the expression
t
Proportional-integral-derivative de Kc
p K ce K ct D e dt ps (9.11)
controller dt tI ∫0
In this case, all three values Kc, tD, and tI can be adjusted in the controller. The transfer
function for this controller can be obtained from the Laplace transform of Eq. (9.11); thus
Proportional-integral-derivative
P (s) 1
controller Kc 1 t D s (9.12)
trransfer function e (s) t Is
Derivative action is based on how rapidly the error is changing, not the magni-
tude of the error or how long the error has persisted. It is based on the slope of the error
versus time curve at any instant in time. Therefore, a rapidly changing error signal will
induce a large derivative response. “Noisy” error signals cause significant problems for
derivative action because of the rapidly changing slope of the error caused by noise.
Derivative control should be avoided in these situations unless the error signal can be
filtered to remove the noise.
Motivation for Addition of Integral and Derivative Control Modes
Having introduced ideal transfer functions for integral and derivative modes of con-
trol, we now wish to indicate the practical motivation for use of these modes. The
curves of Fig. 9–10 show the behavior of a typical feedback control system using
different kinds of control when it is subjected to a permanent disturbance. This may
be visualized in terms of the stirred-tank temperature control system of Chap. 8 after
a step change in Ti. The value of the controlled variable is seen to rise at time zero
owing to the disturbance. With no control, this variable continues to rise to a new
steady-state value. With control, after some time the control system begins to take
action to try to maintain the controlled variable close to the value that existed before
the disturbance occurred.
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198 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Controlled variable, deviation
1
Control action
from initial value
1 None
2 Proportional
3 Proportional-integral
4 Proportional-integral-derivative
2
3
4 Offset
0 4 8 12 16
Time, min
FIGURE 9–10
Response of a typical control system showing the effects of various modes of control.
With proportional action only, the control system is able to arrest the rise of the
controlled variable and ultimately bring it to rest at a new steady-state value. The dif-
ference between this new steady-state value and the original value (the set point, in this
case) is called offset. For the particular system shown, the offset is seen to be only about
20 percent of the ultimate change that would have been realized for this disturbance in
the absence of control.
As shown by the PI curve, the addition of integral action eliminates the offset; the
controlled variable ultimately returns to the original value. This advantage of integral
action is balanced by the disadvantage of a more oscillatory behavior.
The addition of derivative action to the PI action gives a definite improvement
in the response. The rise of the controlled variable is arrested more quickly, and it is
returned rapidly to the original value with little or no oscillation. Discussion of the PD
mode is deferred to a later chapter.
The selection among the control systems whose responses are shown in Fig. 9–10
depends on the particular application. If an offset of about 20 percent is tolerable, pro-
portional action would likely be selected. If no offset were tolerable, integral action
would be added. If excessive oscillations had to be eliminated, derivative action might
be added. The addition of each mode means, as we will see in later chapters, more dif-
ficult controller adjustment. Our goal in forthcoming chapters will be to present the
material that will enable the reader to develop curves such as those of Fig. 9–10 and
thereby to design efficient, economic control systems.
SUMMARY
In this chapter we have presented a brief discussion of control valves and controllers. In
addition, we presented ideal transfer functions to represent their dynamic behavior and
some typical results of using these controllers.
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CHAPTER 9 CONTROLLERS AND FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS 199
The ideal transfer functions actually describe the action of many types of con-
trollers, including pneumatic, electronic, computer-based, hydraulic, mechanical, and
electrical systems. Hence, the mathematical analyses of control systems to be presented
in later chapters, which are based upon first- and second-order systems, transportation
lags, and ideal controllers, generalize to many branches of the control field. After study-
ing this text on process control, the reader should be able to apply the knowledge to,
e.g., problems in mechanical control systems. All that is required is a preliminary study
of the physical nature of the systems involved.
PROBLEMS
9.1. A pneumatic PI temperature controller has an output pressure of 10 psig when the set point
and process temperature coincide. The set point is suddenly increased by 10F (i.e., a step
change in error is introduced), and the following data are obtained:
Time, s psig
0 10
0 8
20 7
60 5
90 3.5
Determine the actual gain (psig per degree Fahrenheit) and the integral time.
9.2. A unit-step change in error is introduced into a PID controller. If Kc 10, tI 1, and
tD 0.5, plot the response of the controller P(t).
9.3. An ideal PD controller has the transfer function
P
K c (t D s 1)
e
An actual PD controller had the transfer function
P t Ds 1
Kc
e (t D /b ) s 1
where b is a large constant in an industrial controller.
If a unit-step change in error is introduced into a controller having the second transfer
function, show that
(
P ( t ) K c 1 Aebt / t D )
where A is a function of b which you are to determine. For b 5 and Kc 0.5, plot P(t) versus
t/tD. As b → , show that the unit-step response approaches that for the ideal controller.
9.4. A PID temperature controller is at steady state with an output pressure of 9 psig. The set
point and process temperature are initially the same. At time t 0, the set point is increased
at the rate of 0.5F/min. The motion of the set point is in the direction of lower temperatures.
If the current settings are
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200 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
K c 2 psig/ F
t i 1 . 25 min
t D 0 . 4 min
plot the output pressure versus time.
9.5. The input e to a PI controller is shown in Fig. P9–5. Plot the output of the controller if
Kc 2 and tI 0.50 min.
1
0.5
2 3
ε 0
0 1 4
t, min
−0.5
−1
FIGURE P9–5
9.6. A PI controller has the transfer function
5s 10
Gc
s
Determine the values of Kc and tI.
9.7. Dye for our new line of blue jeans is being blended in a mixing tank. The desired color of blue
is produced using a concentration of 1500 ppm blue dye, with a minimum acceptable con-
centration of 1400 ppm. At 9 A.M. today the dye injector plugged, and the dye flow was inter-
rupted for 10 min, until we realized the problem and unclogged the nozzle. see Fig. P9–7.
Water 20 gal/min
20 gal/min aqueous dye for jeans
(1500 ppm blue dye)
Concentrated V = 100 gal
dye injector
Color analyzer
PI
FIGURE P9–7
Plot the controller ouput from 9 A.M. to 9:10 A.M. The steady-state controller output (the bias
value) is 8 psig. Does the controller output saturate (output range is 3 to 15 psig)? If so, at what
time does it occur? The controller is a PI controller with Kc 0.001 psig/ppm and tI 1 min.
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CHAPTER
9
CAPSULE SUMMARY
CONTROL VALVES
Air Air
Two basic types of control valves are p Motor p Motor
air-to-close and air-to-open. The air pres-
sure (pneumatic) signal is usually 3 to Stem Valve Stem Valve
15 psig. The dynamics of the valves are
adequately modeled as first-order sys- Plug Plug
Air-to-close Air-to-open
tems. The time constant is on the order
(a) (b)
of 1 s.
Control valuve Control valve
Q (s) Kv Q (s)
first-order (fast dynamics) Kv
transfer function P (s) t vs 1 transfer functi o n P (s)
CONTROLLERS
Controller type Time domain model Transfer function
P( s )
Proportional (P) p Kc e ps Kc
e (s)
Kc t
P(s)
Proportional-integral (PI) p Kce
tI ∫0 e dt ps Kc 1
1
e (s) t I s
de P(s)
Proportional-derivative (PD) p K c e K ct D ps K c (1 t D s )
dt e (s)
de Kc t P(s) 1
Proportional-integral-
derivative (PID)
p K c e K ct D
dt
tI ∫0 e dt ps e (s)
Kc 1 t D s
t I s
201
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202 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Controlled variable, deviation
1
Control action
from initial value
1 None
2 Proportional
3 Proportional-integral
4 Proportional-integral-derivative
2
3
4 Offset
0 4 8 12 16
Time (min)
(Figure 9.10 Response of a typical control system showing the effects of various modes of control.)
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CHAPTER 9 APPENDIX
PIPING AND INSTRUMENTATION
DIAGRAM SYMBOLS
Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) are used by the chemical process industry
to document the control systems for their processes. The Instrument Society of America
(ISA) produces a standards document [ISA-5.1-1984-(R1992)] “Instrument Symbols
and Identification” that establishes a uniform means of designating instruments, control
systems, and sensors used for measurement and control in a process. The standard is
suitable for use in the chemical, petroleum, power generation, air conditioning, metal
refining, and numerous other process industries. Table 9A.1 shows some common con-
ventions used for identifying process instrumentation and control on process drawings.
Figure 9A–1 shows an example of a level control loop for a process tank. The operation
is as follows. The tank level is measured using a sensor, perhaps a differential pressure
cell, indicated by the bubble containing LE on the diagram. The sensor is connected to
a level transmitter, LT, that sends an electrical signal (4 to 20 mA) to a level indicating
controller LIC. Level alarms high and low, LAH and LAL, “monitor” the signal from
the level transmitter and indicate an alarm situation if necessary. Notice from the sym-
bols (the line through the bubble) that LIC, LAH, and LAL are all located in the control
Tank
T-101
LE
LCV
LT
LAH
LY
LAL
LIC
FIGURE 9A–1
Example of a level control loop using P&ID symbols.
203
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204 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
room, while LE and LT are mounted in the field. The level indicating controller deter-
mines the necessary signal to send to the valve, based on the current level in the tank,
the set point, and the selected control algorithm being used (P or PID, for example).
LY computes the necessary control air pressure signal (3 to 15 psig) to send to the level
control valve LCV to properly respond to the controller output signal from LIC.
TABLE 9A.1
Common symbols used on P&IDs [Instrument Society of America Standard,
ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
Instrument Line Symbols
Instrument supply or piping connection to
process (capillary)
Pneumatic
............................... Electrical
Software signal
Instrument Location and Identification
ABB Instrument located in plant
ABB
Instrument located on front of panel in control room
ABB
Instrument located on back of panel in control room.
ABB Instrument accessible as part of a distributed control system
Common Identification Letters Used in Instrument Symbols
First Letter (A) Second or Third Letter (B)
A Analysis Alarm
B Burner, combustion
C User choice (sometimes conductivity) Control
D User choice (sometimes density or specific gravity)
E Voltage Sensor element
F Flow rate
G User choice Glass, viewing device
H Hand High
I Current (electrical) Indicate
J Power
K Time or time schedule Control station
L Level Light or low
M User choice (sometimes moisture or humidity) Middle or intermediate
O Orifice, restriction
P Pressure, vacuum Point
Q Quantity
R Radioactivity or ratio Record
S Speed or frequency Switch
T Temperature Transmit
V Viscosity or vibration Valve, damper or louver
W Weight or force Well
Y Event Relay, compute, convert
Z Position Drive
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CHAPTER
10
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A
CHEMICAL-REACTOR
CONTROL SYSTEM
T o tie together the principles developed thus far and to illustrate further the procedure
for reduction of a physical control system to a block diagram, we consider in this
chapter the two-tank chemical-reactor control system of Fig. 10–1. This entire chapter
serves as an example and may be omitted by the reader with no loss in continuity.
Set point
composition
Pure A
Controller
m F + rm ≅ F
A
F
c0 Composition
Product measuring
stream element
V, T1, c1, k1 V, T2, c2, k2
Sample
stream
Heating
coil
FIGURE 10–1
Control of a stirred-tank chemical reactor.
205
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206 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
10.1 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM
A liquid stream enters tank 1 at a volumetric flow rate F cfm and contains reactant A
at a concentration of c0 mol A/ft3. Reactant A decomposes in the tanks according to the
irreversible chemical reaction
A → B
The reaction is first-order and proceeds at a rate
rA kc
where rA rate of formation of A, (mol A)/(ft3 · time)
c concentration of A, mol A/ft3
k reaction rate constant (a function of temperature), time1 (k1 ≡ tank 1,
k2 ≡ tank 2)
The reaction is to be carried out in a series of two continuous stirred-tank reac-
tors. The tanks are maintained at different temperatures. The temperature in tank 2 is to
be greater than the temperature in tank 1, with the result that k2, the reaction rate con-
stant in tank 2, is greater than that in tank 1, k1. We will neglect any changes in physical
properties due to chemical reaction.
The purpose of the control system is to maintain c2, the concentration of A leav-
ing tank 2, at some desired value in spite of variations in the inlet concentration c0. This
will be accomplished by adding a stream of pure A to tank 1 through a control valve.
We wish to produce a block diagram for the process so that we can simulate its response
to changes in inlet concentration.
10.2 REACTOR TRANSFER FUNCTIONS
We begin the analysis by making a material balance on A around tank 1; thus
dc1 m
V Fc0 m F c1 K 1Vc1 (10.1)
dt rA
accumulation of A
flow of A into reaction rate
tank 1 flow of A out of o f A in tank 1
in tank 1 tank 1
where m molar flow rate of pure A through valve, (lb · mol/min)
rA density of pure A (lb · mol/ft3)
V holdup volume of tank, a constant (ft3)
It is assumed that the volumetric flow of A through the valve m/rA is much less than the
inlet flow rate F, with the result that Eq. (10.1) can be written
dc1
V ( F k1V ) c1 Fc0 m (10.2)
dt
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CHAPTER 10 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A CHEMICAL-REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEM 207
This last equation may be written in the form
V dc1 F 1
c1 c0 m
F k1V dt F k1V F k1V
dc1 1 1/F
t1 c1 c0 m (10.3)
dt 1 k1t 1 k1t
V
where t residence time for each tank , (time)
F
V t
t1 effective time constant for tank 1 , (time)
F k1V 1 k1t
At steady state, dc1/dt 0, and Eq. (10.3) becomes
1 1F
c1s c0s ms (10.4)
1 k1t 1 k1t
where s refers to steady state.
Subtracting Eq. (10.4) from Eq. (10.3) and introducing the deviation variables
C1 c1 c1s
C0 c0 c0s
M m ms
give
dC1 1 1F
t1 C1 C0 M (10.5)
dt 1 k1t 1 k1t
Taking the transform of Eq. (10.5) yields the transfer function of the first reactor:
Transfer
1/ (1 k1t )
C0 ( s ) M ( s )
1
function for C1 ( s ) (10.6)
tank 1 t 1s 1 F
A material balance on A around tank 2 gives
dc2
V Fc
1 Fc2
k2Vc2 (10.7)
dt
flow of A flow of A reaction rate
accumulation of A into tank 2 out tank 2 of A in tank 2
in tank 2
Rearranging gives
dc2
V ( F k2 V ) c2 Fc1
dt
V dc2 F (10.7a)
c2 c1
F k2V dt F k2 V
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208 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
As with tank 1, Eq. (10.7a) can be written in terms of deviation variables and arranged
to give
dC2 1
t2 C2 C1 (10.8)
dt 1 k2t
where C2 is the deviation variable for tank 2, C2 c2 c2s , and t2 is the effective
time constant for tank 2,
V V F t
t2
F k2 V 1 k2 ( V F ) 1 k2t
Taking the transform of Eq. (10.8) gives the transfer function for the second reactor:
Transfer
1/ (1 k2t )
function for C2 ( s ) C1 ( s ) (10.9)
tank 2 t 2s 1
To obtain some numerical results, we will assume the following data to apply to
the system:
MWA 100 lb/lb · mol A (molecular weight of A)
rA 0.8 lb · mol/ft3
cos 0 . 1 lb mol A /ft 3
F 100 cfm
ms 1 . 0 lb mol/min
ms 1 . 0 lb mol/min Note: 1 . 25 cfm
rA 0. 8 lb mol/ft 3
k1 1
6
min1
k2 k1 because T2 T1
k1 2
3
min1
V 300 ft3
V 300 ft 3
t 3 min
F 100 cfm
From Eq. (10.4), we can calculate the steady-state concentration of A in tank 1.
1
1 1F 1 lb mol
c1s c0s ms (0.1) 100 1 (1.0) 0.0733
1 k1t 1 k1t 1
()
1 6 ( 3) 1 2 ft 3
1
2
We can calculate the steady-state concentration of A in tank 2 by using Eq. (10.7a) writ-
ten at steady state (when dc2/dt 0).
1 1 lb moo l
c2s c1 (0 . 0733) 0 . 0244
1 k2t s ()
1 3 ( 3)
2 ft 3
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CHAPTER 10 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A CHEMICAL-REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEM 209
10.3 CONTROL VALVE
The air-to-open control valve selected for the process has the following characteristics.
The flow of A through the valve varies linearly from 0 to 2 cfm as the valve-top pres-
sure varies from 3 to 15 psig. The time constant tv of the valve is so small compared
with the other time constants in the system that its dynamics can be neglected. From
Eq. (10.2) the transfer function for a fast valve is
Q(s )
Kv (10.2)
P (s )
From this relationship, and remembering that Q and P are deviation variables, we can
compute the valve gain using the given data
∆Flow (cfm) 20 1 cfm
Kv
∆Pressure (psi) 15 3 6 p si
Since ms /rA 1.25 cfm, the normal operating pressure on the valve is
1 . 25
ps 3 (15 3) 10 . 5 psig (10.10)
2
Since our mole balances for the tanks are written in terms of molar flow rates
instead of volumetric flow rates (cfm), we would like the valve equation to be written in
terms of molar flow rates as well. Realizing that the volumetric flow rate (cfm) can be
written as m/rA, we can write the equation for the control valve as (see Fig. 10–2)
m /rA 1 . 25
Kv
p 10 . 5
and finally,
m [1 . 25 K v ( p 10 . 5) ] rA (10.11)
In terms of deviation variables, this can be written
M K v rA P (10.12)
where M m 1 . 25 rA m 1 . 0
P p 10 . 5
Taking the transform of Eq. (10.12) gives
M (s) 1 ft 3 /min 0 . 8 lb mol lb mol/min
K v rA 0 . 133 (10.13)
P (s) 6 psi ft 3 psi
as the valve transfer function.
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210 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Control Valve Sensitivity
2
1.75
1.5 Slope = Kv
Steady-state flow = 1.25 cfm
1.25
Flow (cfm)
1
0.75
(p, m/ρ)
0.5
0.25
10.5 psig
0
0 3 6 9 12 15
Pressure (psig)
FIGURE 10–2
Control valve sensitivity.
10.4 MEASURING ELEMENT
For illustration, assume that the measuring element converts the concentration of A to
an electronic signal. Specifically, the output of the measuring element varies from 4 to
20 mA as the concentration of A varies from 0.01 to 0.05 lb · mol A/ft3. We will assume
that the concentration measuring device is linear and has negligible lag. The sensitivity
(or gain) of the measuring device is therefore
20 4 mA
Km 400
0 . 05 0 . 01 lb mol/ft 3
Since c2s is 0.0244 lb · mol/ft3, the normal signal from the measuring device is
0 . 0244 0 . 01
( 20 4 ) 4 . 0 5 . 76 4 . 0 9 . 7 6 mA
0 . 05 0 . 01
The equation for the measuring device is therefore
b 9.76 K m ( c2 0.0244 ) 9.76 mA 400
mA
lb mol/ft 3
(
c2 0.0244 lb mol/ft 3 )
(10.14)
where b is the output current (milliamperes) from the measuring device. In terms of
deviation variables, Eq. (10.14) becomes
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CHAPTER 10 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A CHEMICAL-REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEM 211
B K m C2 (10.15)
where B b 9.76 and C2 c2 c2s .
The transfer function for the measuring device is therefore
B(s)
Km (10.16)
C2 ( s )
A measuring device that changes the type of signal between its input and output is
called a transducer; in the present case, the concentration signal is changed to a current
signal. A thermocouple is another example of a transducer. It changes an input tempera-
ture signal to an output electrical signal (millivolts).
10.5 CONTROLLER
For convenience, we will assume the controller to have proportional action and produce
a current output signal. The relation between the controller output signal (milliamperes)
and the error (milliamperes) is
p ps K c ( cR b ) ps K ce (10.17)
where cR desired current signal (or set point), mA
Kc controller gain, mA/mA
e error cR b, mA
In terms of deviation variables, Eq. (10.17) becomes
P K ce (10.18)
The transform of this equation gives the transfer function of the controller
P (s)
Kc (10.19)
e (s)
Assuming the set point and the signal from the measuring device to be the same when
the system is at steady state under normal conditions, we have for the reference value
of the set point
cRs bs 9 . 76 mA
The corresponding deviation variable for the set point is
C R cR cRs
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212 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
10.6 CONTROLLER TRANSDUCER
The output from the controller is an electronic current signal ranging from 4 to 20 mA.
The signal that the control valve requires is a pneumatic signal of 3 to 15 psig. A trans-
ducer is required to convert the current signal from the controller to the pneumatic
signal required by the control valve. We will assume that the transducer is linear and
has negligible lag. The transfer function for the transducer is merely a gain that is given
by Eq. (10.20).
P T (s ) (15 3) psig psig
KT 0 . 75 (10.20)
P (s ) (20 4) mA mA
10.7 TRANSPORTATION LAG
A portion of the liquid leaving tank 2 is continuously withdrawn through a sample line,
containing a concentration measuring element, at a rate of 0.1 cfm. The measuring ele-
ment must be remotely located from the process, because rigid ambient conditions must
be maintained for accurate concentration measurements. The sample line has a length
of 50 ft, and the cross-sectional area of the line is 0.001 ft2.
The sample line can be represented by a transportation lag with parameter
volume (50)(0 . 001)
td 0 . 5 min
flow rate 0.1
The transfer function for the sample line is, therefore,
et d s e0.5s
10.8 BLOCK DIAGRAM
We have now completed the analysis of each component of the control system and have
obtained a transfer function for each. These transfer functions can now be combined so
that the overall system is represented by the block diagram in Fig. 10–3.
C0
M + 1 1
C'R + P PT M 1 F + 1 + k1τ
C1
1 + k2τ
CR Km Kc KT KvρA C2
mA mA psig lb.moles F τ1s + 1 τ2s + 1
min
−
B
mA
Km e−τd s−
FIGURE 10–3
Block diagram for a chemical-reactor control system.
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CHAPTER 10 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A CHEMICAL-REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEM 213
An equivalent diagram is shown in Fig. 10–4 in which some of the blocks have
been combined.
1
C0 K1 =
(1 + k1τ)(1 + k2τ)
+ + 1
CR KKc (τ1s + 1)(τ2s + 1) C2
+
−
e−τds
τ1 = 2, τ2 = 1, τd = 0.5, K1 = 1
4.5
KmKTKvρA
Open-loop gain = KKc = K = 0.09 Kc
F(1 + k1τ)(1 + k2τ) c
FIGURE 10–4
Equivalent block diagram for a chemical-reactor control system (CR is now in concentration units).
Numerical quantities for the parameters in the transfer functions are given in
Fig. 10–4. It should be emphasized that the block diagram is written for deviation
variables. The true steady-state values, which are not given by the diagram, must be
obtained from the analysis of the problem.
The example analyzed in this chapter will be used later in discussion of control
system design. The design problem will be to select a value of Kc that gives satisfactory
control of the composition C2 despite the rather long transportation lag involved in get-
ting information to the controller. In addition, we will want to consider possible use of
other modes of control for the system.
SUMMARY
We have now learned how to analyze a physical system and develop mathematical
models for the various components of the system and then use those models to construct
a block diagram of the model. We will make extensive use of these skills in upcoming
chapters as we study control systems in greater depth.
PROBLEMS
10.1. In the process shown in Fig. P10–1, the concentration of salt leaving the second tank is
controlled using a proportional controller by adding concentrated solution through a con-
trol valve. The following data apply:
(a) The controlled concentration is to be 0.1 lb salt/ft3 solution. The inlet concentration ci
is always less than 0.1 lb/ft3.
(b) The concentration of concentrated salt solution is 30 lb salt/ft3 solution.
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214 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
(c) Transducer: The output of the transducer varies linearly from 3 to 15 psig as the con-
centration varies from 0.05 to 0.15 lb/ft3.
(d) Controller: The controller is a pneumatic, direct-acting, proportional controller.
(e) Control valve: As valve-top pressure varies from 3 to 15 psig, the flow through the
control valve varies linearly from 0 to 0.005 cfm.
( f ) It takes 30 s for the solution leaving the second tank to reach the transducer at the end
of the pipe.
Draw a block diagram of the control system. Place in each block the appropriate transfer
function. Calculate all the constants and give the units.
Concentrated solution
Controller
Set point
Salt solution Zero length
1 ft3/min
ci
Transducer
c1 c2
V1 = 3 ft3 V2 = 4 ft3
FIGURE P10–1
Use the process shown in Figs. 10–3 and 10–4 for Prob. 10.2 to 10.5.
10.2. Verify the values of t1 and t2.
10.3. Determine the steady-state value of the controller output ps in milliamperes.
10.4. Use Simulink to simulate the open-loop response of the two chemical reactors to a step
change in the feed concentration C0 from 0.1 to 0.25 lb · mol A/ft3.
10.5. The open-loop process has an upset such that the flow rate to the process instantaneously
rises to 120 cfm (from the original 100 cfm). How does the open-loop block diagram
change? Plot the outlet concentration of A in both reactors as a function of time.
10.6. Two isothermal stirred-tank reactors (Fig. P10–6) are connected by a long pipe that acts
as a pure time delay between the two tanks (no reaction takes place in the pipe). CSTR 1
is at a higher temperature than CSTR 2, but both temperatures remain constant. Assume
constant throughputs and holdups (volumes) and a first-order, irreversible reaction taking
place in each CSTR (A → B). The flow rate through the system is 4 ft3/min, and the delay
time in the pipe is 30 s. The inlet concentration to CSTR 1 is initially at steady state at
1 lb · mol/ft3 and is increased at time 0 through a step change to 2 lb · mol/ft3.
(a) Draw the block diagram for the process, and be sure to include all necessary
constants.
(b) Use Simulink to plot the exit concentration of A from each of the reactors.
(c) Use Simulink to plot the exit concentration of B from each of the reactors.
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CHAPTER 10 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A CHEMICAL-REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEM 215
DATA
CSTR 1 CSTR 2
1
Rate constant (min ) 0.3 0.15
Volume (ft3) 25 15
Reactor 1 Reactor 2
Dead time = 30 s
FIGURE P10–6
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CHAPTER
10
CAPSULE SUMMARY
A model for a two CSTRs in series was developed. The reaction that occurs in each
vessel is A → B. The rate of formation of A is given by rA ⫽ ⫺kc. A process schematic
is shown below.
Set point
composition
Pure A
Controller
m F + rm ≅ F
A
F
c0 Composition
Product measuring
stream element
V, T1, c1, k1 V, T2, c2, k2
Sample
stream
Heating
coil
FIGURE 10–1
Control of a stirred-tank chemical reactor.
A block diagram for the process is as follows:
C0
M + 1 1
C'R + P PT M 1 F + 1 + k1τ
C1
1 + k2τ
CR Km Kc KT KvρA C2
mA mA psig lb.moles F τ1s + 1 τ2s + 1
min
−
B
mA
Km e−τd s
FIGURE 10–3
Block diagram for a chemical-reactor control system.
216
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CHAPTER 10 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A CHEMICAL-REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEM 217
Numerical values for the process are given below.
MWA 100 lb/lb · mol A
rA 0.8 lb · mol/ft3
cos 0 . 1 lb mol A /ft 3
F 100 cfm
ms 1.0 lb · mol/min
ms 1 . 0 lb mol/min
1 . 25 cfm
rA 0 . 8 lb mol/ft 3
k1 1
6
min1
k2 k1 because T2 T1
k2 2
3
min1
V 300 ft3
V 300 ft 3
t 3 min, t 1 2 min, t 2 1 min
F 100 cfm
1 cfm
Kv
6 psig
psig
K T 0 . 75
mA
mA
Km 400
lb mol/ft 3
td 0.5 min
c1s 0 . 01 lb mol/ft 3
c2s 0 . 0244 lb mol/ft 3
pTs 10 . 5 psig
ms 1.0 lb · mol/min
bs 9.76 mA
ps 14 mA
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CHAPTER
11
CLOSED-LOOP TRANSFER FUNCTIONS
11.1 STANDARD BLOCK-DIAGRAM SYMBOLS
In Chap. 8, a block diagram was developed for the control of a stirred-tank heater
(Fig. 8–2). In Fig. 11–1, the block diagram has been redrawn and incorporates some
standard symbols for the variables and transfer functions, which are widely used in
the control literature. These symbols are defined as follows:
R ⫽ set point or desired value
C ⫽ controlled variable
e ⫽ error
B ⫽ variable produced by measuring element
M ⫽ manipulated variable
U ⫽ load variable or disturbance
Gc ⫽ transfer function of controller
G1 ⫽ transfer function of final control element
G2 ⫽ transfer function of process
H ⫽ transfer function of measuring element
U
+
+ +
R Gc G1 G2 C
M
_
B
H
FIGURE 11–1
Standard control system nomenclature.
218
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CHAPTER 11 CLOSED-LOOP TRANSFER FUNCTIONS 219
In some cases, the blocks labeled Gc and G1 will be lumped together into a single
block. The series of blocks between the comparator and the controlled variable, which
consist of Gc, G1, and G2, is referred to as the forward path. The block H between the
controlled variable and the comparator is called the feedback path. The use of G for a
transfer function in the forward path and H for one in the feedback path is a common
convention.
The product GH, which is the product of all transfer functions (GcG1G2H) in the
loop, is called the open-loop transfer function. We call GH the open-loop transfer func-
tion because it relates the measured variable B to the set point R if the feedback loop
(of Fig. 11–1) is disconnected (i.e., opened) from the comparator. The subject of this
chapter is the closed-loop transfer function, which relates two variables when the loop
of Fig. 11–1 is closed.
In more complex systems, the block diagram may contain several feedback paths
and several loads. An example of a multiloop system, which is shown in Fig. 11–2, is
cascade control. Several multiloop systems of industrial importance are presented in
Chap. 17.
Inner loop U1 U2
+ +
+ + + +
R Gc1 Gc2 G1 G2 G3 C
_ _
B2
H2
B1
H1
FIGURE 11–2
Block diagram for a multiloop, multiload system.
11.2 OVERALL TRANSFER FUNCTION
FOR SINGLE-LOOP SYSTEMS
Once a control system has been described by a block diagram, such as the one shown in
Fig. 11–1, the next step is to determine the transfer function relating C to R or C to U.
We refer to these transfer functions as overall transfer functions because they apply to
the entire system. These overall transfer functions are used to obtain considerable infor-
mation about the control system, as will be demonstrated in the succeeding chapters.
For the present it is sufficient to note that they are useful in determining the response of
C to any change in R and U.
The response to a change in set point R, obtained by setting U ⫽ 0, represents the
solution to the servo problem. The response to a change in load variable U, obtained
by setting R ⫽ 0, is the solution to the regulator problem. A systematic approach for
obtaining the overall transfer function for set point change and load change will now
be presented.
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220 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Overall Transfer Function for Change in Set Point
For this case, U ⫽ 0 and Fig. 11–1 may be simplified or reduced as shown in Fig. 11–3.
In this reduction, we have made use of a simple rule of block diagram reduction which
states that a block diagram consisting of several transfer functions in series can be sim-
plified to a single block containing a transfer function that is the product of the indi-
vidual transfer functions.
+ + G
R Gc G1 G2 C R G C R C
_ _ 1 + GH
B B
H H G = GcG1G2
(a) (b) (c)
FIGURE 11–3
Block diagram reduction to obtain overall transfer function.
This rule can be proved by considering two noninteracting blocks in series as shown in
Fig. 11–4. This block diagram is equivalent to the equations
Y Z
⫽ GA ⫽ GB
X Y
Multiplying these equations gives
Y Z
⫽ G AGB
XY
which simplifies to
Z
⫽ G AGB
X
Y
X GA GB Z
FIGURE 11–4
Two noninteracting blocks in series.
Thus, the intermediate variable Y has been eliminated, and we have shown the overall
transfer function Z/X to be the product of the transfer functions GAGB. This proof for
two blocks can be easily extended to any number of blocks to give the rule for the gen-
eral case. This rule was developed in Chap. 7 for the specific case of several noninter-
acting, first-order systems in series.
With this simplification the following equations can be written directly from
Fig. 11–3b.
C ⫽ Ge (11.1)
B ⫽ HC (11.2)
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CHAPTER 11 CLOSED-LOOP TRANSFER FUNCTIONS 221
e ⫽ R⫺B (11.3)
Since there are four variables and three equations, we can solve the equations simulta-
neously for C in terms of R as follows:
C ⫽ G( R ⫺ B)
C ⫽ G ( R ⫺ HC )
C ⫽ GR ⫺ GHC
or finally
C G
⫽ (11.4)
R 1 ⫹ GH
This is the overall transfer function relating C to R and may be represented by an equiv-
alent block diagram as shown in Fig. 11–3c.
Overall Transfer Function for Change in Load
In this case R ⫽ 0, and Fig. 11–1 is drawn as shown in Fig. 11–5a. From the diagram
we can write the following equations:
C ⫽ G2(U ⫹ M ) (11.5)
M ⫽ Gc G1e (11.6)
e ⫽ ⫺B (11.7)
B ⫽ HC (11.8)
U
+ M G2
R=0 Gc G1 G2 C U C
1 +GH
_
B
H
(a) (b)
FIGURE 11–5
Block diagram for change in load.
Again the number of variables (C, U, M, B, e) exceeds by 1 the number of equations,
and we can solve for C in terms of U as follows:
C ⫽ G2 (U ⫹ Gc G1e )
C ⫽ G2 [U ⫹ Gc G1 (⫺HC ) ]
or finally
C G2
⫽ (11.9)
U 1 ⫹ GH
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222 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
where G ⫽ GcG1G2. Notice that the transfer functions for load change or set point
change have denominators that are identical, 1 ⫹ GH.
Another approach to finding the closed-loop transfer functions from the block
diagram is a “brute-force” technique that involves “breaking the loop” and working
your way across the block diagram.
U
+
+ M
R Gc G1 G2 C
_
CH
H
≈
≈
FIGURE 11–6
Modified block diagram for determining closed-loop transfer function.
Starting at the left edge of the modified block diagram in Fig. 11–6, we can work our
way across the diagram and develop the following equation.
[( R ⫺ CH ) GcG1 ⫹ U ] G2 ⫽C
Solving this equation for C, we obtain (after a bit of algebra)
Gc G1G2 G2 G G2
C ⫽ R⫹ U ⫽ R⫹ U
1 ⫹ Gc G1G2 H 1 ⫹ Gc G1G2 H 1 ⫹ GH 1 ⫹ GH
closed loop closed loop
transfer function transfer function
relating C and R relaa ting C and U
This result is the same as the individual results for C/R and C/U that we found
previously.
The following simple rule serves to generalize the results for the single-loop feed-
back system shown in Fig. 11–1: The transfer function relating any pair of variables X,
Y is obtained by the relationship
Y p forward
⫽ negative feedback (11.10)
X 1 ⫹ p loop
where pforward ⫽ product of transfer functions in forward path between locations of
X and Y
ploop ⫽ product of all transfer functions in loop (i.e., in Fig. 11–1, ploop ⫽
GcG1G2H )
If this rule is applied to finding C/R in Fig. 11–1, we obtain
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CHAPTER 11 CLOSED-LOOP TRANSFER FUNCTIONS 223
C Gc G1G2 G
⫽ ⫽
R 1 ⫹ Gc G1G2 H 1 ⫹ GH
which is the same as before. For positive feedback, the reader should show that the fol-
lowing result is obtained:
Y p forward
⫽ positive feedback (11.11)
X 1 ⫺ p loop
Example 11.1. Determine the transfer functions C/R, C/U1, and B/U2 for the sys-
tem shown in Fig. 11–7. Also determine an expression for C in terms of R and U1 for
the situation when both set point change and load change occur simultaneously.
U1 U2
+
+
+
R Gc G1 G2 G3 C
+ +
_
B H2 H1
FIGURE 11–7
Block diagram for Example 11.1.
Using the rule given by Eq. (11.10), we obtain by inspection the results
C Gc G1G2G3
⫽ (11.12)
R 1⫹G
C G2G3
⫽ (11.13)
U1 1⫹G
B G3 H1 H 2
⫽ (11.14)
U2 1⫹G
where G ⫽ GcG1G2G3H1H2. The reader should check one or more of these
results by the direct method of solution of simultaneous equations and the method
described in Fig. 11–6.
For separate changes in R and U1, we may obtain the response C from Eqs.
(11.12) and (11.13); thus
Gc G1G2G3
C ⫽ R (11.15)
1⫹G
and
G2G3
C ⫽ U1 (11.16)
1⫹G
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224 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
If both R and U1 occur simultaneously, the principle of superposition requires that
the overall response be the sum of the individual responses; thus
Gc G1G2G3 G2G3
C ⫽ R⫹ U1
1⫹G 1⫹G (11.17)
11.3 OVERALL TRANSFER FUNCTION
FOR MULTILOOP CONTROL SYSTEMS
To illustrate how one obtains the overall transfer function for a multiloop system, con-
sider the next example in which the method used is to reduce the block diagram to a sin-
gle-loop diagram by application of the rules summarized by Eqs. (11.10) and (11.11).
Example 11.2. Determine the transfer function C/R for the system shown in
Fig. 11–8. This block diagram represents a cascade control system, which will be
discussed later.
U1 U2
Inner loop
+ + + +
R Gc1 Gc2 G1 G2 G3 C
_ _ + +
H2
H1
(a)
+ Gc2G1 Gc GaGb
1
R Gc1 Ga = Gb = G2G3 C R C
1 + Gc2G1H2 1 + Gc1GaGbH1
_
H1
(b) (c)
FIGURE 11–8
Block diagram reduction. (a) Original diagram; (b) first reduction; (c) final block diagram.
Obtaining the overall transfer function C/R for the system represented by Fig. 11–8a
is straightforward if we first reduce the inner loop (or minor loop) involving
Gc2 , G1 , and H2 to a single block, as we have just done in the case of Fig. 11–1.
For convenience, we may also combine G2 and G3 into a single block. These
reductions are shown in Fig. 11–8b. Figure 11–8b is a single-loop block diagram
that can be reduced to one block, as shown in Fig. 11–8c.
It should be clear without much detail that to find any other transfer func-
tion such as C/U1 in Fig. 11–8a, we proceed in the same manner, i.e., first reduce
the inner loop to a single-block equivalent.
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CHAPTER 11 CLOSED-LOOP TRANSFER FUNCTIONS 225
SUMMARY
In this chapter, we have illustrated the procedure for reducing the block diagram of a
control system to a single block that relates one input to one output variable. This pro-
cedure consists of writing, directly from the block diagram, a sufficient number of lin-
ear algebraic equations and solving them simultaneously for the transfer function of the
desired pair of variables. For single-loop control systems, a simple rule was developed
for finding the transfer function between any desired pair of input-output variables.
This rule is also useful in reducing a multiloop system to a single-loop system.
It should be emphasized that regardless of the pair of variables selected, the
denominator of the closed-loop transfer function will always contain the same term,
1 ⫹ G, where G is the open-loop transfer function of the single-loop control system.
In the succeeding chapters, frequent use will be made of the material in this chapter to
determine the overall response of control systems.
PROBLEMS
11.1. Determine the transfer function Y(s)/X(s) for the block diagrams shown in Fig. P11–1.
Express the results in terms of Ga, Gb, and Gc.
_
+
X Ga Gb Gc Y
+
+
(a)
_
+
X Gb Gc Ga Y
+
+
Gc
Ga
(b)
FIGURE P11–1
11.2. Find the transfer function Y(s)/X(s) of the system shown in Fig. P11–2.
+ + 1 0.5
X Y
_ + +1
2
FIGURE P11–2
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226 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
11.3. For the control system shown in Fig. P11–3 determine the transfer function C(s)/R(s).
+ + 1 +
R 2 2 C
s
_ _ _
FIGURE P11–3
11.4. Derive the transfer function Y/X for the control system shown in Fig. P11–4.
2
+
+ + 1 1
X s s Y
_
25
FIGURE P11–4
11.5. Derive the transfer function T⬘/T⬘R for the temperature control system shown in
Fig. 8–16.
11.6. Derive the transfer functions C2/C0 and C2/CR for the reactor control system shown in
Fig. P10–3.
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CHAPTER
11
CAPSULE SUMMARY
R ⫽ set point or desired value U
C ⫽ controlled variable +
e ⫽ error R + Gc G1 + G2 C
_ M
B ⫽ variable produced by measuring element
M ⫽ manipulated variable B
U ⫽ load variable or disturbance H
Gc ⫽ transfer function of controller
FIGURE 11.1
G1 ⫽ transfer function of final control element Standard control system nomenclature.
G2 ⫽ transfer function of process
H ⫽ transfer function of measuring element
G ⫽ Gc G1G2 (the product of the transfer functions in the forward path between
R and C)
Closed-loop process Process in which the feedback loop is connected to the
comparator.
Closed-loop transfer function Transfer functions relating two variables in the
process when the feedback loop is connected to the comparator.
Feedback path The path that connects the controlled variable and the
comparator.
Forward path The transfer functions that lie between two signals in the block diagram
moving left to right as drawn in the block diagram above. The complete forward path
consists of G ⫽ Gc G1G2. The forward path between U and C is G2 only.
Open-loop process Process in which the feedback loop is disconnected from
the comparator.
Open-loop transfer function Product of all transfer functions in the loop relat-
ing B and R when the feedback loop is disconnected from the comparator.
Closed-loop formula Y p forward
⫽
(negative feedback) X 1 ⫹ p loop
Closed-loop formula Y p forward
⫽
(positive feedback) X 1 ⫺ p loop
pforward ⫽ product of transfer functions in forward path between locations of X
and Y
ploop ⫽ product of all transfer functions in loop (i.e., from figure above,
ploop ⫽ GcG1G2H)
227
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CHAPTER
12
TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE
CONTROL SYSTEMS
I n this chapter the results of all the previous chapters will be applied to determining
the transient response of a simple control system to changes in set point and load.
Considerable use will be made of the results of Chaps. 4 through 7 (Part 2) because the
overall transfer functions for the examples presented here reduce to first- and second-
order systems.
Consider the control system for the heated, stirred tank that we previously dis-
cussed and is represented by Fig. 12–1. The reader may want to refer to Chap. 8 for a
description of this control system.
Steam or
Power
electricity Electrical controller
power
Steam
w,Ti q
w, T
(a) (b) (c)
A = 1/wC
T'i T'i
+ + +
Gc G1 1 1 + Gc
1
T'R + T' T'R A + T'
wC s+1 s +1
− −
1
(d) (e)
FIGURE 12–1
Block diagram of temperature control system.
228
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 229
In Fig. 12–1a, the sketch of the apparatus is drawn in such a way that the source
of heat (electricity or steam) is not specified. To make this problem more realistic, we
have shown in Fig. 12–1b that the source of heat is steam that is discharged directly
into the water, and in Fig. 12–1c the source of heat is electrical. In the latter drawing, a
device known as a power controller provides electric power to a resistance heater pro-
portional to the signal from the controller.
The block diagram is shown in Fig. 12–1d. The block representing the process is
taken directly from Fig. 8–3. To reduce the number of symbols, 1/wC has been replaced
by A in Fig. 12–1e.
Throughout this chapter, we will assume that the valve does not have any dynamic
lag, for which case the transfer function of the valve (G1 in Fig. 12–1) will be taken as
a constant Kv. This assumption was shown to be reasonable in Chap. 9. To simplify
the discussion further, Kv has been taken as 1. (If Kv were other than 1, we may simply
replace Gc by GcKv in the ensuing discussion.)
In the first part of the chapter, we will also assume that there is no dynamic lag
in the measuring element (tm 0), so that it may be represented by a transfer function
that is simply the constant 1. A bare thermocouple will have a response that is so fast
that for all practical purposes it can be assumed to follow the slowly changing tank tem-
perature without lag. When the feedback transfer function is unity, the system is called
a unity-feedback system.
Introducing these assumptions leads to the simplified block diagram of Fig. 12–1e,
for which we will obtain overall transfer functions for changes in set point and load when
proportional control and proportional-integral control are used.
12.1 PROPORTIONAL CONTROL FOR SET
POINT CHANGE (SERVO PROBLEM—
SET POINT TRACKING)
The goal of the control system for this case is to force the system to “track” the desired
set point changes. For proportional control, Gc Kc. By using the methods developed
in Chap. 11, the overall transfer function in Fig. 12–1 e is
T⬘ K c A / (ts ⫹ 1) Kc A
⫽ ⫽ (12.1)
TR⬘ 1 ⫹ K c A / (ts ⫹ 1) ts ⫹ (1 ⫹ K c A )
This may be rearranged in the form of a first-order lag to give
T⬘ K c A / (1 ⫹ K c A ) A1
⫽ ⫽ (12.2)
TR⬘ [t / (1 ⫹ K c A ) ] s ⫹ 1 t 1 ⫹1
s
t
where t 1 ⫽
1 ⫹ Kc A
Kc A 1
A1 ⫽ ⫽
1 ⫹ Kc A 1 ⫹ (1/K c A )
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230 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
According to this result, the response of the tank temperature to a change in set point is
first-order. The time constant for the closed-loop control system t1 is less than that of
the stirred tank itself t. This means that one of the effects of feedback control is to speed
up the response. We may use the results of Chap. 4 to find the response to a variety of
inputs.
The response of the system to a unit-
T'R step change in set point TR is shown in
1 Fig. 12–2. (We have selected a unit change in
A1
Offset set point for convenience; responses to steps
T'
of other magnitudes are obtained by super-
position.) Remember, the goal of a control
0
0 t system is to force the system to track the set
point. Thus, the desired ultimate value of T,
FIGURE 12–2 which is T (), is of course 1. For the case of
Unit-step response for set point change
(P control).
a unit-step change in set point, T approaches
A1 KcA/(1 KcA), a fraction of unity. The
desired change is, of course, 1. Thus, the ulti-
mate value of the temperature T () does not match the desired change. This discrep-
ancy is called offset and is defined as
Offset ⫽ TR⬘ ( ⬁ ) ⫺ T ⬘ ( ⬁ ) (12.3)
The offset is actually the steady-state value of the error (for the case of unity feedback).
In terms of the particular control system parameters
Kc A 1
Offset ⫽ 1 ⫺ ⫽ (12.4)
1 ⫹ Kc A 1 ⫹ Kc A
This difference or discrepancy between set point and tank temperature at steady state
is characteristic of proportional control. In some cases offset cannot be tolerated. How-
ever, notice from Eq. (12.4) that the offset decreases as Kc increases, and in theory the
offset could be made as small as desired by increasing Kc to a sufficiently large value.
Proportional control : As K c ↑ Offset ↓
To give a full answer to the problem of eliminating offset by high controller gain
requires a discussion of stability and the response of the system when other lags, which
have been neglected, are included in the system. Both these subjects are to be covered
later. For the present we simply say that whether or not proportional control is satisfac-
tory depends on the amount of offset that can be tolerated, the speed of response of the
system, and the amount of gain that can be provided by the controller without causing
the system to go unstable.
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 231
Ti = 60°C Example 12.1. Proportional control of a
200 L/min
Water stirred tank heater for set point tracking. Con-
sider the stirred-tank heater that we exam-
V = 1,000 L ined in Chap. 8 (Examples 8.1 to 8.3), shown
T
in Fig. 12–3.
Heat input Determine the response of a closed-loop
q TR = 80°C proportional control system for Kc 5, 10,
TC
20, and 100 for a set point change of 5C.
Determine the offset for each value of Kc.
FIGURE 12–3
Stirred-tank heater control system. As before, we define
Ti⬘ ⫽ Ti ⫺ 60
TR⬘ ⫽ TR ⫺ 80 deviati on variables
q⬘ ⫽ q ⫺ 280 kW
1, 000 L 1 1⬚C 0 . 0714 ⬚ C
t ⫽ ⫽ 5 min A⫽ ⫽ ⫽
200 L/min wC 14 kW kW
If we assume that the thermocouple that senses the tank exiting temperature has
fast dynamics compared to the tank, a Simulink block diagram for the process is
shown in Fig. 12–4.
1
Out1
Heater gain
Set point Tr Actual tank
Error Q(kW) 1 temp, T
+− kc 0.0714 ++
5s+1
Set point Proportional gain Tank
Kc Scope
Feed temp, Ti
Measured temp, Tm 1 temps
1 To workspace
Thermocouple
2
Out2
FIGURE 12–4
Simulink model for Example 12.1.
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232 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
We can program a MATLAB m-file to run this Simulink model (named:
'example12_1') for each value of Kc and then to plot the results on the same graph.
The m-file that calls the model is shown below:
% M-file that calls Simulink Model 'Example12_1'
for i=1:4
z=[5,10,20,100];
kc=z(1,i);
% the variable y in the 'sim' statement is taken from the
outport in the model
[t,x,y]=sim('example12_1',15);
plot(t,y(:,1)
hold on
% the last row in y contains the final values of the
setpoint and the tank temp
[norow,nocol]=size(y);
offset(i,1)=y(norow,2)-y(norow,1);
kcplot(i,1)=kc;
end
grid
title('Temp vs time for Kc=5,10,20,100');
hold off
figure;
plot(kcplot,offset);
title('Offset vs Kc');
The results are shown in Figs. 12–5 and 12–6.
A hand calculation verifies the offset results obtained by MATLAB for the
specified values of Kc.
5 5
Kc Offset ⫽ ⫽
1 ⫹ Kc A 1 ⫹ 0 . 0714 K c
5 3.69
10 2.92
20 2.06
100 0.614
Note that as the proportional gain Kc increases, the process more closely
approaches the desired set point (5C in deviation variables, actually 85C ). For a
gain of 100, the outlet temperature is 4.386C (deviation variable; the actual outlet
temperature is 84.386C) with an offset of 0.614C.
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 233
Deviation in Tank Temperature vs Time for Kc = 5,10,20,100
5
4.5 Kc = 100
4
Deviation in Tank Temperature t
3.5
Kc = 20
3
2.5
Kc = 10
2
1.5 Kc = 5
1
0.5
0
0 5 10 15
Time
FIGURE 12–5
Response of stirred-tank temperature for proportional control—set point tracking.
Offset vs Kc for Set Point Tracking
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
Offset
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Kc
FIGURE 12–6
Effect of controller gain on offset for stirred-tank proportional control—set point tracking.
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234 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
12.2 PROPORTIONAL CONTROL FOR LOAD
CHANGE (REGULATOR PROBLEM—
DISTURBANCE REJECTION)
The same control system shown in Fig. 12–1e is to be considered. This time the set
point remains fixed; that is, TR 0. We are interested in the response of the system to a
change in the inlet stream temperature, i.e., to a load change. Remember that the goal of
the control system in this case is to reject the effect of disturbances (changes in the inlet
temperature Ti for this process) and maintain the controlled variable, the tank tempera-
ture, at the set point. Since the set point has not changed from its steady-state value for
this case (TR 0), we want T () 0.
By using the methods of Chap. 11, the overall transfer function becomes
T⬘ 1/ (ts ⫹ 1) 1
⫽ ⫽ (12.5)
Ti⬘ 1 ⫹ K c A / (ts ⫹ 1) ts ⫹ 1 ⫹ K c A
This may be arranged in the form of the first-order lag; thus
T⬘ A2 (12.6)
⫽
Ti⬘ t 1s ⫹ 1
1
where A2 ⫽
1 ⫹ Kc A
t
t1 ⫽
1 ⫹ Kc A
As for the case of set point change, we have an overall response that is first-order. The
overall time constant t1 is the same as for set point changes. For a step change in inlet
temperature, let us examine the response of the controlled process and how effectively
the disturbance is rejected.
Thus for Ti 1/s,
1 1/ (1 ⫹ K c A )
T⬘ ⫽
s [t / (1 ⫹ K c A )] s ⫹ 1
and the ultimate (steady-state) value of T is
1
T ⬘(⬁) lim sT ⬘(s) ⫽
s→0 1 ⫹ Kc A
1
Without control The response of the system to a unit-step
(Kc = 0) change in inlet temperature Ti is shown in
T'
Fig. 12–7.
1
With control (KcA = 2) It may be seen that T approaches 1/(1
1+KcA Kc A). To demonstrate the benefit of con-
Offset trol, we have shown the response of the tank
0 temperature (open-loop response) to a unit-
0 t step change in inlet temperature if no control
FIGURE 12–7 were present, that is, Kc 0. In this case, the
Unit-step response for load change (P control).
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 235
major advantage of control lies in the reduction of offset. From Eq. (12.3), the offset
becomes
1
Offset ⫽ TR⬘ ( ⬁ ) ⫺ T ⬘( ⬁ ) ⫽ 0 ⫺
1 ⫹ Kc A
1 (12.7)
Offset ⫽ ⫺
1 ⫹ Kc A
As for the case of a step change in set point, the absolute value of the offset is reduced
as controller gain Kc is increased.
Example 12.2. Proportional control of a stirred-tank heater for disturbance
rejection. Determine the response of a closed-loop proportional control system in
Example 12.1 for Kc 5, 10, 20, and 100 for a disturbance of 5C (i.e., the feed tempera-
ture increases by 5C from 60 to 65C). Determine the offset for each value of Kc.
We can use the same Simulink model for this analysis. We just have the step
change enter the process as the disturbance and leave the set point set to zero.
The results are as follows. Figure 12–8 shows the tank temperature (plotted
as a deviation variable) versus time, and Fig. 12–9 shows the offset plotted as a
function of Kc.
Tank Deviation Temperature vs Time for Kc = 5, 10, 20, 100
4
Kc = 5
3.5
3 Kc = 10
Tank Deviation Temperature T'
2.5
Kc = 20
2
1.5
1
Kc = 100
0.5
0
0 5 10 15
Time
FIGURE 12–8
Response of stirred-tank temperature for proportional control—disturbance
rejection.
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236 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Offset vs Kc for Disturbance Rejection
0
−0.5
−1
−1.5
−2
Offset
−2.5
−3
−3.5
−4
−4.5
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Kc
FIGURE 12–9
Effect of controller gain on offset for stirred-tank proportional control—disturbance rejection.
Note the results are qualitatively the same as for set point tracking. As Kc
increases for proportional control, the system does a better job at rejecting the
disturbance and bringing the tank temperature back to the original set point (0⬚C
in deviation variables, or 80⬚C). The final temperature is closer to zero, and the
offset also approaches zero.
12.3 PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL
CONTROL FOR LOAD CHANGE
Again, for the case of a load change, the desired goal is the rejection of the disturbance,
and the desired final value is zero (since the set point remains unchanged). For PI con-
trol, we replace Gc in Fig. 12–1e by Kc (1 ⫹ 1/tI s). The overall transfer function for
load change is therefore
T⬘ 1/ (ts ⫹ 1)
⫽
Ti⬘ K c (1 ⫹ 1/t I s ) A (12.8)
1⫹
ts ⫹ 1
Rearranging this gives
T⬘ tIs
⫽
Ti⬘ (t s ⫹ 1) (t I s ) ⫹ K c A (t I s ⫹ 1)
or
T⬘ tIs
⫽
Ti⬘ tt I s ⫹ ( K c At I ⫹ t I ) s ⫹ K c A
2
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 237
Since the denominator contains a quadratic expression, the transfer function may be
written in the standard form of a second-order system to give
T⬘ (t I /K c A) s
⫽
Ti⬘ (tt I /K c A) s ⫹ t I (1 ⫹ 1/K c A) s ⫹ 1
2
or
T⬘ A1s
⫽ 2 2 (12.9)
Ti⬘ t 1 s ⫹ 2zt 1s ⫹ 1
where
tI
A1 ⫽
Kc A
tt I
t1 ⫽
Kc A
1 t I 1 ⫹ Kc A
z ⫽
2 t Kc A
For a unit-step change in load, Ti 1/s. Combining this with Eq. (12.9) gives
A1
T⬘ ⫽ (12.10)
t 12 s 2 ⫹ 2zt 1s ⫹ 1
Equation (12.10) shows that the response of the tank temperature to a step change in
Ti is equivalent to the response of a second-order system to an impulse function of
magnitude A1. Since we have studied the impulse response of a second-order system
in Chap. 7, the solution to the present problem is already known. This justifies in part
some of our previous work on transients. By using Eq. (7.32), the impulse response for
this system may be written for z 1 as
1 1 t
T ⬘ ⫽ A1 e⫺zt /t 1 sin 1 ⫺ z 2 (12.11)
t 1 1 ⫺ z 2 t 1
Although the response of the system can be determined from Eq. (12.11) or Fig.
7–8, the effect of varying Kc and tI on the system response can be seen more clearly
by plotting response curves, such as those shown in Fig. 12–10. From Fig. 12–10a, we
see that an increase in Kc, for a fixed value of tI, improves the response by decreasing
the maximum deviation and by making the response less oscillatory. The formula for
z in Eq. (12.9) shows that z increases with Kc, which indicates that the response is less
oscillatory. Figure 12–10b shows that, for a fixed value of Kc, a decrease in tI decreases
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238 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
0.2 Kc = 2.0 =1 0.2 =1
A=1 A=1
I = 0.5
Kc = 3.5 I = 0.25 Kc = 3.5
I= 0.25
T'
T'
Kc = 8.2
I= 0.125
0 2 0
1
0 1 3 0 2 3
t t
(a) (b)
FIGURE 12–10
Unit-step response for load change—disturbance rejection (PI control).
the maximum deviation and period. However, a decrease in tI causes the response to
become more oscillatory, which means that z decreases. This effect of tI on the oscilla-
tory nature of the response is also given by the formula for z in Eq. (12.9).
Summary for Proportional-Integral Control—Response to Step Change in Load
For fixed value of t I: As Kc ↑, z ↑ Max. deviation ↓ Oscillations ↓
For fixed value of Kc: As t I ↓, z ↓ Max. deviation ↓ Oscillations ↑
For this case, the offset as defined by Eq. (12.3) is zero; thus
Offset TR ( ) T ( )
00 0
One of the most important advantages of PI control is the elimination of offset.
Key Point Proportional-Integral Control ã No offset
Example 12.3. Proportional-integral control of a stirred tank heater for distur-
bance rejection.
(a) Determine the response of a closed-loop proportional control system in Example 12.1
for Kc 5, 10, 20, and 100 for a disturbance of 5C (i.e., the feed temperature increases
by 5C from 60 to 65C). Use a value of 2 min for tI.
(b) Repeat part (a), using a constant value of 20 for Kc and values of 1, 2, 5, and 10 min
for tI.
We can use nearly the same Simulink model for this analysis. We just change
the gain block that we used for the proportional controller to a PID block (see
Fig. 12–11). Within the PID block, the controller algorithm is given as P I/s
Ds. Comparing this with our standard PID equation, we conclude that P Kc, I
Kc/tI, and D KctD. So that we can vary the model parameters with a MAT-
LAB m-file, we insert the variable kc for P and kc/taui for I.
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 239
FIGURE 12–11
Simulink PID block parameters for Example 12.3.
For a disturbance change only, the step change enters the process as the distur-
bance, and we leave the set point input set to zero. The m-file that we use to drive
the model is shown below.
clear
% the variable h can be used to plot each line in a
different color
h(1,:)='g- ';
h(2,:)='r-.';
h(3,:)='b: ';
h(4,:)='k--';
h(5,:)='k- ';
taui=2
for i=1:4
z=[5,10,20,100];
kc=z(1,i);
% the variable y in the 'sim' statement is taken from the
outport in the model
[t,x,y]=sim('example12_3',50);
plot(t,y(:,1),h(i,:))
hold on
end
grid
hold off
The result for a constant tI of 2 min is shown in Fig. 12–12.
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240 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Stirred-Tank Disturbance Rejection Using Pl Control, for I = 2 min
2.5
Kc = 5
2
Kc = 10
1.5
Tank Temperature T'
Kc = 20
1
0.5 Kc = 100
0
−0.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time (min)
FIGURE 12–12
Stirred-tank disturbance rejection using PI control, for tI 2 min.
The result for a constant value of Kc 20 is shown in Fig. 12–13.
Stirred -Tank Disturbance Rejection Using Pl Control, for Kc = 20
2
1.5
1 = 10
Tank Temperature T'
1
1 =5
1 =2
0.5
1 =1
0
−0.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time (min)
FIGURE 12–13
Stirred-tank disturbance rejection using PI control, for Kc 20.
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 241
12.4 PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL
CONTROL FOR SET POINT CHANGE
Again, the controller transfer function is Kc(1 1/tIs), and we obtain from Fig. 12–1e
the transfer function
T AK c (1 1/t I s ) [1/ (ts 1)]
(12.12)
TR 1 AK c (1 1/t I s ) [1/ (ts 1)]
This equation may be reduced to the standard quadratic form to give
T tIs 1
2 2 (12.13)
TR t 1 s 2zt 1s 1
where t1 and z are the same functions of the parameters as in Eq. (12.9). Introducing a
unit-step change (TR 1/s) into Eq. (12.13) gives
1 tIs 1
T 2 2 (12.14)
s t 1 s 2zt 1s 1
To obtain the response of T in the time domain, Eq. (12.14) is expanded into two
terms:
tI 1 1
T 2 2 2 2 (12.15)
t 1 s 2zt 1s 1 s t 1 s 2zt 1s 1
The first term on the right is equivalent to the response of a second-order system to
an impulse function of magnitude tI. The second term is the unit-step response of a
second-order system. It is convenient to use Figs. 8–3 and 8–6 to obtain the response for
Eq. (12.15). For z 1, an analytic expression for T is
1 t
T ez t /t 1 sin 1 z 2 1
t1 1 z t1
2
(12.16)
1 t 1 z 2
ez t /t 1 sin 1 z 2 tan1
1 z t1 z
2
The last expression was obtained by combining Eqs. (7.18) and (7.32). A typical response
for T is shown in Fig. 12–14. The offset as defined by Eq. (12.3) is zero; thus
Offset TR ( ) T ( )
11 0
Again notice that the integral action in the controller has eliminated the offset.
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242 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
1
T'
Kc = 1
I = 0.2
A=1
=1
0
0 2 4 6
t
FIGURE 12–14
Unit-step response for set point change (PI control).
Example 12.4. Proportional-integral control of a stirred-tank heater for set
point tracking
(a) Determine the response of a closed-loop proportional control system in Example
12.1 for Kc 5, 10, 20, and 100 for a set point change of 5C. Use a value of 2 min
for tI.
(b) Repeat part (a) using a constant value of 20 for Kc and values of 1, 2, 5, and 10 min
for tI.
By proceeding as before using the Simulink model driven with a MATLAB m-
file, these results are obtained, shown in Figs. 12–15 and 12–16.
Stirred Tank set Point Tracking with Pl Control, for I = 2
6
Kc = 20
Kc = 100
5
Kc = 10
Kc = 5
4
Tank Temperature T'
3
2
1
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time (min)
FIGURE 12–15
Stirred-tank set point tracking with PI control (tI 2 min).
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 243
Stirred Tank Set Point Tracking with Pl Control for Kc = 20
7
1 =1
6
1 =2
5
Tank Temperature T'
1 =5
1 = 10
4
3
2
1
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time (min)
FIGURE 12–16
Stirred-tank set point tracking with PI control (Kc 20).
Note that there is no offset with PI control. Eventually each system levels out at
the desired set point of 5C.
12.5 PROPORTIONAL CONTROL OF
SYSTEM WITH MEASUREMENT LAG
In the previous examples the lag in the measuring element was assumed to be negligible
(the feedback transfer function was taken as 1). We now consider the same control sys-
tem, the stirred-tank heater of Fig. 12–1, with a first-order measuring element having a
transfer function 1/(tms 1).
The block diagram for the modified system is now shown in Fig. 12–17.
T'i
+ +
1 1
Kc s+1
T'R wC + T'
−
1
ms + 1
FIGURE 12–17
Control system with measurement lag.
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244 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
By the usual procedure, the transfer function for set point changes may be
written
T⬘ A1 (t m s ⫹ 1)
⫽ 2 2 (12.17)
TR⬘ t 2 s ⫹ 2z 2t 2 s ⫹ 1
where
Kc A
A1 ⫽
1 ⫹ Kc A
tt m
t2 ⫽
1 ⫹ Kc A
t ⫹ tm 1
z2 ⫽
2 tt m 1 ⫹ K c A
We will not obtain an expression for the transient response for this case, for it will be
of the same form as Eq. (12.16). Adding the first-order measuring lag to the control
system of Fig. 12–1 produces a second-order system even for proportional control. This
means there will be an oscillatory response for an appropriate choice of the parameters
t, tm, Kc, and A. To understand the effect of gain Kc and measuring lag tm on the behav-
ior of the system, response curves are shown in Fig. 12–18 for various combinations of
Kc and tm for a fixed value of t 1. In general, the response becomes more oscillatory,
or less stable, as Kc or tm increases.
=1 m =2 =1
=1 Kc = 8
Kc = 8 m
T'R = 1s m =1 T'R = 1s
Kc = 4 = 0.5
T'
T'
m
1 1
Kc = 2 m =0
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 t 0 1 2 3 4 5 t
(a) (b)
+ Kc
1
T'
T'R s+ 1
− A=1
1
ms + 1
(c)
FIGURE 12–18
Effect of controller gain and measurement lag on system response for unit-step change in set point.
For a fixed value of tm 1, Fig. 12–18a shows that the offset is reduced as Kc
increases; however, this improvement in steady-state performance is obtained at the
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 245
expense of a poorer transient response. As Kc increases, the overshoot becomes exces-
sive, and the response becomes more oscillatory. In general, we will find that a control
system having proportional control will require a value of Kc that is based on a compro-
mise between low offset and satisfactory transient response.
For a fixed value of controller gain (Kc 8), Fig. 12–18b shows that an increase
in measurement lag produces a poorer transient response in that the overshoot becomes
greater and the response more oscillatory as tm increases. This behavior illustrates a
general rule that the measuring element in a control system should respond quickly if
satisfactory response is to be achieved.
Example 12.5 Effect of measurement lag on the proportional-integral control of a
stirred-tank heater for set point tracking. Let’s examine the effect of measurement
lag on the PI control of the stirred-tank heater. We just concluded that as mea-
surement lag increases, a proportional control only system becomes more oscilla-
tory. What happens with PI control? The Simulink model is modified to include
measurement lag (see Fig. 12–19). We’ll fix Kc at 20 and tI 2, which gave us
reasonably good results in Example 12.4.
1
Out1
Heater Gain Actual
Set point Tr tank
Error Q(kW) 1 temp. T
+− PID 0.0714 ++
5s+1
Set point PID Controller Tank
Scope
Feed Temp. Ti
Measured Temp. Tm 1 temps
taum s + 1
To workspace
Thermocouple
2
Out2
FIGURE 12–19
Simulink model for Example 12.5.
For values of tm 0.33, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0, determine the nature of the response
to a set point change of 5C. Figure 12–20 shows the results. It is clear that as
the measurement lag increases, the response becomes more oscillatory and less
stable.
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246 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Effect of Measurement Lag on Pl Control of Stirred-Tank Heater
12
Kc = 20
=5
m 1=2
10
m =2
Tank Temperature T'
8
m =1
6
m = 0.33
4
2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time (min)
FIGURE 12–20
Effect of measurement lag on PI control of stirred-tank heater.
SUMMARY
In this chapter, we confined our attention to the response of simple control systems that
were either first-order or second-order. This means that the transient response can be
found by referring to Chaps. 4 and 7. However, if integral action were added to the con-
troller in the system of Fig. 12–17, the overall transfer function would have a third-order
polynomial in the denominator. Incorrect selection of controller parameters can lead to
a response with increasing amplitude. These unstable responses can occur in all systems
with third- or higher-order polynomials in the denominator of the overall transfer func-
tion. Inversion would require factoring a cubic, which is generally a difficult task by
hand, but a routine task using a computer. Actually, systems with denominator polynomi-
als of order greater than 2 are the rule rather than the exception. Hence, we will develop
in forthcoming chapters convenient techniques for studying the response of higher-order
control systems. These techniques will be of direct use in control system design.
Unstable responses can occur in all systems with third- or higher-order polyno-
mials in the denominator of the overall transfer function. In Chap.13 we will present a
concrete definition of stability and begin the development of methods for determining
stability in control systems.
PROBLEMS
12.1. The set point of the control system shown in Fig. P12–1 is given a step change of 0.1 unit.
Determine
(a) The maximum value of C and the time at which it occurs
(b) The offset
(c) The period of oscillation
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 247
Draw a sketch of C(t) as a function of time.
+ 5
R K = 1.6 C
(s + 1)(2s + 1)
−
FIGURE P12–1
12.2. The control system shown in Fig. P12–2 contains a PID controller.
(a) For the closed loop, develop formulas for the natural period of oscillation t and the
damping factor z in terms of the parameters K, tD, tI, and t1.
For the following parts, tD tI 1 and t1 2,
(b) Calculate z when K is 0.5 and when K is 2.
(c) Do z and t approach limiting values as K increases, and if so, what are these values?
(d ) Determine the offset for a unit-step change in load if K is 2.
(e) Sketch the response curve (C versus t) for a unit-step change in load when K is 0.5 and
when K is 2.
( f ) In both cases of part (e) determine the maximum value of C and the time at which it
occurs.
U
+ +
R K1+ Ds + 1 1 C
τ Is + 1s +1
−
FIGURE P12–2
12.3. The location of a load change in a control loop may affect the system response. In the
block diagram shown in Fig. P12–3, a unit-step change in load enters at either location 1
or location 2.
(a) What is the frequency of the transient response when the load enters at location 1 and
when the load enters at location 2?
(b) What is the offset when the load enters at location 1 and when it enters at location 2?
(c) Sketch the transient response to a step change in U1 and to a step change in U2.
U1 U2
+ + 2 + 1
R Kc = 5 2s + 1 2s + 1 C
− + +
FIGURE P12–3
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248 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
12.4. Consider the liquid-level control system shown in Fig. P12–4. The tanks are noninteract-
ing. The following information is known:
• The resistances on the tanks are linear. These resistances were tested separately, and
it was found that if the steady-state flow rate q cfm is plotted against steady-state tank
level h ft, the slope of the line dq/dh is 2 ft2/min.
• The cross-sectional area of each tank is 2 ft2.
• The control valve was tested separately, and it was found that a change of 1 psi in pressure
to the valve produced a change in flow of 0.1 cfm.
• There is no dynamic lag in the valve or the measuring element.
(a) Draw a block diagram of this control system, and in each block give the transfer func-
tion, with numerical values of the parameters.
(b) Determine the controller gain Kc for a critically damped response.
(c) If the tanks were connected so that they were interacting, what is the value of Kc needed
for critical damping?
(d) Using 1.5 times the value of Kc determined in part (c), determine the response of the
level in tank 2 to a step change in set point of 1 in of level.
Proportional
controller
Water
supply q
R1
R2
FIGURE P12–4
12.5. A PD controller is used in a control system having a first-order process and a measurement
lag as shown in Fig. P12–5.
(a) Find expressions for z and t for the closed-loop response.
(b) If t1 1 min and tm 10 s, find Kc so that z 0.7 for the two cases (1) tD 0 s and
(2) tD 3 s.
(c) Compare the offset and period realized for both cases, and comment on the advantage
of adding the derivative mode.
U
+
+ 1
R Kc (1 + Ds) C
+ 1s+1
−
1
ms + 1
FIGURE P12–5
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CHAPTER 12 TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SIMPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS 249
12.6. The thermal system shown in Fig. P12–6 is controlled by a PD controller. These data are
given:
w ⫽ 250 lb/min
r ⫽ 62.5 lb/ft 3
V1 ⫽ 4 ft 3
V2 ⫽ 5 ft 3
V3 ⫽ 6 ft 3
C ⫽ 1 Btu/( lb⭈⬚ F )
A change of 1 psi from the controller changes the flow rate of heat q by 500 Btu/min. The
temperature of the inlet stream may vary. There is no lag in the measuring element.
(a) Draw a block diagram of the control system with the appropriate transfer function in
each block. Each transfer function should contain numerical values of the parameters.
(b) From the block diagram, determine the overall transfer function relating the tempera-
ture in tank 3 to a change in set point.
(c) Find the offset for a unit-step change in inlet temperature if the controller gain Kc is
3 psi/F of temperature error and the derivative time is 0.5 min.
PD controller
Final
control
element
psi
°F
q
w V2 V3
V1
FIGURE P12–6
12.7. (a) For the control system shown in Fig. P12–7, obtain the closed-loop transfer function
C/U.
(b) Find the value of Kc for which the closed-loop response has a z of 2.3.
(c) Find the offset for a unit-step change in U if Kc 4.
U
+
+ s+1 + 1
R Kc C
0.25s + 1 s
−
FIGURE P12–7
12.8. For the control system shown in Fig. P12–8, determine
(a) C(s)/R(s)
(b) C()
(c) Offset
(d) C(0.5)
(e) Whether the closed-loop response is oscillatory
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250 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
U=0
+
2 + + 2
R= 2 C
s s(s + 1)
−
FIGURE P12–8
12.9. For the control system shown in Fig. P12–9, determine an expression for C(t) if a unit-step
change occurs in R. Sketch the response C(t) and compute C(2).
+ 1
R 1+ 1 C
s
−
FIGURE P12–9
12.10. Compare the responses to a unit-step change in set point for the system shown in Fig. P12–10
for both negative feedback and positive feedback. Do this for Kc of 0.5 and 1.0. Compare
these responses by sketching C(t).
+ Kc 1
R C
s+1
+ or −
FIGURE P12–10
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CHAPTER
12
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Offset: The difference (at steady state) between the desired value of the con-
trolled variable (set point) and the actual value of the controlled variable.
Measurement lag: The response time of the sensor used to measure the value of
the controlled variable and send it to the controller. It usually appears in the feedback
loop of the control system.
TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF A
PROPORTIONAL-ONLY CONTROL SYSTEM
Key Point - With proportional-only control there will always be some offset and
As Kc ↑ Offset ↓
TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF A
PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL CONTROL
SYSTEM
Key Point - With proportional-integral control there is no offset. However, the
addition of the integral action in the controller can cause the system response to become
more oscillatory and increase the maximum deviation (or overshoot) of the response.
PI Control ⴝ No offset, but may be oscillatory
TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF A SYSTEM WITH
MEASUREMENT LAG
The larger the measurement lag in a control system, the poorer the control performance.
As measurement lag increases, the response of the system will degrade and will become
more oscillatory.
251
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CHAPTER
13
STABILITY
13.1 CONCEPT OF STABILITY
In Chap. 12, the overall response of the control system was no higher than second-order.
For these systems, the step response must resemble those of Fig. 4–7 or of Fig. 7–3.
Hence, the system is inherently stable. In this chapter we consider the problem of sta-
bility in a control system (Fig. 13–1) only slightly more complicated than any studied
previously. This system might represent proportional control of two stirred-tank heat-
ers with measuring lag. In this discussion, only set point changes are to be considered.
From the methods developed in Chap. 11 for determining the overall transfer function,
we have from Fig. 13–1
C G1G2 (13.1)
R 1 G1G2 H
U
+
+ 1
G1 = Kc G2 =
R + ( 1s + 1) ( 2s + 1) C
_
1
H=
( 3s + 1)
FIGURE 13–1
Third-order control system.
252
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CHAPTER 13 STABILITY 253
In terms of the particular transfer functions shown in Fig. 13–1, C/R becomes, after
some rearrangement,
C K c (t 3 s 1)
(13.2)
R (t 1s 1) (t 2 s 1) (t 3s 1) K c
The denominator of Eq. (13.2) is a third-order polynomial. For a unit-step change in R,
the transform of the response is
1 K c (t 3 s 1)
C (13.3)
s (t 1s 1) (t 2 s 1) (t 3 s 1) K c
To obtain the transient response C(t), it is necessary to find the inverse of Eq. (13.3).
This requires obtaining the roots of the denominator of Eq. (13.2), which is third-order.
We can no longer find these roots as easily as we did for the second-order systems by
use of the quadratic formula. However, in principle they can always be obtained by
algebraic methods or through the use of computer software such as MATLAB.
It is apparent that the roots of the denominator depend upon the particular values
of the time constants and Kc. These roots determine the nature of the transient response,
according to the rules presented in Fig. 3–1 and Table 3.1. It is of interest to examine
the nature of the response for the control system of Fig. 13–1 as Kc is varied, assuming
the time constants t1,t2, and t3 to be fixed. To be specific, consider the step response
for t 1 1, t 2 12 , and t 3 13 for several values of Kc. Without going into the
detailed calculations at this time, the results of inversion of Eq. (13.3) are shown as
response curves in Fig. 13–2. From these response curves, it is seen that as Kc increases,
the system response becomes more oscillatory. In fact, beyond a certain value of Kc, the
successive amplitudes of the response grow rather than decay; this type of response is
called unstable. Evidently, for some values of Kc, there is a pair of roots corresponding
to s4 and s4* of Fig. 3–1. As control system designers, we are clearly interested in being
able to determine quickly the values of Kc that give unstable responses, such as that cor-
responding to Kc 12 in Fig. 13–2.
Kc = 12
C (t)
Kc = 9
Kc = 6
Unit step
1
Kc = 3
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
t
FIGURE 13–2
Response of control system of Fig. 13–1 for a unit-step change in set point.
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254 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
If the order of Eq. (13.2) had been higher than 3, the hand calculations necessary to
obtain Fig. 13–2 would have been even more difficult. In this chapter, the focus is on
developing a clearer understanding of the concept of stability. In addition, we develop a
quick test for detecting roots having positive real parts, such as s4 and s 4* in Fig. 3–1.
13.2 DEFINITION OF STABILITY (LINEAR
SYSTEMS)
For our purposes, a stable system will be defined as one for which the output response
is bounded for all bounded inputs. A system exhibiting an unbounded response to a
bounded input is unstable. This definition, although somewhat loose, is adequate for
most of the linear systems and simple inputs that we shall study.
STABLE SYSTEM → a bounded input produces a bounded output (BIBO)
A bounded input function is a function of time that always falls within certain bounds
during the course of time. For example, the step function and sinusoidal function are
bounded inputs. The function f(t) t is obviously unbounded.
Although the definition of an unstable system states that the output becomes
unbounded, this is true only in the mathematical sense. An actual physical system always
exhibits bounds or constraints. A linear mathematical model (set of linear differential
equations describing the system) from which stability information is obtained is mean-
ingful only over a certain range of variables. For example, a linear control valve gives
a linear relation between flow and valve-top pressure only over the range of pressure
(or flow) corresponding to values between which the valve is shut tight or wide open.
When the valve is wide open, for example, further change in pressure to the diaphragm
will not increase the flow. We often describe such a limitation by the term saturation. A
physical system, when unstable, may not follow the response of its linear mathematical
model beyond certain physical bounds but rather may saturate. However, the prediction
of stability by the linear model is of utmost importance in a real control system since
operation with the valve shut tight or wide open is clearly unsatisfactory control.
13.3 STABILITY CRITERION
The purpose of this section is to translate the stability definition into a simpler criterion,
one that can be used to ascertain the stability of control systems of the form shown in
Fig. 13–3.
U
+ +
R G1 G2 C
+
−
B
H
FIGURE 13–3
Basic single-loop control system.
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CHAPTER 13 STABILITY 255
CHARACTERISTIC EQUATION. From the block diagram of the control system
(Fig. 13–3), we obtain by the methods of Chap. 12
G1G2 G2
C R U (13.4)
1 G1G2 H 1 G1G2 H
To simplify the nomenclature, let G G1G2H. We call G the open-loop transfer func-
tion because it relates the measured variable B to the set point R if the feedback loop of
Fig. 13–3 is disconnected from the comparator (i.e., if the loop is opened). In terms of
the open-loop transfer function G, Eq. (13.4) becomes
G1G2 G2
C R U (13.5)
1G 1G
In principle, for given forcing functions R(s) and U(s), Eq. (13.5) may be inverted to
give the control system response.
To determine under what conditions the system represented by Eq. (13.5) is sta-
ble, it is necessary to test the response to a bounded input. Suppose a unit-step change
in set point is applied. Then
G1G2 1 G1G2 F ( s )
C (s) (13.6)
1G s s ( s r1 )( s r2 )( s rn )
where r1,r2, . . . , rn are the n roots of the equation
1 G (s) 0 (13.7)
and F(s) is a function that arises in the rearrangement to the right-hand form of
Eq. (13.6). Equation (13.7) is called the characteristic equation for the control system
of Fig. 13–3. For example, for the control system of Fig. 13–1 the step response is
G1G2
C (s)
s (1 G )
K c / [(t 1s 1) (t 2 s 1)]
s [1 K c / (t 1s 1) (t 2 s 1) (t 3 s 1)]
which may be rearranged to
K c (t 3 s 1)
C (s)
s t 1t 2t 3 s (t 1t 2 t 1t 3 t 2t 3 ) s 2 (t 1 t 2 t 3 ) s (1 K c )
3
This is equivalent to
K c (t 3 s 1) /t 1t 2t 3
C (s)
s ( s r1) ( s r2 ) ( s r3 )
where r1, r2, and r3 are the roots of the characteristic equation
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256 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
t 1t 2t 3 s 3 (t 1t 2 t 1t 3 t 2t 3 ) s 2 (t 1 t 2 t 3 ) s (1 K c ) 0 (13.8)
Evidently, for this case the function F(s) in Eq. (13.6) is
(t 1s 1) (t 2 s 1) (t 3s 1)
F (s)
t 1t 2t 3
In Chap. 3, the qualitative nature of the inverse transforms of equations such as
Eq. (13.6) was discussed. It was shown that (see Fig. 3–1 and Table 3.1) if there are
any of the roots r1, r2, . . . , rn in the right half of the complex plane, the response C(t)
will contain a term that grows exponentially in time and the system is unstable. If there
are one or more roots of the characteristic equation at the origin, there is an sm in the
denominator of Eq. (13.6) (where m 2) and the response is again unbounded, growing
as a polynomial in time. This condition specifies m as greater than or equal to 2, not 1,
because one of the s terms in the denominator is accounted for by the fact that the input is
a unit step (1/s) in Eq. (13.6). (Note that a 1/s term will invert to a constant, while a 1/s2
term will invert to a term of the form C1t, which is unbounded.) Additionally, if there is
a pair of conjugate roots of the characteristic equation on the imaginary axis, the contri-
bution to the overall step response is a pure sinusoid, which is bounded. However, if the
bounded input is taken as sin wt, where w is the imaginary part of the conjugate roots,
the contribution to the overall response is a sinusoid with an amplitude that increases
as a polynomial in time [the response will have a term of the form C1t sin(wt f)].
Thus, if a root lies on the imaginary axis, there is the potential for repeating the root
of a bounded input (such as a step input or a sinusoid input), and the response will be
unstable. Therefore, the right-half plane, including the imaginary axis, is the unstable
region for location of roots of the characteristic equation. It is evident from Eq. (13.5)
that precisely the same considerations apply to a change in the load U, as we just dis-
cussed for set point changes, since they have the same characteristic equation.
Therefore, the definition of stability for linear systems may be translated to the
following criterion: A linear control system is unstable if any roots of its char-
acteristic equation are on, or to the right of, the imaginary axis. Otherwise the
system is stable.
It is important to note that the characteristic equation of a control system, which
determines its stability, is the same for set point or load changes. The stability depends
only upon G(s), the open-loop transfer function. Furthermore, although the rules derived
above were based on a step input, they are applicable to any input. This is true, first,
by the definition of stability and, second, because if there is a root of the characteristic
equation in the right half-plane, it contributes an unbounded term in the response to any
input. This follows from Eq. (13.5) after it is rearranged to the form of Eq. (13.6) for
the particular input.
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CHAPTER 13 STABILITY 257
Imaginary
Stable Region axis Unstable Region
Left Half-Plane (LHP) Right Half-Plane (RHP)
2
1.5 1.5
1
1 0
0.5 0.5
–1
0 –1.5 12
–0.5 –2 10
0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
–1
s3 8
6
4
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
s2 (0, b3) 2
0
–2
(–a2, b2) –4
–6
–8
s4 0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
(a4, b4)
s1 s6 s5 Real
(–a1, 0) (0, 0) (a5, 0) axis
s4*
2.5 10
(a4, –b4) 9
8
1.5 2
7
s2* 1.5
6
5
1 4
(–a2, –b2) 1 3
2
0.5 1
0.5 0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 s3* 2
(0, –b3) 1.5
1
0
0.5
–1.5
–2
0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
FIGURE 13–4
Stability of typical roots of the characteristic equation.
Therefore, the stability of a control system of the type shown in Fig. 13–3 is deter-
mined solely by its open-loop transfer function through the roots of the characteristic
equation. This behavior is shown graphically in Fig. 13–4, which relates the nature of
the response to the location of the roots of the characteristic equation.
Example 13.1. In terms of Fig. 13–3, a control system has the transfer functions
0 . 5s 1
G1 10 ( PI controller)
s
1
G2 (stirred tank)
2s 1
H 1 (measuring element without lag)
We have suggested a physical system by the components placed in parentheses.
Find the characteristic equation and its roots, and determine whether the system
is stable.
The first step is to write the open-loop transfer function
10 ( 0 . 5s 1)
G G1G2 H
s ( 2s 1)
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258 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
The characteristic equation is therefore
10 ( 0 . 5s 1)
1 0
s ( 2s 1)
which is equivalent to
s 2 3s 5 0
Solving by the quadratic formula gives
3 9 20
s
2 2
or
3 11
s1 j
2 2
3 11
s2 j
2 2
Since the real part of s1 and s2 is negative (3/2), the system is stable.
13.4 ROUTH TEST FOR STABILITY
The Routh test is a purely algebraic method for determining how many roots of the
characteristic equation have positive real parts; from this it can also be determined
whether the system is stable, for if there are no roots with positive real parts, the system
is stable. The test is limited to systems that have polynomial characteristic equations.
This means that it cannot be used to test the stability of a control system containing a
transportation lag. The procedure for application of the Routh test is presented without
proof. The proof is available elsewhere (Routh, 1905) and is mathematically beyond the
scope of this text.
The procedure for examining the roots is to write the characteristic equation in
the form
a0 s n a1s n 1 a2 s n 2 . . . an 0 (13.9)
where a0 is positive. (If a0 is originally negative, both sides are multiplied by 1.) In
this form, it is necessary that all the coefficients
a0 , a1 , a2 , ... , an 1 , an
be positive if all the roots are to lie in the left half-plane. If any coefficient is nega-
tive, the system is definitely unstable, and the Routh test is not needed to answer the
question of stability. (However, in this case, the Routh test will tell us the number of
roots in the right half-plane.) If all the coefficients are positive, the system may be
stable or unstable. It is then necessary to apply the following procedure to determine
stability.
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CHAPTER 13 STABILITY 259
Routh Array
Arrange the coefficients of Eq. (13.9) into the first two rows of the Routh array as
follows:
Row
1 a0 a2 a4 a6
2 a1 a3 a5 a7
3 b1 b2 b3
4 c1 c2 c3
5 d1 d2
6 e1 e2
7 f1
n1 g1
The array has been filled in for n 7 to simplify the discussion. For any other value
of n, the array is prepared in the same manner. In general, there are n 1 rows. For n
even, the first row has one more element than the second row.
The elements in the remaining rows are found from the formulas
a1a2 a0 a3 a1a4 a0 a5
b1 b2 ...
a1 a1
b1a3 a1b2 b1a5 a1b3
c1 c2 ...
b1 b1
The elements for the other rows are found from formulas that correspond to those just
given. The elements in any row are always derived from the elements of the two pre-
ceding rows. During the computation of the Routh array, any row can be divided by a
positive constant without changing the results of the test. (The application of this rule
often simplifies the arithmetic.)
Having obtained the Routh array, we can apply the following theorems to deter-
mine stability.
THEOREMS OF THE ROUTH TEST
Theorem 13.1. The necessary and sufficient condition for all the roots of the character-
istic equation [Eq. (13.9)] to have negative real parts (stable system) is that all elements of
the first column of the Routh array (a0, a1, b1, c1, etc.) be positive and nonzero.
Theorem 13.2. If some of the elements in the first column are negative, the number
of roots with a positive real part (in the right half-plane) is equal to the number of sign
changes in the first column.
Theorem 13.3. If one pair of roots is on the imaginary axis, equidistant from the origin,
and all other roots are in the left half-plane, then all the elements of the nth row will van-
ish and none of the elements of the preceding row will vanish. The location of the pair of
imaginary roots can be found by solving the equation
Cs 2 D 0 (13.10)
where the coefficients C and D are the elements of the array in the (n – 1)st row as read
from left to right, respectively.
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260 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
The algebraic method for determining stability is limited in its usefulness in that
all we can learn from it is whether a system is stable. It does not give us any idea of the
degree of stability or the roots of the characteristic equation.
Example 13.2. Given the characteristic equation
s 4 3s 2 5s 2 4 s 2 0
determine the stability by the Routh criterion.
Since all the coefficients are positive, the system may be stable. To test this,
form the following Routh array:
Row
1 1 5 2
2 3 4
3 11/3 6/3
4 26/11 0
5 2
The elements in the array are found by applying the formulas presented in the
rules; for example, b1, which is the element in the first column, third row, is
obtained by
a1a2 a0 a3
b1
a1
or in terms of numerical values,
(3)(5) (1)(4) 15 4 11
b1
3 3 3 3
Since there is no change in sign in the first column, there are no roots having posi-
tive real parts, and the system is stable.
Example 13.3. (a) Using t 1 1, t 2 12 , and t 3 13 , determine the values
of Kc for which the control system in Fig. 13–1 is stable. (b) For the value of Kc
for which the system is on the threshold of instability, determine the roots of the
characteristic equation with the help of Theorem 13.3.
Solution
(a) The characteristic equation 1 G(s) 0 becomes
Kc
1 0
( s 1) ( s / 2 1) ( s / 3 1)
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CHAPTER 13 STABILITY 261
Using MATLAB to Determine the Roots of a Polynomial
The MATLAB command roots(C) computes the roots of the polynomial whose coefficients are
the elements of the vector C. If C has n 1 elements, the polynomial is
C1 x n C2 x n 1 C3 x n 2 . . . Cn 1 x 2 Cn x Cn 1
For the characteristic equation of Example 13.2, s4 3s2 5s2 4s 2 0, the vector C would be
C [1, 3, 5, 4, 2]
The MATLAB command and the resulting solution are shown below.
roots([1,3,5,4,2])
ans =
-1.0000 1.0000i
-1.0000 1.0000i
-0.5000 0.8660i
-0.5000 0.8660i
The real parts of all four roots are negative. Thus, the roots all lie in the left half-plane (LHP), and
the system is stable. This is the same result that we obtained using the Routh test.
Rearrangement of this equation for use in the Routh test gives
s 3 6s 2 11s 6 (1 K c ) 0 (13.11)
The Routh array is
Row
1 1 11
2 6 6(1 Kc)
3 10 Kc
4 6(1 Kc)
Since the proportional sensitivity of the controller Kc is a positive quantity, we see that
the fourth entry in the first column, 6(1 Kc), is positive. According to Theorem 13.1,
all the elements of the first column must be positive for stability; hence
10 K c 0
K c 10
It is concluded that the system will be stable only if Kc 10, which agrees with
Fig. 13–2.
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262 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
(b) At Kc 10, the system is on the verge of instability, and the element in the nth (third)
row of the array is zero. According to Theorem 13.3, the location of the imaginary
roots is obtained by solving
Cs 2 D 0
where C and D are the elements in the (n 1)st row. For this problem, with Kc 10,
we obtain
6s 2 66 0
s j 11
Therefore, two of the roots on the imaginary axis are located at 11 and 11.
The third root can be found by expressing Eq. (13.11) in factored form
( s s1 ) ( s s2 ) ( s s3 ) 0 (13.12)
where s1, s2, and s3 are the roots. Introducing the two imaginary roots (s1 j 11
and s2 j 11 ) into Eq. (13.12) and multiplying out the terms give
s 3 s3 s 2 11s 11s3 0
Comparing this equation with Eq. (13.11), we see that s3 6. The roots of the char-
acteristic equation are therefore s1 j 11, s2 j 11, and s3 6.
Using MATLAB and s3 6s2 11s 6(1 Kc) 0 with Kc 10, we can use the roots
command as follows.
roots([1,6,11,66])
ans =
-6.0000
0.0000 + 3.3166i
0.0000 – 3.3166i The result is the same, 11 3 . 3166 .
Example 13.4. Determine the stability of the system shown in Fig. 13–1 for
which a PI controller is used. Use t 1 1, t 2 12 , t 3 13 , K c 5, and
τI 0.25.
Solution
Characteristic equation is
( K c / t 1t 2t 3 ) (t I s 1)
1 0
t I s [ s (1 / t 1 )][ s (1 / t 2 )][ s (1 / t 3 )]
Using the parameters given above in this equation leads to
s 4 6s 3 11s 2 36s 120 0
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CHAPTER 13 STABILITY 263
Notice that the order of the characteristic equation has increased from three to four as a
result of adding integral action to the controller. The Routh array becomes
Row
1 1 11 120
2 6 36
3 5 120
4 108
5 120
Because there are two sign changes in the first column, we know from Theorem 13.2 of
the Routh test that two roots have positive real parts. From Example 13.3 we know that
for Kc 5 the system is stable with proportional control. With integral action present,
however, the system is unstable for Kc 5.
Employing MATLAB to help us again yields
roots([1,6,11,36,120])
ans =
-3.7953 + 0.8664i
-3.7953 - 0.8664i
0.7953 + 2.6992i
0.7953 - 2.6992i
Note the two roots in the RHP (with the positive real parts of 0.7953). The system is unstable. This
is the same result we obtained with the Routh test.
SUMMARY
A definition of stability for a control system has been presented and discussed. This def-
inition was translated into a simple mathematical criterion relating stability to the loca-
tion of roots of the characteristic equation. Briefly, it was found that a control system
is stable if all the roots of its characteristic equation lie in the left half of the complex
plane. The Routh criterion, a simple algebraic test for detecting roots of a polynomial
lying in the right half of the complex plane, was presented and applied to control system
stability analysis. This criterion suffers from two limitations: (1) It is applicable only to
systems with polynomial characteristic equations, and (2) it gives no information about
the actual location of the roots and, in particular, their proximity to the imaginary axis.
This latter point is quite important, as can be seen from Fig. 13–2 and the results
of Example 13.3. The Routh criterion tells us only that for Kc 10 the system is stable.
However, from Fig. 13–2 it is clear that the value Kc 9 produces a response that is
undesirable because it has a response time that is too long. In other words, the controlled
variable oscillates too long before returning to steady state. It will be shown later that
this happens because for Kc 9 there is a pair of roots close to the imaginary axis.
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264 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
In Chap. 14 tools will be developed for obtaining more information about the
actual location of the roots of the characteristic equation. This will enable us to predict
the form of the curves of Fig. 13–2 for various values of Kc. The advantage of these
tools is that they are graphical and are easy to apply compared with standard algebraic
solutions of the characteristic equation.
There are two distinct approaches to this problem: root locus methods and
frequency-response methods. The former are discussed in Chap. 14 and the latter in
Chaps. 15 and 16. These groups of chapters are written in parallel, and the reader may
study one or both groups in either order. As a guide to making this decision, here are
some general comments concerning the two approaches.
Root locus methods allow rapid determination of the location of the roots of the
characteristic equation as functions of parameters such as Kc of Fig. 13–1. However,
they are difficult to apply to systems containing transportation lags. Also, they require a
reasonably accurate knowledge of the theoretical process transfer function.
Frequency-response methods are an indirect solution to the location of the roots.
They utilize the sinusoidal response of the open-loop transfer function to determine
values of parameters such as Kc that keep these roots a “safe distance” from the right
half-plane. The actual transient response for a given value of Kc can be only crudely
approximated. However, frequency-response methods are easily applied to systems
containing transportation lags and may be used with only experimental knowledge of
the unsteady-state process behavior.
A mastery of control theory requires knowledge of both methods because they
are complementary. However, the reader may choose to study only frequency response
and still be adequately prepared for most of the material in the remainder of this book.
The choice of studying only root locus will be more restrictive in terms of preparation
for subsequent chapters. In addition, much of the literature on process dynamics relies
heavily on frequency-response methods.
PROBLEMS
13.1. Write the characteristic equation and construct the Routh array for the control system
shown in Fig. P13–1. Is the system stable for (a) Kc 9.5, (b) Kc 11, and (c) Kc 12?
+ 1
R Kc C
(s + 1)(0.5s + 1)
−
3
s+3
FIGURE P13–1
13.2. By means of the Routh test, determine the stability of the system shown in Fig. P13–2
when Kc 2.
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CHAPTER 13 STABILITY 265
+ 3)
R Kc(1 + −
s Kv = 1 2 C
−
1
0.2s2 + 0.4s +1
FIGURE P13–2
13.3. In the control system of Prob. 12.6, determine the value of gain (psi/ F) that just causes the
system to be unstable if (a) tD 0.25 min and (b) tD 0.5 min.
13.4. Prove that if one or more of the coefficients a0, a1, . . . , an of the characteristic equation
[Eq. (13.9)] is negative or zero, then there is necessarily an unstable root. Hint: First show
that a1/a0 is minus the sum of all the roots, a2/a0 is plus the sum of all possible products of
two roots, aj /a0 is (1) j times the sum of all possible products of j roots, etc.
13.5. Prove that the converse statement of Prob. 13.4—that an unstable root implies that one or
more of the coefficients will be negative or zero—is untrue for all n > 2. Hint: To prove that
a statement is untrue, it is only necessary to demonstrate a single counterexample.
13.6. Deduce an extension of the Routh criterion that will detect the presence of roots with real
parts greater than σ for any specified s 0.
13.7. Show that any complex number s satisfying |s| 1 yields a value of
1s
z
1s
that satisfies
Re ( z ) 0
(Hint: Let s x jy; z u jv. Rationalize the fraction, and equate real and imag-
inary parts of z and the rationalized fraction. Now consider what happens to the circle
x2 y2 1. To show that the inside of the circle goes over to the right half-plane, consider
a convenient point inside the circle.)
On the basis of this transformation, deduce an extension of the Routh criterion that will
determine whether the system has roots inside the unit circle. Why might this information
be of interest? How can the transformation be modified to consider circles of other radii?
1
+1 U
4s
+
+ 1 1
C
R _ 1s ( 1s + 1) ( + 1)
+ 2s
3s +1
FIGURE P13–8
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266 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
13.8. Given the control diagram shown in Fig. P13–8, deduce by means of the Routh criterion
those values of τI for which the output C is stable for all inputs R and U.
13.9. In the control system shown in Fig. P13–9, find the value of Kc for which the system is on
the verge of instability. The controller is replaced by a PD controller, for which the transfer
function is Kc (tDs 1). If Kc 10, determine the range of tD for which the system is
stable.
+ 1
R Kc C
(s + 1)3
−
FIGURE P13–9
13.10. (a) Write the characteristic equation for the control system shown in Fig. P13–10.
(b) Use the Routh test to determine if the system is stable for Kc 4.
(c) Determine the ultimate value of Kc above which the system is unstable.
U
+
+ +
R ( )
Kc 1 + −2s
1
2s + 1
C
−
1
s+1
FIGURE P13–10
13.11. For the control system in Fig. P13–11, the characteristic equation is
s 4 4 s 3 6s 2 4 s (1 K ) 0
(a) Determine the value of K above which the system is unstable.
(b) Determine the value of K for which two of the roots are on the imaginary axis, and
determine the values of these imaginary roots and the remaining two roots.
+ 1
R K C
(s + 1)3
−
1
s+1
FIGURE P13–11
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CHAPTER
13
CAPSULE SUMMARY
STABLE SYSTEM → Stable Region
Imaginary
axis Unstable Region
Left Half-Plane (LHP) Right Half-Plane (RHP)
A bounded input produces a bounded output 1.5
1
2
1.5
1
0
(BIBO). 0.5
0
–0.5
s3
0.5
–1
–1.5
–2
0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
12
10
8
–1 6
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 s2 (0, b3)
4
2
0
–2
(–a2, b2)
Characteristic equation: 1 G(s) 0, where
–4
–6
–8
s4 0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
(a4, b4)
1 G(s) is the denominator of the closed-loop transfer s1
(–a1, 0)
s6
(0, 0)
s4*
s5
(a5, 0)
Real
axis
function for the process. 1.5
2.5
2
(a4, –b4)
10
9
8
7
s2* 6
Routh stability test: A test to determine the sta-
1.5 5
1
4
(–a2, –b2) 1 3
2
0.5 1
0.5 0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
bility of a linear control system. To apply the Routh test, 0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 s3*
(0, –b3)
2
1.5
rewrite the characteristic equation as 1
0
0.5
–1.5
–2
0 0.1 0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1
a0 s n a1s n 1 a2 s n 2 . . . an 0 (13.9) FIGURE 13–4
Stability of typical roots of the characteristic
equation.
where a0 is positive. Form the following array by using the coefficients:
Row
1 a0 a2 a4 a6
2 a1 a3 a5 a7
3 b1 b2 b3
4 c1 c2 c3
5 d1 d2
6 e1 e2
7 f1
n1 g1
The other elements are found from the formulas
a1a2 a0 a3 a1a4 a0 a5
b1 b2 ...
a1 a1
b1a3 a1b2 b1a5 a1b3
c1 c2 ...
b1 b1
267
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268 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
THEOREMS OF THE ROUTH TEST
Theorem 13.1. The necessary and sufficient condition for all the roots of the charac-
teristic equation [Eq. (13.9)] to have negative real parts (stable system)
is that all elements of the first column of the Routh array (a0, a1, b1, c1,
etc.) be positive and nonzero.
Theorem 13.2. If some of the elements in the first column are negative, the number of
roots with a positive real part (in the right half-plane) is equal to the
number of sign changes in the first column.
Theorem 13.3. If one pair of roots is on the imaginary axis, equidistant from the origin,
and all other roots are in the left half-plane, all the elements of the nth
row will vanish and none of the elements of the preceding row will van-
ish. The location of the pair of imaginary roots can be found by solving
the equation
Cs 2 D 0 (13.10)
where the coefficients C and D are the elements of the array in the
(n – 1)st row as read from left to right, respectively.
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CHAPTER
14
ROOT
LOCUS
I n Chap. 13 on stability, Routh’s criterion was introduced to provide an algebraic
method for determining the stability of a simple feedback control system (Fig. 13–3)
from the characteristic equation of the system [Eq. (13.7)]. This criterion also yields the
number of roots of the characteristic equation that are located in the right half of the
complex plane. In this chapter, we develop a graphical method for finding the actual
values of the roots of the characteristic equation, from which we can obtain the transient
response of the system to an arbitrary forcing function.
14.1 CONCEPT OF ROOT LOCUS
In Chap. 13, the response of the simple feedback control system, shown again in
Fig. 14–1, was given by the expression
G1G2 G2
C ⫽ R⫹ U (14.1)
1⫹G 1⫹G
where G ⫽ G1 G2 H. The factor in the denominator, 1 ⫹ G, when set equal to zero, is
called the characteristic equation of the closed-loop system. The roots of the character-
istic equation determine the form (or character) of the response C(t) to any particular
forcing function R(t) or U(t).
The root locus method is a graphical procedure for finding the roots of 1 ⫹ G ⫽ 0,
as one of the parameters of G varies continuously. In our work, the parameter that will
be varied is the gain (or sensitivity) Kc of the controller. We can illustrate the concept
269
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270 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
U
+ +
R G1 G2 C
+
−
H
FIGURE 14–1
Simple feedback control system.
of a root locus diagram by considering the example presented in Fig. 13–1, which is
represented by the block diagram of Fig. 14–1 with
G1 ⫽ K c
1
G2 ⫽
(t 1s ⫹ 1) (t 2 s ⫹ 1)
1
H ⫽
t 3s ⫹ 1
For this case, the open-loop transfer function is
Kc
G ⫽
(t 1s ⫹ 1) (t 2 s ⫹ 1) (t 3s ⫹ 1)
which may be written in the alternate form
K
G (s) ⫽ (14.2)
(s ⫺ p1 ) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 )
Kc
where K ⫽
t 1t 2t 3
1 1 1
p1 ⫽ ⫺ p2 ⫽ ⫺ p3 ⫽ ⫺
t1 t2 t3
The terms p1, p2, and p3 are called the poles of the open-loop transfer function. A pole
of G(s) is any value of s for which G(s) approaches infinity. For example, it is clear
from Eq. (14.2) that if s ⫽ p1, the denominator of Eq. (14.2) is zero and therefore G(s)
approaches infinity. Hence p1 ⫽ ᎐1/t1 is a pole of G(s).
The characteristic equation for the closed-loop system is
K
1⫹ ⫽ 0
( s ⫺ p1) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3)
This expression may be written
(s ⫺ p1) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 ) ⫹ K ⫽ 0 (14.3)
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CHAPTER 14 ROOT LOCUS 271
Using the same numerical values for the poles that were used at the beginning of Chap.
13 (᎐1, ᎐2, ᎐3) gives
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3) ⫹ K ⫽ 0 (14.4)
where K ⫽ 6Kc
Expanding the product of this equation gives
s 3 ⫹ 6s 2 ⫹ 11s ⫹ K ⫹ 6 ⫽ 0 (14.5)
which is third-order. For any particular value of controller gain Kc, we can obtain the
roots of the characteristic equation [Eq. (14.5)]. For example, if Kc ⫽ 4.41 (K ⫽ 26.5),
Eq. (14.5) becomes
s 3 ⫹ 6s 2 ⫹ 11s ⫹ 32 . 5 ⫽ 0
Solving this equation for the three roots gives
r1 ⫽ ⫺5 . 10
r 2 ⫽ ⫺0 . 45 ⫺ j 2 . 5
r 3 ⫽ ⫺0 . 45 ⫹ j 2 . 5
Note: MATLAB can easily be used to find the roots of a polynomial:
>> c⫽[1,6,11,32.5]; %placing the coefficients of the equation into a
vector
>> roots(c); %finding the roots
ans =
-5.0931
-0.4534 + 2.4851i
By selecting other values of K, other sets of roots are obtained, as shown in Table 14.1.
If the roots are all real, the response will be nonoscillatory.
TABLE 14.1
Roots of the characteristic equation (s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(s ⫹ 3) ⫹ K ⫽ 0
K ⫽ 6 Kc r1 r2 r3
0 ⫺3 ⫺2 ⫺1
0.23 ⫺3.10 ⫺1.75 ⫺1.15
0.39 ⫺3.16 ⫺1.42 ⫺1.42
1.58 ⫺3.45 ⫺1.28 ⫺ j0.75 ⫺1.28 ⫹ j0.75
6.6 ⫺4.11 ⫺0.95 ⫺ j1.5 ⫺0.95 ⫹ j1.5
26.5 ⫺5.10 ⫺0.45 ⫺ j2.5 ⫺0.45 ⫹ j2.5
60.0 ⫺6.00 0.0 ⫺ j3.32 0.0 ⫹ j3.32
100.0 ⫺6.72 0.35 ⫺ j4 0.35 ⫹ j4
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272 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
For convenience, we may plot the roots r1, r2, and r3 on the complex plane as
K changes continuously. Such a plot is called a root locus diagram and is shown in
Fig. 14–2. Notice that there are three loci or branches corresponding to the three roots
and that they “emerge” or begin (for K ⫽ 0) at the poles of the open-loop transfer func-
tion (⫺1, ⫺2, ⫺3). The direction of increasing K (remember, K is our controller gain,
which we can adjust) is indicated on the diagram by an arrow. Also the values of K are
marked on each locus. The root locus diagram for this system and others to follow is
symmetric with respect to the real axis, and only the portion of the diagram in the upper
half-plane need be drawn. This follows from the fact that the characteristic equation
for a physical system contains coefficients that are real, and therefore complex roots of
such an equation must appear in conjugate pairs.
The root locus diagram has the distinct advantage of giving at a glance the char-
acter of the response as the gain of the controller is continuously changed. The diagram
of Fig. 14–2 reveals two critical values of K; one is at K2 where two of the roots become
equal, and the other is at K3 where two of the roots are pure imaginary. It should be
clear from the discussion in Chap. 13 that the nature of the response C(t) will depend
only on the roots r1, r2, r3. Thus, if the roots are all real, which occurs for K < 0.39 in
Fig. 14–2, the response will be nonoscillatory.
If two of the roots are complex and have negative real parts (K2 < K < K3), the
response will include damped sinusoidal terms, which will produce an oscillatory
response. If we adjust the controller gain such that K > K3, two of the roots are complex
and have positive real parts, and the response is a growing sinusoid. Some of these
types of responses were shown in Fig. 13–2.
j
K3 = 60 100
3
26.5
2
6.6
K3 = 60 1.58 1
0.39 1.58
0.23
100 26.5 6.6
−8 −6 −4 0.23 1 2
0.23 −1
K2 = 0.39
−2
−3
K3 = 60
FIGURE 14–2
Root locus diagram for (s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(s ⫹ 3) ⫹ K⫽ 0.
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CHAPTER 14 ROOT LOCUS 273
MATLAB can also be used to quickly and easily construct a root locus diagram for the system. We
enter the open-loop transfer function in the form of Eq. (14.2) with K ⫽ 1, and MATLAB generates
the root locus diagram:
>> num ⫽ [1];
>> den ⫽ [1 6 11 6];
>> sys ⫽ tf(num,den)
Transfer function:
1
sˆ3 + 6 sˆ2 + 11 s + 6
>> rlocus(sys)
Root Locus Root Locus
5 5
System: sys
4 4 Gain: 60
Pole: 0.00117 + 3.32i
Damping: -0.000354
3 3 Over shoot (%): 100
Frequency (rad/s): 3.32
2 2
1 1 System: sys
Imag Axis
Imag Axis
Gain: 0.385
Pole: -1.41
0 0 Damping: 1
Over shoot (%): 0
−1 −1 Frequency (rad/s): 1.41
−2 −2 System: sys
Gain: 60
−3 −3 Pole: 0.00117-3.32i
Damping: -0.000354
−4 −4 Over shoot (%): 100
Frequency (rad/s): 3.32
−5 −5
−8 −7 −6 −5 − 4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 −8 −7 −6 −5 − 4 −3 − 2 −1 0 1
Real Axis Real Axis
(a) (b)
FIGURE 14–3
Root locus diagram for (s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(s ⫹ 3) ⫹ K ⫽ 0 generated using MATLAB.
By clicking on one of the branches of the diagram in Fig. 14–3a with the
mouse, MATLAB displays information regarding that particular root
location, as shown in Fig. 14–3b.
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274 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
Additionally MATLAB has a graphical tool (SISO tool) that can be used to plot
and manipulate root locus diagrams. The command for this case is
sisotool(sys)
The root locus diagram pops up in an interactive window (see Fig. 14–4). The root
locations (the heavy blocks) can be dragged along the branches, and the value of K is
displayed as the Current Compensator in the upper left-hand corner of the window.
FIGURE 14–4
Root locus diagram generated using MATLAB SISO tool.
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CHAPTER 14 ROOT LOCUS 275
As another example of a root locus diagram, let the proportional controller be
replaced with a PI controller, for which case G1 in Fig. 14–1 is
1
G1 ⫽ K c 1 ⫹
t Is
For this case, the open-loop transfer function is
K c (t I s ⫹ 1)
G (s) ⫽
t I s (t 1s ⫹ 1) (t 2 s ⫹ 1) (t 3 s ⫹ 1)
which may be written in an alternate form
K ( s ⫺ z1 )
G (s) ⫽ (14.6)
s ( s ⫺ p1) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 )
Kc
where K ⫽
t 1t 2t 3
1
z1 ⫽ ⫺
tI
1 1 1
p1 ⫽ ⫺ , p2 ⫽ ⫺ , p1 ⫽ ⫺
t1 t2 t3
The term z1 is called a zero of the open-loop transfer function. A zero of G(s) is any
value of s for which G(s) approaches zero. By comparing Eq. (14.6) with Eq. (14.2), we
see that the addition of integral action contributes to the open-loop transfer function one
zero at z1 and one additional pole at the origin.
The characteristic equation corresponding to Eq. (14.6) is
K ( s ⫺ z1)
1⫹ ⫽ 0 (14.7)
s ( s ⫺ p1) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 )
This expression may be written
s ( s ⫺ p1 ) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 ) ⫹ K ( s ⫺ z1 ) ⫽ 0 (14.8)
As a specific example of the root locus diagram corresponding to Eq. (14.8), let
t 1 ⫽ 1, t 2 ⫽ 12 , t 3 ⫽ 13 , and t I ⫽ 14 . These parameters are the same as those
used in Example 13.4. The root locus diagram is shown in Fig. 14–5.
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276 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
The MATLAB commands for constructing the root locus diagram for this system are
>> num1 = [1 4];
>> den1 = [1 6 11 6 0];
>> sys1 = tf(num1,den1)
Transfer function:
s + 4
sˆ4 + 6 sˆ3 + 11 sˆ2 + 6 s
>> rlocus(sys1)
Root Locus
8
6
4
2
Image Axis
0
−2
−4
−6
−8
−8 −6 −4 −2 0 2 4
Real Axis
FIGURE 14–6
Reproduction of root locus diagram of Fig. 14–5 using MATLAB.
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CHAPTER 14 ROOT LOCUS 277
j
3
K = 3.84 2
K = 3.84 1
K = 114 K = 0.74
−6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2
K = 3.384 −1
K = 0.28
K = 3.84 −2
−3
FIGURE 14–5
Root locus diagram for s(s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(s ⫹ 3) ⫹ K(s ⫹ 4) ⫽ 0; K ⫽ 6Kc.
Notice that for this case there are four loci corresponding to the four roots and that they
emerge (at K ⫽ 0) from the open-loop poles (0, ⫺1, ⫺2, ⫺3). One of the loci moves
toward the open-loop zero at ⫺4 as K approaches infinity. The MATLAB box shows
the commands for reproducing the root locus diagram in Fig. 14–5. The resulting MAT-
LAB graph is shown in Fig. 14–6. The diagram in Fig. 14–5 should be compared with
the one in Fig. 14–2 to see the effect of adding integral action to the control system.
Notice that the value of K ⫽ 3.84, above which the roots move into the right half-plane,
is lower than the corresponding value of K ⫽ 60 for proportional control. The effect
of adding integral action has been to destabilize the system in terms of the amount of
proportional action that can be used before instability occurs.
We can verify the points at which the loci cross the imaginary axis by using the
Routh test (Theorem 13.3) of Chap. 13. The characteristic equation for proportional
control from Eq. (14.4) is
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3) ⫹ K ⫽ 0
or
s 3 ⫹ 6s 2 ⫹ 11s ⫹ K ⫹ 6 ⫽ 0
from which we can write the Routh array:
Row
1 1 11
2 6 K⫹6
3 b1
The theorem states that if one pair of roots is on the imaginary axis and all others are
in the left half-plane, then all the elements of the nth row must be zero. From this we
obtain for the element b1
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278 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
(6)(11) ⫺ ( K ⫹ 6)
b1 ⫽ ⫽ 0
6
Solving for K gives
K ⫽ 60
as we found previously ( Fig. 14–2). A root on the imaginary axis is expressed as simply
ja. Substituting s ⫽ ja and K ⫽ 60 into the polynomial gives
⫺ ja3 ⫺ 6a 2 ⫹ 11aj ⫹ 66 ⫽ 0
(66 ⫺ 6a2 ) ⫹ (11a ⫺ a3 ) j ⫽ 0
Equating the real part or the imaginary part to zero gives
a ⫽ ⫾ 11 ⫽ ⫾3 . 32
Therefore the loci intersect the imaginary axis at ⫹3.32j and ⫺3.32j (which we also
found previously).
Example 14.1 Consider the block diagram for the control system shown in
Fig. 14–7. This system may represent a two-tank, liquid-level system having a
PID controller and a first-order measuring lag. The open-loop transfer function is
1 ⫹ 2s / 3 ⫹ 1/ 3s
G ⫽ Kc
( 20 s ⫹ 1) (10 s ⫹ 1) ( 0 . 5s ⫹ 1)
Rearranging this into the standard form gives
K ( s ⫺ z1) ( s ⫺ z2 )
G ⫽
s ( s ⫺ p1) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 )
where K ⫽ Kc/150
z1 ⫽ ⫺0.5
z2 ⫽ ⫺1
p1 ⫽ ⫺0.05
p2 ⫽ ⫺0.1
p3 ⫽ ⫺2
+ 1
R
( 2
Kc 1 + − s + 1−
3 3s
) (20s + 1) (10s + 1) C
−
1
0.5s + 1
FIGURE 14–7
Block diagram for Example 14.1.
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CHAPTER 14 ROOT LOCUS 279
In this case, there are four poles at 0, ⫺0.05, ⫺0.1, and ⫺2, and two zeros at ⫺0.5
and ⫺1. These are plotted in Fig. 14–8. Note that the PID controller contributes
the pole at the origin and the zeros at ⫺0.5 and ⫺1.
j
j
0.10
2
−0.10 −0.05
−0.10 1
−2 −1 −0.5 0.5
Asymptote
−1
FIGURE 14–8
Root locus diagram for Example 14.1.
The two values of gain K which give a pair of roots of the characteristic equation
that lie on the imaginary axis (and the corresponding roots) are
K ⫽ 0 . 004 or K c ⫽ 0 . 6 s ⫽ ⫾ j 0 . 1
K ⫽ 2.4 or K c ⫽ 360 s ⫽ ⫾ j1 . 1
From these results, we conclude that the system will oscillate with constant
amplitude with a frequency w ⫽ 0.1 rad/time when Kc ⫽ 0.6. It will also oscillate
at constant amplitude with w ⫽ 1.1 when Kc ⫽ 360. The system is unstable for
0.6 < Kc < 360. The system is stable for Kc < 0.6 and for Kc > 360. The complete
root locus diagram is sketched in Fig. 14–8.
SUMMARY
In this chapter, root locus diagrams have been presented and applied to a control sys-
tem. MATLAB can be used to generate the complete root locus diagrams quickly and
easily. It should be emphasized that the basic advantage of this method is the speed and
ease with which the loci can be obtained. Once the roots are available, the response of
the system to any forcing function can be obtained by the usual procedures of partial
fractions and inversion given in Chap. 3.
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280 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
PROBLEMS
14.1. Draw the root locus diagram for the system shown in Fig. P14–1 where
Gc ⫽Kc (1 ⫹ 0.5s ⫹ 1/s).
+ 1
R Gc C
− (s + 1) (2s + 1)
FIGURE P14–1
14.2. Draw the root locus diagram for the system shown in Fig. P13–4 for (a) tI ⫽ 0.4 min and
(b) tI ⫽ 0.2 min. (The proportional controller is replaced by a PI controller.) Determine the
controller gain that just causes the system to become unstable. The values of parameters of
the system are
K v ⫽ valve constant 0. 070 cfm/psi
K m ⫽ transduce r constant 6. 74/ ( ft of tank level )
R2 ⫽ 0. 55 ft level/cfm
t 1 ⫽ time constant of tank 1 ⫽ 2. 0 min
t 2 ⫽ time constant of tank 2 ⫽ 0. 5 min
The controller gain Kc has the units of pounds per square inch (psi).
14.3. Construct the root locus diagram for the system shown in Fig. P13–2. If the system is
unstable at higher values of Kc, find the roots on the imaginary axis and the corresponding
value of Kc.
14.4. Construct the root loci for the following equations.
K
(a) 1 ⫹ ⫽ 0
( s ⫹ 1) ( 2s ⫹ 1)
K
(b) 1 ⫹ ⫽ 0
s ( s ⫹ 1) ( 2s ⫹ 1)
K ( 4 s ⫹ 1)
(c) 1 ⫹ ⫽ 0
s ( s ⫹ 1) ( 2s ⫹ 1)
K (1 . 5s ⫹ 1)
(d) 1 ⫹ ⫽ 0
s ( s ⫹ 1) ( 2s ⫹ 1)
K ( 0 . 5s ⫹ 1)
(e) 1 ⫹ ⫽ 0
s ( s ⫹ 1) ( 2s ⫹ 1)
On your diagrams you should locate quantitatively all poles and zeros. In addition show the
parameter that is being varied along the locus and the direction in which the loci travel as
this parameter is increased.
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CHAPTER 14 ROOT LOCUS 281
14.5. The control system is shown in Fig. P14–5. There are two cases: case 1: t D ⫽ 2
3
and
case 2: t D ⫽ 9 .
1
+ 1
R Kc(1 + D s) C
− (s + 1)(s/2 + 1)
1
s/3 + 1
FIGURE P14–5
(a) Sketch the root locus diagram in each case.
(b) If the system can go unstable, find the value of Kc that just causes instability.
(c) Using Theorem 13.3 of the Routh test, find the locations (if any) at which the loci cross
into the unstable region.
14.6. Draw the root locus diagram for the control system shown in Fig. P14–6.
(a) Determine the value of Kc needed to obtain a root of the characteristic equation of the
closed-loop response which has an imaginary part 0.75.
(b) Using the value of Kc found in part (a), determine all the other roots of the characteris-
tic equation from the root locus diagram.
(c) If a unit impulse is introduced into the set point, determine the response of the system C(t).
+ 2 2
C
R Kc(1 + 3/s)
− 0.5s + 1 0.5s 2 + s + 1
FIGURE P14–6
14.7. Plot the root locus diagram for the system shown in Fig. P14–7. We may consider this
system to consist of a process having negligible lag; an underdamped, second-order mea-
suring element; and a PD controller. This system may approximate the control of flow rate,
in which case the block labeled Kp would represent a valve having no dynamic lag. The
feedback element would represent a flow measuring device, such as a mercury manom-
eter placed across an orifice plate. Mercury manometers are known to have underdamped,
second-order dynamics. Plot the diagram for t D ⫽ 13 .
+
R Kc(1 + D s) Kp = 0.2 C
−
1
0.2s 2 + 0.8s + 1
FIGURE P14–7
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282 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
14.8. Draw the root locus diagram for the proportional control of a plant having the transfer
function 2/(s ⫹ 1)3. Determine the roots on the imaginary axis and the corresponding value
of Kc.
14.9. (a) Show how you would adopt the usual root locus method for variation in controller gain
to the problem of obtaining the root locus diagram for variation in tD for the control
system shown in Fig. P14–9 for Kc ⫽ 2.
(b) Plot the root locus diagram for variation in tD with Kc ⫽ 2.
(c) Determine the response of the system C(t) for a unit-step change in R for tD ⫽ 0.5 and
Kc ⫽ 2. Sketch the response. What is the ultimate value of C(t)?
+ 1
R Kc(1 + D s) C
− (s + 1) (2s + 1)
FIGURE P14–9
Hint: Rearrange the open-loop transfer function to be in the form
t Ds
G (s) ⫽ 2
s ⫹ 1 . 5s ⫹ 1 . 5
Then apply the usual root locus rules with tD taking the place of Kc.
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CHAPTER
14
CAPSULE SUMMARY
U
+ +
R G1 G2 C
+
−
H
FIGURE 14–1
Simple feedback control system.
For this case, the open-loop transfer function is
K
G ⫽ G1G2 H ⫽
(t 1s ⫹ 1)(t 2 s ⫹ 1)(t 3s ⫹ 1)
or, in the alternate form,
K⬘
G (s) ⫽
(s ⫺ p1 ) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 )
K
where K⬘ ⫽
t 1t 2t 3
1 1 1
p1 ⫽ ⫺ p2 ⫽ ⫺ p3 ⫽ ⫺
t1 t2 t3
Here p1, p2, and p3 are called the poles of the open-loop transfer function. A pole of G(s)
is any value of s for which G(s) approaches infinity (i.e., a root of the denominator).
The characteristic equation for the closed-loop system is
K'
1⫹ ⫽ 0
(s ⫺ p1 ) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 )
or
(s ⫺ p1 ) ( s ⫺ p2 ) ( s ⫺ p3 ) ⫹ K ' ⫽ 0
283
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284 PART 3 LINEAR CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS
The root locus diagram is a plot of the location of the roots of this equation as K ' is
varied.
MATLAB commands for generating the root locus diagram are
% set up the open loop transfer function with K' = 1
>> num = [1]; %coefficients of numerator polynomial
>> den = [1 6 11 6]; %coeffs. of denom. polynomial
>> sys = tf(num,den);
>> rlocus(sys)
Root Locus
5
4
3
2
1
Imag Axis
0
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5
−8 −7 −6 −5 − 4 −3 −2 −1 0 1
Real Axis
(a)
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PART
IV
FREQUENCY
RESPONSE
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CHAPTER
15
INTRODUCTION TO
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
C hapters 4 and 7 discussed briefly the response of first- and second-order systems
to sinusoidal forcing functions. These frequency responses were derived by using
the standard Laplace transform technique. In this chapter, a convenient graphical tech-
nique will be established for obtaining the frequency response of linear systems. The
motivation for doing so will become apparent in Chap. 16, where it will be found that
frequency response is a valuable tool in the analysis and design of control systems.
Many of the calculations in this chapter make use of complex numbers. The
reader should review the two forms of complex numbers (rectangular and polar) and the
basic operations used on complex numbers.
15.1 SUBSTITUTION RULE
A Fortunate Circumstance
Consider a simple first-order system with transfer function
1
G (s) ⫽ (15.1)
ts ⫹ 1
Substituting the quantity jw for s in Eq. (15.1) gives
1
G ( jw ) ⫽
jwt ⫹ 1
287
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288 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
We may convert this expression to polar form by multiplying numerator and denomina-
tor by the conjugate of jwt ⫹ 1; the result is
⫺ jwt ⫹ 1 1 wt
G ( jw ) ⫽ ⫽ ⫺ j (15.2)
( jwt ⫹ 1) (⫺ jwt ⫹ 1) 1 ⫹ w t
2 2
1 ⫹ w 2t 2
To convert a complex number in rectangular form (a ⫹ jb) to polar form Re jf, where
R ⫽ magnitude and φ ⫽ angle, one uses the relationships
b
R ⫽ a2 ⫹ b2 and f ⫽ tan⫺1
a
For visualization of the polar form, see Fig. 15–1.
Imaginary axis
b
R
a Real axis
FIGURE 15–1
Complex number representations.
By fixing R and φ, we can define the complex number. Applying these relationships to
Eq. (15.2) gives
1
G ( jw ) ⫽ tan⫺1 (⫺wt )
w 2 2
t ⫹ 1
f (15.3)
R
The quantities on the right side of Eq. (15.3) are familiar. Recall Eqs. (4.27) and (4.28)
Awt A
Y (t ) ⫽ 2 2
e⫺t /t ⫹ sin (w t ⫹ f )
t w ⫹1 t w2 ⫹ 1
2 (4.27)
where
f ⫽ tan⫺1 (⫺wt )
As t → ∞, the first term on the right side of Eq. (4.27) vanishes and leaves only the
ultimate periodic solution, which is sometimes called the steady-state solution and is
shown in Fig. 15–2.
A
Y (t ) s ⫽ sin (w t ⫹ f )
t w2 ⫹ 1
2 (4.28)
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 289
So, after sufficient time elapses, the response of a first-order system to a sinusoidal
input of frequency w is also a sinusoid of frequency w. Furthermore, from Eq. (4.28)
2 2
the ratio of the amplitude of the response to that of the input is 1 / w t ⫹ 1 , and the
⫺1
phase difference between output and input is tan (⫺wt).
Hence, we have shown here that for the frequency response of a first-order
system,
output amplitude
Amplitude ratio ( AR ) ⫽ ⫽ G ( jw ) ⫽ R
input amplitude
Phase angle ⫽ f ⫽ G ( jw )
That is, to obtain the amplitude ratio AR and phase angle, one merely substitutes jw for
s in the transfer function and then finds the magnitude and argument (or angle) of the
resulting complex number, respectively.
Input Output
Process
A sin ( t)
Transients + A · AR · sin ( t + )
Input Phase
amplitude angle
Output amplitude
2
1.5
Input Output
1
AR
0.5
Time for transients to decay
Signal/A
0
−0.5
−1
−1.5
Phase
lag
−2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time
FIGURE 15–2
Characteristics of a steady-state sinusoidal response.
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290 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
KEY FEATURES TO NOTE ABOUT THE FREQUENCY RESPONSE OF THE
PROCESS
• After transients die out, the output is a sine wave.
• Input frequency ⫽ output frequency ⫽ w.
• In general, the output is attenuated, that is, AR < 1.
• The output is shifted in time (it lags the input by the phase angle φ).
• Amplitude ratio and phase angle are both functions of frequency.
Example 15.1 Rework Example 4.2. The pertinent transfer function is
1
G (s) ⫽
0 . 1s ⫹ 1
The frequency of the bath-temperature variation is given as 10/p cycles/min
which is equivalent to w ⫽ (10 cycles/p min)(2p rad/cycle) ⫽ 20 rad/min.
Hence, let
s ⫽ w j ⫽ 20 j
to obtain
1
G ( 20 j ) ⫽
2j ⫹ 1
In polar form, this is
1 1
G ( 20 j ) ⫽ ⫺ 1. 11 rad ⫽ ⫺ 63 . 5 ⬚
5 5
which agrees with the previous result.
MATLAB Solution of Example 15.1 Using Simulink
The Simulink model of the process is shown in Fig. 15–3a. Once this Simulink model is run, we can
use MATLAB to plot the process output and input as follows.
>> plot(temperature.time,temperature.signals.values)
The resulting output of this MATLAB command is shown in Fig. 15–3b.
The tabular output can be examined to verify the actual peak locations so that we can check our
hand-calculated results from Example 15.1.
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 291
temperature
To Workspace
1
0.1s + 1
Sine wave Transfer fcn
Scope
(a) Simulink model of first-order process for Example 15.1
3
lag time = 0.055 minutes
transients decay steady state oscillations
2
Output
1 Temperature
Temperature(F)
0
−1
−2
Input
Temperature
−3
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Time (min)
(b) MATLAB generated response for first-order system of Example 15.1.
FIGURE 15–3
Using MATLAB and Simulink to solve Example 15.1.
>> x=[temperature.time,temperature.signals.values]
x =
[time] [output] [input]
0 0 0
... ... ... allow transients to decay...pick up data at
t=1 min, (from graph)
1.0200 0.3837 1.9996← input peak
1.0250 0.4624 1.9937
1.0300 0.5365 1.9678
1.0350 0.6053 1.9223
1.0400 0.6680 1.8576
(continues)
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292 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
1.0450 0.7241 1.7743
1.0500 0.7729 1.6733
1.0550 0.8140 1.5556
1.0600 0.8469 1.4223
1.0650 0.8714 1.2748
1.0700 0.8872 1.1146
1.0750 0.8941 0.9433← output peak
1.0800 0.8921 0.7625
1.0850 0.8812 0.5741
1.0900 0.8614 0.3800
1.0950 0.8331 0.1820
1.1000 0.7964 -0.0177
Using the MATLAB output to check our previous results, we get
0 . 8941 1
Amplitude ratio ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 447 compare to ⫽ 0 . 447 (check )
1 . 9996 5
rad
Phase lag ⫽ 20
min
( 0.055 min ) ⫽ 1.11 rad ⫽ 63.6 ⬚ (check)
The procedure we have just discussed is general and can be used for other transfer
functions with the important restriction that it applies only to systems whose transfer
functions yield stable responses. A stable response is necessary so that the transients die
out and we will be left with an oscillating, sinusoidal response. We prove the general
result in the appendix at the end of this chapter for the reader who is interested.
Example 15.2 Find the frequency response of the system with the general
second-order transfer function, and compare the results with those of Chap. 7.
The transfer function is
1
2 2
t s ⫹ 2ζts ⫹ 1
Putting s ⫽ jw yields
1
2 2
1 ⫺ t w ⫹ j 2zwt
which may be converted to polar form
1 ⫺2zwt
tan⫺1
(1 ⫺ w 2t 2 )2 ⫹ ( 2zwt )
2 1 ⫺ w 2t 2
Hence,
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 293
1
Amplitude ratio AR ⫽
2
1 ⫺ (wt )2 ⫹ ( 2zwt )2 (15.4)
2 zwt
Phase angle ⫽ f ⫽ ⫺tan⫺1
1 ⫺ (wt )2
which agree with Eq. (7.41).
Example 15.3. Consider a second-order transfer function, with t ⫽ 1 and
z ⫽ 0.8, being disturbed with a sine wave input of 3 sin (0.5t) (Fig. 15–4). Deter-
mine the form of the response after the transients have decayed and steady-state
oscillations are established.
3 sin (0.5t) 1
s2 + 1.6s + 1
FIGURE 15–4
Block diagram for Example 15.3.
The steady-state oscillations will have the form 3(AR) sin(0.5t ⫹ f), which is
an attenuated (smaller-amplitude) sine wave of the same frequency as the input
and shifted by a phase angle f. Thus, all we need to determine is AR and f. We
can calculate both from Eq. (15.4).
1 1
AR ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 91
{1 ⫺ [ 0.5(1)] }
2 2
⫹ [ (2)(0 . 8)(0 . 5)(1) ]2
0 . 5 6 25 ⫹ 0 . 64
(2)(0 . 8)(0 . 5)(1) 0.8
f ⫽ ⫺tan⫺1 2
⫽ ⫺tan⫺1 8 rad ⫽ ⫺46 . 8 ⬚
⫽ ⫺0. 818
0 . 75
1 ⫺ [ 0 . 5(1) ]
The form of the steady-state oscillations is therefore
3 ( AR ) sin (0 . 5t ⫹ f ) ⫽ 2. 73 sin (0 . 5t ⫺ 0. 818 rad)
⫽ 2. 7 3 sin [ 0 . 5 ( t ⫺ 1 . 636 )]
⫽ 2. 73 sin (0 . 5t ⫺ 46 . 8⬚ )
We can easily verify this response by using MATLAB and Simulink.
The Simulink model for this problem is shown in Fig. 15–5a.
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294 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Y
To workspace
1
s2 + 1.6s + 1
Sine wave Transfer function
Scope
(a) Simulink model of first-order process for Example 15.3.
4
input output
3
2
1
0
−1
−2
−3
−4
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time (min)
(b) MATLAB generated response for first-order system of Example 15.3.
FIGURE 15–5
Using MATLAB and Simulink to solve Example 15.3.
Once this Simulink model is run, we can use MATLAB to plot
the process output and input as follows:
>> plot(Y.time,Y.signals.values)
The resulting output of this MATLAB command is shown in
Fig. 15–5b.
>> x = [Y.time,Y.signals.values]
x =
0 0 0
0.1495 0.0008 0.2241
0.2991 0.0059 0.4469
... ... ... allow transients to decay
26.6008 -0.2285 2.0096
27.3739 0.8162 2.7011
28.1273 1.7195 2.9919 ← input peak
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 295
28.7632 2.2986 2.9108
29.3446 2.6274 2.5806
29.9062 2.7358 2.0556 ← output peak
30.4614 2.6324 1.3781
31.0193 2.3254 0.5911
31.5891 1.8266 -0.2594
32.1830 1.1507 -1.1226
... ... ...
47.4619 -2.1802 -2.9573
48.0523 -2.5667 -2.6825
48.6172 -2.7289 -2.2019
49.1731 -2.6774 -1.5583
49.7295 -2.4201 -0.7944
50.0000 -2.2260 -0.3971
Transportation Lag
The response of a transportation lag is not described by a standard nth-order differen-
tial equation (that yields standard transfer functions). Rather, a transportation lag is
described by the relation
Y (t ) ⫽ X (t ⫺ t ) (15.5)
which states that the output Y lags the input X by an interval of time t. If X is
sinusoidal
X ⫽ A sin w t
then from Eq. (15.5)
Y ⫽ A sin w ( t ⫺ t ) ⫽ A sin (w t ⫺ wt )
It is apparent that the AR is unity and the phase angle is (⫺wt). To check the substitu-
tion rule of the previous section, recall that the transfer function for a transportation lag
is given by
Y (s)
G (s) ⫽ ⫽ e⫺ts
X (s)
Putting s ⫽ jw gives
(
G ( jw ) ⫽ e⫺ jwt ⫽ form of: Re jf , R ⫽ 1, f ⫽ ⫺wt )
Then
(15.6)
AR ⫽ e⫺ jwt ⫽ 1
Phase angle ⫽ e⫺ jwt ⫽ ⫺wt
and the validity of the rule is verified.
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296 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Example 15.4. Consider a stirred-tank heater with a capacity of 15 gal. Water is
entering and leaving the tank at the constant rate of 600 lb/min. The heated water
that leaves the tank enters a well-insulated section of 6-in-ID pipe. Two feet from
the tank, a thermocouple is placed in this line for recording the tank temperature,
as shown in Fig. 15–6. The electrical heat input is held constant at 1000 kW.
Ti = 75 + 5 sin 46t
600 lb/min
Tm
1000 kW
T 600 lb/min
2' 6" ID pipe
FIGURE 15–6
Tank temperature system for Example 15.4.
If the inlet temperature is varied according to the relation
Ti ⫽ 75 ⫹ 5 sin 46t
where Ti is in degrees Fahrenheit and t is in minutes, find the eventual behavior of
the thermocouple reading Tm. Compare this with the behavior of the tank temper-
ature T. It may be assumed that the thermocouple has a very small time constant
and effectively measures the true fluid temperature at all times.
The problem is to find the frequency response of Tm to Ti. Deviation variables
must be used. Define the deviation variable T⬘i as
Ti⬘ ⫽ Ti ⫺ 75 ⫽ 5 sin 46t
To define a deviation variable for Tm, note that if Ti were held at 75˚F, Tm would
come to the steady state satisfying
qs ⫽ wC ( Tms ⫺ Tis )
This may be solved for Tms :
W Btu /min
(1000 kW ) 1000 0 . 0569
qs kW W
Tms ⫽ ⫹ Tis ⫽ ⫹ 75⬚ F ⫽ 170 ⬚ F
wC lb
1.0 Btu
600
min lb ⭈ ⬚ F
Hence, define a deviation variable T⬘m as
Tm⬘ ⫽ Tm ⫺ 170
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 297
Now, the overall system between T⬘i and T⬘m is made up of two components in
series: the tank and the 2-ft section of pipe. The transfer function for the tank is
1
G1 ( s ) ⫽
t 1s ⫹ 1
where, as we have seen before, t1 is given by
lb
rV 60 . 8 3 (15 gal )
t1 ⫽ ⫽ ft ⫽ 0 . 203 min
w lb gal
600 7 . 48 3
min ft
The transfer function of the 2-ft section of pipe, which corresponds to a transpor-
tation lag, is
G2 ( s ) ⫽ e⫺t 2 s
where t2 is the length of time required for the fluid to traverse the length of pipe.
This is
L 2 ft
t2 ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 0397 min
v 600 lb/min
(60.8 lb/ft3 ) ( 0.196 ft2 )
The factor 0.196 is the cross-sectional area of the pipe in square feet.
Since the two systems are in series, the overall transfer function between
T⬘i and Tm⬘ is
Tm⬘ e⫺t 2 s e⫺0.0397 s
⫽ ⫽
Ti⬘ t 1s ⫹ 1 0 . 203s ⫹ 1
Notice that we must use the same time units throughout, minutes in this case. We
are now ready to construct the block diagram for the process, which is shown in
Fig. 15–7.
T'i = 5 sin 46t 1 T' T'm
e−0.0397s
0.203s + 1
Tank Pipe
FIGURE 15–7
Block diagram for Example 15.4.
To find the AR and phase lag, we merely substitute s ⫽ jw ⫽ 46j and find the
magnitude and argument of the resulting complex number. However, note that
we have previously derived the individual frequency responses for the first-order
system and transportation lag. The overall transfer function is the product of the
individual transfer functions; hence, its magnitude will be the product of the
magnitudes and its argument the sum of the arguments of the individual transfer
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298 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
functions. In general, if we have several transfer functions in series, the overall
transfer function is
G ( s ) ⫽ G1 ( s ) G2 ( s ) Gn ( s )
and substituting s ⫽ jw, we obtain
G ( jw ) ⫽ G1 ( jw ) G2 ( jw ) Gn ( jw )
or, in polar form,
j (f1⫹f 2 ⫹⫹f n )
Re jf ⫽ R1e jf1 . R2e jf 2 Rn e jf n ⫽ R R2 Rn e
1
product of individual su m of individual
magnitudes phase angles
then
G ( jw ) ⫽ G1 ( jw ) G2 ( jw ) Gn ( jw )
G ( jw ) ⫽ G1 ( jw ) ⫹ G2 ( jw ) ⫹ ⫹ Gn ( jw )
This rule makes it very convenient to find the frequency response of a number of
systems in series.
Using Eq. (15.3) for the tank,
1 1
AR ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 107
(46 ⫻ 0 . 203)2 ⫹ 1 9 . 39
Phase angle ⫽ tan⫺1 [(⫺46 ) ( 0 . 203)] ⫽ ⫺84 ⬚
For the section of pipe, AR is unity, so that the overall AR is just 0.107. The
phase lag due to the pipe may be obtained from Eq. (15.6) as
Phase angle ⫽ ⫺wt 2 ⫽ ⫺( 46 ) ( 0 . 0397 ) ⫽ ⫺1. 82 rad ⫽ ⫺1 0 4⬚
The overall phase lag from T⬘i to T⬘m is the sum of the individual lags,
Tm⬘
⫽ ⫺84 ⫺ 104 ⫽ ⫺188 ⬚
Ti⬘
Hence
Tm ⫽ 170 ⫹ 5 ( 0 . 107 ) sin ( 46t ⫺ 188 ⬚ )
For comparison, a plot of T⬘i, T⬘m, and T⬘ is given in Fig. 15–8, where
T⬘ ⫽ tank temperature ⫺ 170 ⬚ F
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 299
Overall lag, 188°
Tank lag, Transport lag,
U
84° 104°
Inlet
temperature
(T'i ) Tank
temp.
(2T' ) Zero
line
Thermocouple
temp. (2T'm)
B
Time
FIGURE 15–8
Temperature variation in Example 15.4.
These temperatures are shown on a block diagram in Fig. 15–9.
It should be emphasized that this plot applies only after sufficient time has
elapsed for the complementary solution to become negligible (i.e., the transients
have decayed). This restriction applies to all the forthcoming work on frequency
response. Also, note that, for convenience of scale (so that we easily can see them
on the same axes), the tank and thermocouple temperatures have been plotted as
2T⬘ and 2T⬘m, respectively.
T'm = 0.535 sin (46t − 188°)
T'i = 5 sin 46t 1 T' = 0.535 sin(46t − 84°) 3.28 rad
e−0.0397s
0.203s +1 = 0.535 sin[46(t − 0.07133)]
AR = 0.107 AR = 1.0 3.28/46
= −84° = −104°
FIGURE 15–9
Response summary for Example 15.4.
A Control Problem
An interesting conclusion may be reached from a study of Fig. 15–8. Suppose that we
are trying to control the tank temperature, using the deviation between the thermo-
couple reading and the set point as the error. A block diagram for proportional control
might appear as in Fig. 15–10, where T⬘i is replaced by U, T⬘ by C, and T⬘m by B to con-
form with our standard block diagram nomenclature. The variable R denotes the devia-
tion of the set point from 170˚F and is the desired value of the deviation C. The value
of R is assumed to be zero in the following analysis (control at 170˚F). The following
arguments, while not rigorous, serve to give some insight regarding the application of
frequency response to control system analysis.
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300 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
U = T'i
+ 1
+ Kc Q 1
R C = T'
(wC) + ( 1s + 1)
−
B = T'm
e− 2s
FIGURE 15–10
Proportional control of heated, stirred tank.
If R ⫽ 0, then
Error e ⫽ 0 ⫺ B ⫽ ⫺B
Heat input Q ⫽ K ce ⫽ ⫺K c B
Thus, the heat being added to the tank is given in deviation variables as ⫺KcB. With
reference to Fig. 15–8, which shows the response of the uncontrolled tank to a sinusoi-
dal variation in U, it can be seen that the peaks of U (which is T⬘i) and B (which is T⬘m)
are almost exactly opposite because the phase difference is 188˚. This means that if the
loop were closed, the control system would have a tendency to add more heat when the
inlet temperature Ti was at its high peak, because B is then negative and ⫺KcB becomes
positive. (Recall that the set point R is held constant at zero.)
Conversely, when the inlet temperature is at a low point, the tendency will be for
the control system to add less heat because B is positive. This is precisely opposite to the
way the heat input should be controlled. Figure 15–11 clarifies this physical situation.
Therefore, the possibility of an unstable control system exists for this particular
sinusoidal variation in frequency. Indeed, we shall demonstrate in Chap. 16 that if Kc
is taken too large, the tank temperature will oscillate with increasing amplitude for all
variations in U, and hence we have an unstable control system. The fact that such infor-
mation may be obtained by study of the frequency response (i.e., the particular solution
for a sinusoidal forcing function) justifies further study of this subject.
15.2 BODE DIAGRAMS
Thus far, it has been necessary to calculate AR and phase lag by direct substitution
of s ⫽ jw into the transfer function for the particular frequency of interest. It can be
seen from Eqs. (15.3), (15.4), and (15.6) that the AR and phase lag are functions of
frequency. There is a convenient graphical representation of their dependence on the
frequency that largely eliminates direct calculation. This is called a Bode diagram and
consists of two graphs: logarithm of AR versus logarithm of frequency, and phase angle
versus logarithm of frequency (see Fig. 15–12).
The Bode diagram will be shown in Chap. 16 to be a convenient tool for analyzing
control problems such as the one discussed in the preceding section. The remainder of
this chapter is devoted to developing this tool and presenting Bode diagrams for the
basic components of control loops.
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 301
Inlet Temp. too High Inlet Temp. too Low
Inlet
temperature
(T'i)
Zero
line
Thermocouple Set Point
temp. (2T'm)
Adding More Heat Adding Less Heat
Than Req'd for Set-point Than Req'd for Set-point
Heater Response
(Q' = −KcT'm)
Zero
line
Time
FIGURE 15–11
Illustration of possible unstable response of tank temperature system.
log AR
log
log
FIGURE 15–12
Bode diagram format.
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302 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
First-Order System
As we saw earlier [(Eq. (15.3)], the AR and phase angle for the sinusoidal response of
a first-order system are
1 (15.7)
AR ⫽
2 2
t w ⫹1
Phase angle ⫽ tan⫺1 (⫺wt ) (15.8)
It is convenient to regard these as functions of wt for the purpose of generality. From
Eq. (15.7)
log AR ⫽ ⫺ 12 log (wt )2 ⫹ 1 (15.9)
The first part of the Bode diagram is a plot of Eq. (15.9). The true curve is shown as the
solid line on the upper part of Fig. 15–13.
10 20
Low-frequency Corner frequency
asymptote
1 0
Amplitude
High-frequency
True curve asymptote
ratio
Decibels
0.1 −20
0.01 −40
0
Phase
angle
−45
−90
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
FIGURE 15–13
Bode diagram for first-order system.
Some asymptotic considerations can simplify the construction of this plot. As wt → 0,
Eq. (15.7) shows that AR → 1. This is indicated by the low-frequency asymptote on
Fig. 15–13. As wt → ∞, Eq. (15.9) becomes asymptotic to
log AR ⫽ ⫺log (wt )
which is a line of slope ⫺1, passing through the point
wt ⫽ 1 AR ⫽ 1
This line is indicated as the high-frequency asymptote in Fig. 15–13. The frequency
wc ⫽ 1/t, where the two asymptotes intersect, is known as the corner frequency; it may
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 303
be shown that the deviation of the true AR curve from the asymptotes is a maximum at
the corner frequency. Using wc ⫽ 1/t in Eq. (15.7) gives
1
AR ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 707
2
as the true value, whereas the intersection of the asymptotes occurs at AR ⫽ 1. Since
this is the maximum deviation and is an error of less than 30 percent, for engineering
purposes it is often sufficient to represent the curve entirely by the asymptotes. Alter-
nately, the asymptotes and the value of 0.707 may be used to sketch the curve if greater
accuracy is required. Computer packages (MATLAB, for example, see below) can also
be used to generate the diagrams fairly easily.
In the lower half of Fig. 15–13, we have shown the phase curve as given by
Eq. (15.8). Since
f ⫽ tan⫺1 (⫺wt ) ⫽ ⫺tan⫺1 (wt )
it is evident that f approaches 0˚ at low frequencies and ⫺90˚ at high frequencies.
This verifies the low- and high-frequency portions of the phase curve. At the corner
frequency, wc ⫽ 1/t,
fc ⫽ ⫺tan⫺1 (w ct ) ⫽ ⫺tan⫺1 1 ⫽ ⫺45 ⬚
There are asymptotic approximations available for the phase curve, but they are not so
accurate or so widely used as those for the AR. Instead, it is convenient to note that the
curve is symmetric about ⫺45˚.
It should be stated that, in a great deal of the literature on control theory, ampli-
tude ratios (or gains) are reported in decibels. The decibel (dB) is defined by
Decibels ⫽ 20 log ( AR )
Thus, an AR of unity corresponds to 0 dB, and an amplitude ratio of 0.1 corresponds to
⫺20 dB. The value of the AR in decibels is given on the right-hand ordinate of Fig. 15–13.
Example 15.5. Using MATLAB to Generate a Bode Diagram for a First-Order
System
To generate a Bode diagram, we must first form the transfer function in
MATLAB.
>> num= [1];
>> den= [10 1];
>> sys= tf (num,den);%this statement generates a transfer
function assigned to sys
Transfer function:
1
_______
10 s + 1
>> bode(sys);%the “bode” command generates the Bode diagram
shown in Fig. 15–14
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304 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
0
Asymptote
−5
Magnitude (dB)
−10
−15
−20
−25
0
Phase (deg)
−45
−90
10−2 10−1 100
Frequency (rad/s)
FIGURE 15–14
Bode diagram for first-order system in Example 15.5.
A drawback of this built-in Bode command is that the magnitude plot is always
generated in decibels. An m-file that will generate a Bode plot without converting
to decibels is shown below as function m-file named mybode.m.
mybode.m file
function mybode(sys);
[mag,phase,w]=bode(sys);
figure
subplot(2,1,1)
loglog(w,squeeze(mag))
grid
ylabel('amplitude')
xlabel('frequency(rad/time)')
subplot(2,1,2)
semilogx(w,squeeze(phase))
grid
ylabel('phase(deg)')
xlabel('frequency (rad/time)')
The result of using mybode on the current system is shown in Fig. 15–15.
Note that in both Figs. 15–14 and 15–15 the asymptotes were added after the
magnitude graph was generated to illustrate the slopes of 0 and ⫺1 for the low-
and high-frequency asymptotes, respectively.
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 305
100
Amplitude
10−1
10−2 10−1 100
Frequency (rad/time)
0
−20
Phase (deg)
−40
−60
−80
−100
10−2 10−1 100
Frequency (rad/time)
FIGURE 15–15
Bode diagram for Example 15.5 generated using mybode m-file and MATLAB.
First-Order Systems in Series
The advantages of the Bode plot become evident when we wish to plot the frequency
response of systems in series. As shown in Example 15.4, the rules for multiplication
of complex numbers indicate that the AR for two first-order systems in series is the
product of the individual ARs:
1
AR ⫽
w 2
t 12 ⫹ 1 w 2t 2 2 ⫹ 1 (15.10)
Similarly, the phase angle is the sum of the individual phase angles
f ⫽ tan⫺1 (⫺wt 1 ) ⫹ tan⫺1 (⫺wt 2 ) (15.11)
Since the AR is plotted on a logarithmic basis, multiplication of the ARs is accom-
plished by addition of logarithms on the Bode diagram (which, we shall see, is equiva-
lent to adding the slopes of the asymptotes of the individual curves to get the asymptote
of the overall curve on log-log coordinates). The phase angles are added directly. The
procedure is best illustrated by an example.
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306 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Example 15.6. Plot the Bode diagram for the system whose overall transfer
function is
1
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 5)
To put this in the form of two first-order systems in series, it is rewritten as
1
5
( s ⫹ 1) ( 15 s ⫹ 1) (15.12)
The time constants are t1 ⫽ 1 and t 2 ⫽ 1
5
. The factor 1
5
in the numerator cor-
responds to the steady-state gain.
From Eqs. (15.12) and (15.10)
1
AR overall ⫽ 5
w ⫹ 1 (w / 5)2 ⫹ 1
2
Hence,
w 2
log AR overall ⫽ log
1
5 2
( 1
2 )
⫺ log w 2 ⫹ 1 ⫺ log ⫹ 1
1
5
or
log AR overall ⫽ log 1 5 ⫹ log ( AR )1 ⫹ log ( AR )2 (15.13)
where (AR)1 and (AR)2 are the ARs of the individual first-order systems, each
with unity gain. Equation (15.13) shows that the overall AR is obtained, on loga-
rithmic coordinates, by adding the individual ARs and a constant corresponding
to the steady-state gain.
The individual ARs must be plotted as functions of log w rather than log (wt)
because of the different time constants. This is easily done by shifting the curves
of Fig. 15–13 to the right or left so that the corner frequency falls at w ⫽ 1/t.
Thus, the individual curves of Fig. 15–16 are placed so that the corner frequen-
cies fall at w c1 ⫽ 1 and w c2 ⫽ 5 . These slopes of these curves are added to
obtain the overall curve shown. Note that in this case the logarithms are negative
and the addition is downward. To complete the AR curve, the factor log 15 should
be added to the overall curve. This would have the effect of shifting the entire
curve down by a constant amount. Instead of doing this, the factor 1 is incor-
()
5
porated by plotting the overall curve as AR overall / 15 instead of AR overall. This
procedure is usually more convenient.
Asymptotes have also been indicated on Fig. 15–16. The sum of the slopes
of the individual asymptotes gives the slope of the overall asymptote, which is
seen to be a good approximation to the overall curve. The overall asymptote has
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 307
a slope of 0 below w ⫽ 1, ⫺1 for w between 1 and 5, and ⫺2 above w ⫽ 5. Its
slope is obtained by simply adding the slopes of the individual asymptotes.
1
1
0.5 1 s+1
5
AR for individual curves
for overall curve,
1/5
s+1 1 s+1
5
0.1
Overall curve 1
s+1
0.05
AR
1/5
Overall asymptote,
Slope = −2
0.01
0
−45 1 1
s+1 s +1
5
−90 1/5
−135 s + 1 1s + 1
5
−180
0.1 0.5 1 5 10
FIGURE 15–16
Bode diagram for 0.2/[(s ⫹ 1)(0.2s ⫹ 1)].
To obtain the phase angle, the individual phase angles are plotted and added
according to Eq. (15.11). The factor 1 has no effect on the phase angle, which
5
approaches ⫺180˚ at high frequency.
Graphical Rules for Bode Diagrams
Before we proceed to a development of the Bode diagram for other systems, it is desir-
able to summarize the graphical rules that were utilized in Example 15.5.
Consider a number of systems in series. As shown in Examples 15.4 and 15.5, the
overall AR is the product of the individual ARs, and the overall phase angle is the sum
of the individual phase angles. Therefore,
log ( AR overall ) ⫽ log ( AR )1 ⫹ log ( AR )2 ⫹ ⫹ log ( AR )n (15.14)
and
foverall ⫽ f1 ⫹ f 2 ⫹ ⫹ fn
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308 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
where n is the total number of systems. Therefore, the following rules apply to the true
curves or to the asymptotes on the Bode diagram:
1. The overall AR is obtained by adding the individual ARs. For this graphical addi-
tion, an individual AR that is above unity on the frequency response diagram is
taken as positive; an AR that is below unity is taken as negative. To understand
this, recall that the logarithm of a number greater than 1 is positive and the loga-
rithm of a number less than 1 is negative. If we are plotting the asymptotes of the
individual curves, the asymptote of the overall curve is obtained by adding the
slopes of the individual curves.
2. The overall phase angle is obtained by addition of the individual phase angles.
3. The presence of a constant in the overall transfer function shifts the entire AR curve
vertically by a constant amount and has no effect on the phase angle. It is usually
more convenient to include a constant factor in the definition of the ordinate.
These rules will be of considerable value in later examples. Let us now proceed to
develop Bode diagrams for other control system components.
Second-Order System
As shown in Example 15.2, the frequency response of a system with a second-order
transfer function
1
G (s) ⫽ 2 2
t s ⫹ 2zts ⫹ 1
is given by Eq. (15.4), repeated here for convenience,
1
AR ⫽
(1 ⫺ w 2t 2 )
2
⫹ ( 2zwt )
2 (15.4)
⫺2zwt
Phase angle ⫽ tan⫺1
1 ⫺ (wt )2
If wt is used as the abscissa for the general Bode diagram, it is clear that z will be a
parameter. That is, there is a different curve for each value of z. These curves appear as
in Fig. 15–17.
The calculation of phase angle as a function of w from Eq. (15.4) requires careful
attention. The calculation can be done most clearly with the aid of a plot of tan⫺1 x (or
arctan x), as shown in Fig. 15–18.
As wt goes from 0 to 1, we see from Eq. (15.4) that the argument of the arctan
function goes from 0 to ⫺∞ and the phase angle goes from 0 to ⫺90˚ as shown by the
branch from A to B in Fig. 15–18. As wt crosses unity from a value less than unity to
a value greater than unity, the sign of the argument of the arctan function in Eq. (15.4)
shifts from negative to positive. To preserve continuity in angle as wt crosses unity, the
phase angle must go from ⫺90 to ⫺180˚ as wt goes from 1 to ⫹∞ and the branch of the
arctan function goes from C to D (in Fig. 15–18).
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 309
10
= 0.1
5
0.2
2 0.3
0.5
1
0.6
0.5 0.8
AR
1.0
0.2 2.0
0.1
Asymptote
0.05
0.02
0
= 0.1
0
0.5 .3
−45 0.8
2.0
−90
−135
−180
0.1 0.2 0.5 1.0 2.0 5.0 10.0
FIGURE 15–17
1
Block diagram for second-order system .
t 2 s 2 ⫹ 2zts ⫹ 1
The arctan function available in calculators and computers normally covers
the principal branches of the arctan function, shown as BAE in Fig. 15–18. For this
reason, one must be very careful in calculating the phase angle with Eq. (15.4). If a
calculator programmed for the principal branches of the arctan function is used and
the argument is positive, one obtains the correct phase angle by subtracting 180˚
from the answer given by the calculator. Notice that for wt ⫽ 1, the phase angle
is ⫺90˚, independent of z. This verifies that all phase curves intersect at ⫺90˚, as
shown in Fig. 15–17.
We may now examine the amplitude curves obtained from Eq. (15.4). For
wt << 1, the AR, or gain, approaches unity. For wt → ∞, the only significant term in the
denominator is (wt )4 , and the AR becomes asymptotic to the line
1
AR ⫽
(wt )2
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310 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
tan−1x
270°
180°
90°
E
A
0°
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3
B x
−90°
C
−180°
D
−270°
FIGURE 15–18
Use of plot of tan⫺1 x for computing phase angle of second-order system.
This asymptote has slope ⫺2 and intersects the line AR ⫽ 1 at wt ⫽ 1. The asymp-
totic lines are indicated on Fig. 15–17. For z ⱖ 1, we have shown that the second-
order system is equivalent to two first-order systems in series. The fact that the AR
for z ⱖ 1 (as well as for z < 1) attains a slope of ⫺2 and phase of ⫺180˚ is, therefore,
consistent.
Figure 15–17 also shows that, for z < 0.707, the AR curves attain maxima in the
vicinity of wt ⫽ 1. This can be checked by differentiating the expression for the AR
with respect to wt and setting the derivative to zero. The result is
(wt )max ⫽ 1 ⫺ 2z 2 z ⬍ 0 . 707 (15.15)
for the value of wt at which the maximum AR occurs. The value of the maximum AR,
obtained by substituting (wt) max into Eq. (15.4), is
1
( AR )max ⫽ z ⬍ 0 . 707
2z 1 ⫺ z 2
A plot of the maximum AR versus z is given in Fig. 15–19. The frequency at which
the maximum AR is attained is called the resonant frequency and is obtained from
Eq. (15.15),
1
wr ⫽ 1 ⫺ 2z 2 (15.16)
t
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 311
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Maximum AR
FIGURE 15–19
Maximum AR versus damping for a second-order system.
The phenomenon of resonance is frequently observed in our everyday experience.
A vase may vibrate when the stereo is playing a particular note. As a car decelerates,
perceptible vibrations may occur at particular speeds. A suspension bridge oscillates
violently when soldiers march across, stepping at a certain cadence.
It may be seen that AR values exceeding unity are attained by systems for which
z < 0.707. This is in sharp contrast to the first-order system, for which the AR is always
less than unity.
The curves of Fig. 15–17 for z < 1 are not simple to construct, particularly in the
vicinity of the resonant frequency. Fortunately, almost all second-order control system
components for which we will want to construct Bode diagrams have z > 1. That is, they
are composed of two first-order systems in series. Actually, the curves of Fig. 15–17
are presented primarily because they are useful in analyzing the closed-loop frequency
response of many control systems.
Transportation Lag
As shown by Eq. (15.6), the frequency response for G(s) ⫽ e⫺ts is
AR ⫽ 1
f ⫽ ⫺wt rad or f ⫽ ⫺57 . 2958 wt deg
In this expression, w is in radians and 57.2958 is the number of degrees in 1 rad. There
is no need to plot the AR since it is constant at 1.0. On logarithmic coordinates, the
phase angle appears as in Fig. 15–20, where wt is used as the abscissa to make the
figure general. The transportation lag contributes a phase lag, which increases without
bound as w increases. Note that it is necessary to convert wt from radians to degrees to
prepare Fig. 15–20.
Proportional Controller
A proportional controller with transfer function Kc has amplitude ratio Kc and phase
angle zero at all frequencies. No Bode diagram is necessary for this component.
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312 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
0
−45
−90
Phase, deg
−135
−180
−225
−270
0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2 5 10
, frequency
FIGURE 15–20
Phase characteristics of transportation lag.
Proportional-Integral Controller
This component has the ideal transfer function
1
G ( s ) ⫽ Kc 1 ⫹
t Is
Accordingly, the frequency response is given by
1 1
AR ⫽ G ( jw ) ⫽ K c 1 ⫹ ⫽ Kc 1 ⫹
t I jw (wt I )2
1 1
Phase ⫽ G ( jw ) ⫽ 1 ⫹ ⫽ tan⫺1 ⫺
t I jw wt I
The Bode plot of Fig. 15–21 uses wtI as the abscissa. The constant factor Kc is included
in the ordinate for convenience. Asymptotes with a corner frequency of wc ⫽ 1/tI are
indicated. The verification of Fig. 15–21 is recommended as an exercise for the reader.
Proportional-Derivative Controller
The transfer function is
G ( s ) ⫽ K c (1 ⫹ t D s )
The reader should show that this has amplitude and phase behavior that are just the
inverse of the first-order system
1
ts ⫹ 1
Hence, the Bode plot is as shown in Fig. 15–22. The corner frequency is wc ⫽ 1/tD.
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 313
100
10
Amplitude ratio
Kc
1
0.1
0
Phase
−45
−90
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
I
FIGURE 15–21
Bode diagram for PI controller.
100
10
Amplitude ratio
Kc
1
0.1
90
Phase, deg
45
0
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
D
FIGURE 15–22
Bode diagram for PD controller.
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314 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
This system is important because it introduces phase lead. Thus, it can be seen that
using PD control for the tank temperature control system of Example 15.4 would
decrease the phase lag at all frequencies. In particular, 180˚ of phase lag would not
occur until a higher frequency. This may exert a stabilizing influence on the con-
trol system. In Chap. 16 we look in detail at designing stabilizing controllers using
Bode diagram analysis. It is appropriate to conclude this chapter with a summarizing
example.
Example 15.7 Plot the Bode diagram for the open-loop transfer function of the
control system of Fig. 15–23. This system might represent PD control of three
tanks in series, with a transportation lag in the measuring element.
U
+
1
+
R Kc (1 + 2 C
Ds) + s+1 s +1
− 10
Kc = 10
B D = 1/2
s
e− 10
FIGURE 15–23
Block diagram of control system for Example 15.7.
The open-loop transfer function is
10 ( 0 . 5s ⫹ 1) e⫺s / 10
G (s) ⫽
( s ⫹ 1)2 ( 0.1s ⫹ 1)
The individual components are plotted as dashed lines in Fig. 15–24. Only the
asymptotes are used on the AR portion of the graph. Here it is easiest to plot the
factor (s ⫹ 1)⫺2 as a line of slope ⫺2 through the corner frequency of 1. For the
phase-angle graph, the factor (s ⫹ 1)⫺1 is plotted and added in twice to form the
overall curve. The overall curves are obtained by the graphical rules previously
presented. For comparison, the overall curves obtained without derivative action
(i.e., by not adding in the curves corresponding to 0.5s ⫹ 1) are also shown. Note
that on the asymptotic AR diagram, the slopes of the individual curves are added
to obtain the slope of the overall curve.
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 315
5
1 s+1
2
1
1 1
(s + 1)2 1
s+1
0.5 10
ARi
or
AROverall Slope = − 2 Slope = − 1
10 0.1
Overall curve with
derivative action
0.05
Overall curve without Slope
derivative action =−2
0.01
0.05 0.1 0.5 1 5 10 50
(a)
90
45
1 s+1
2
0 1
1
s+1
1 10
−45
s+1
−90 Overall curve Overall curve 1
e− 10 s
without derivative with derivative
−135 action action
1
−180
Curve corresponding to s + 1
has been added twice to form
−225 overall curve
−270
0.05 0.1 0.5 1 5 10 50
(b)
FIGURE 15–24
Block diagram for Example 15.7: (a) Amplitude ratio; (b) phase angle.
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316 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
15.3 APPENDIX—GENERALIZATION OF
SUBSTITUTION RULE
The substitution rule (jw for s) is valid for transfer functions that yield stable systems.
An nth-order linear system is characterized by an nth-order differential equation
d nY d n ⫺1Y
⫹ a0Y ⫽ X ( t )
dY
an n
⫹ an ⫺1 n ⫺1
⫹ ⫹ a1 (15.17)
dt dt dt
where Y is the output variable and X(t) is the forcing function or input variable. For
specific cases of Eq. (15.17), refer to Eq. (4.5) for a first-order system and Eq. (7.5) for
a second-order system. If X(t) is sinusoidal
X ( t ) ⫽ A sin w t
the solution of Eq. (15.17) will consist of a complementary solution and a particular
solution of the form
Y p ( t ) ⫽ C1 sin w t ⫹ C2 cos w t (15.18)
If the system is stable, the roots of the characteristic equation of Eq. (15.17) all lie to the
left of the imaginary axis, and the complementary solution will vanish exponentially in
time. Then Yp is the quantity previously defined as the sinusoidal or frequency response.
If the system is not stable, the complementary solution grows exponentially, and the
term frequency response has no physical significance because Yp(t) is inconsequential.
The problem now is the evaluation of C1 and C2 in Eq. (15.18). Since we are
interested in the amplitude and phase of YP(t), Eq. (15.18) is rewritten as
Y p ⫽ D1 sin (w t ⫹ D2 )
(15.19)
as was done previously [compare to Eq. (4.25) and related equations].
It will be convenient to change X(t) and Yp(t) from trigonometric to exponential
form, using the identity
e jq ⫺ e⫺ jq
sin q ⫽
2j
Thus,
X (t ) ⫽
2j
(
A jw t
e ⫺ e⫺ jw t ) (15.20)
and from Eq. (15.19)
Yp ( t ) ⫽
2j
e (
D1 j (w t ⫹ D2 )
⫺ e⫺ j (w t ⫹ D2 ) ) (15.21)
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 317
Substitution of Eqs. (15.20) and (15.21) into Eq. (15.17) yields
D1e j (w t ⫹ D2 ) n ⫺1
n( )
a jw ⫹ an ⫺1 ( jw ) ⫹ ⫹ a1 ( jw ) ⫹ a0
n
2j
D1e j (w t ⫹ D2 ) n ⫺1
a ⫺ jw ) ⫹ an ⫺1 (⫺ jw ) ⫹ ⫹ a1 (⫺ jw ) ⫹ a0
n(
n
−
2j
⫽
2j
e(
A jw t
⫺ e⫺ jw t ) (15.22)
The coefficients of ejwt on both sides of Eq. (15.22) must be equal. Hence,
n ⫺1
D1e jD2 an ( jw ) ⫹ an ⫺1 ( jw ) ⫹ ⫹ a1 ( jw ) ⫹ a0 ⫽ A
n
(15.23)
Equation (15.23) will be satisfied if and only if
1 D1
n ⫺1
⫽ (15.24)
an ( jw ) ⫹ an ⫺1 ( jw ) ⫹ ⫹ a1 ( jw ) ⫹ a0
2 A
1
n ⫺1
⫽ D2
an ( jw ) ⫹ an ⫺1 ( jw ) ⫹ ⫹ a1 ( jw ) ⫹ a0
n
But D1/A and D2 are the AR and phase angle of the response, respectively, as may
be seen from Eq. (15.19) and the forcing function. Furthermore, from Eq. (15.17) the
transfer function relating X and Y is
Y (s) 1
⫽
X (s) n
an s ⫹ an ⫺1s n ⫺1
⫹ ⫹ a1s ⫹ a0 (15.25)
Equations (15.24) and (15.25)* establish the general result.
*
In writing this equation, it is assumed that X and Y have been written as deviation variables, so that initial
conditions are zero.
SUMMARY
In this chapter the concept of frequency response was discussed. A graphical tool, the
Bode diagram, was introduced to assist in the analysis of the frequency response char-
acteristics of various system elements. Bode plots were constructed manually as well as
with MATLAB. We will use this tool in Chap. 16 in the design of control systems.
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318 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
PROBLEMS
15.1. For each of the following transfer functions, sketch the gain versus frequency, asymptotic
Bode diagram. For each case, find the actual gain and phase angle at w ⫽ 10. Note: It is not
necessary to use log-log paper; simply rule off decades on rectangular paper.
100
(a)
(10s ⫹ 1)( s ⫹ 1)
10 s
(b)
( s ⫹ 1)( 0.1s ⫹ 1)2
s ⫹1
(c)
( 0.1s ⫹ 1)(10s ⫹ 1)
s ⫺1
(d)
( 0.1s ⫹ 1)(10s ⫹ 1)
(e) (10s ⫹ 1)2
( f ) (10 ⫹ s)2
15.2. A temperature bath in which the temperature varies sinusoidally at various frequencies
is used to measure the frequency response of a temperature-measuring element B. The
apparatus is shown in Fig. P15.2. A standard thermocouple A, for which the time con-
stant is 0.1 min for the arrangement shown in the sketch, is placed near the element to be
measured. The response of each temperature-measuring element is recorded simultane-
ously on a two-channel recorder. The phase lag between the two chart records at different
frequencies is shown in the table. From these data, show that it is reasonable to consider
element B as a first-order process and calculate the time constant. Describe your method
clearly.
Phase lag of
Frequency, B behind A,
cycles/min deg
0.1 7.1
0.2 12.9
0.4 21.8
0.8 28.2
A B 1.0 29.8
1.5 26.0
2.0 23.6
3.0 18.0
FIGURE P15–2 4.0 14.2
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CHAPTER 15 INTRODUCTION TO FREQUENCY RESPONSE 319
15.3. Plot the asymptotic Bode diagram for the PID controller
1
G ( s ) ⫽ Kc 1 ⫹ t D s ⫹
t I s
where Kc ⫽ 10, tI ⫽ 1, and tD ⫽ 100. Label corner frequencies and give slopes of
asymptotes.
15.4. One way of experimentally measuring the frequency response is to plot the output sine
wave versus the input sine wave. The results of such a plot look like Fig. P15–4. This is the
sinusoidal deviation in output versus sinusoidal deviation in input and appears as an ellipse
centered at the origin. Show how to obtain the AR and phase lag from this plot.
Output
Input
FIGURE P15–4
15.5. For the transfer function shown below, sketch carefully the gain versus frequency portion
of the asymptotic plot of the Bode diagram. Determine the actual (exact) value of gain and
phase angle at w ⫽ 1. Determine the phase angle as w → ∞.
2 ( 0 . 1s ⫹ 1)
G (s) ⫽
s 2 (10 s ⫹ 1)
Indicate very clearly the slopes of the asymptotic Bode diagram of G(s).
15.6. (a) Plot accurately and neatly the Bode diagram for the process shown in Fig. P15–6, using
log-log paper for gain versus frequency and semilog paper for phase versus frequency. Plot
the frequency as radians per minute.
(b) Find the amplitude ratio and phase angle for Y/X at w ⫽ 1 rad/min and w ⫽ 4 rad/min.
1 7
X e−0.5s Y
2s + 1 5s + 1
FIGURE P15–6
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320 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
15.7. For the system shown in Fig. P15–7, determine accurately the phase angle in degrees
between Y(t) and X(t) for w ⫽ 0.5. Determine the lag between the input wave and the
output wave.
3
X = 2 sin t Y
9s2 + 0.5s + 1
FIGURE P15–7
15.8. (a) For the transfer function given below, sketch carefully the asymptotic approximation
of gain versus frequency. Show details such as slopes of asymptotes.
G (s) ⫽
(1 ⫹ s )2
s
(b) Find the actual (exact) value of gain and phase angle for w ⫽ 1 and for w ⫽ 2.
15.9. Derive expressions for amplitude ratio and phase angle as functions of w for the transfer
function G(s) ⫽ 1/(s2 ⫺ 1).
15.10. The data given in the following table represent experimental, frequency response data for
a process consisting of a first-order process and a transportation lag. Determine the time
constant and the transportation lag parameter. Write the transfer function for the process,
giving numerical values of the parameters.
Frequency, cycles/min Gain Phase angle, deg
0.01 1.0 0.0
0.02 1.0 ⫺2.0
0.04 1.0 ⫺6.0
0.06 1.0 ⫺7.0
0.08 1.0 ⫺8.5
0.10 1.0 ⫺11.0
0.15 1.0 ⫺17.0
0.20 1.0 ⫺23.0
0.30 1.0 ⫺36.0
0.40 0.98 ⫺48.0
0.60 0.94 ⫺73.0
0.80 0.88 ⫺96.0
1.00 0.83 ⫺122.0
1.50 0.71 ⫺180.0
2.00 0.61 ⫺239.0
4.00 0.37 —
6.00 0.26 —
8.00 0.20 —
10.00 0.16 —
20.00 0.080 —
40.00 0.041 —
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CHAPTER
15
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Substitution Rule: Substitute (jw for s) in the transfer function to obtain a
complex number. The magnitude of the resulting complex number is the amplitude
ratio AR, while the angle of the complex number is the phase angle shift of the output
response. This rule is valid for transfer functions that yield stable systems.
Input Output
Process
A sin ( t)
Transients + A · AR · sin( t + )
Input Phase
amplitude angle
Output amplitude
2
1.5
Input Output
1
AR
0.5
Time for transients to decay
Signal/A
0
−0.5
−1
−1.5
Phase
lag
−2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time
FIGURE 15–2
Characteristics of a steady-state sinusoidal response.
output amplitude
Amplitude ratio AR ⫽ ⫽ G ( jw ) ⫽ R
input amp litude
Phase angle f ⫽ G ( jw )
321
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322 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Key Features to Note About the Frequency Response of the Process
• After transients die out, the output is a sine wave.
• Input frequency ⫽ output frequency ⫽ w.
• In general, the output is attenuated, that is, AR < 1.
• The output is shifted in time (it lags the input by the phase angle).
• Amplitude ratio and phase angle are both functions of frequency.
Bode diagrams are plots of the amplitude ratio and the phase angle of the steady response
as functions of the frequency of the input sine wave.
Characteristics of Bode plots for some common transfer functions
Slope Slope
on on
Corner Bode Bode
Phase angle (deg) frequency plot plot
Transfer function Amplitude ratio AR e vc v ⬍ vc v ⬎ vc
K
K
1 tan⫺1 (⫺wt) 1
1 ⫹ ts 0 ⫺1
1⫹w t 2 2 f → ⫺90˚ as w → ∞ t
First-order system
K (1 ⫹ t s) tan⫺1 (wt) 1
K 1 ⫹ w 2t 2 0 1
First-order lead f → ⫹90˚ as w → ∞ t
1 1
ts wt ⫺90 0 ⫺1 ⫺1
Integral
ts wt ⫹90 0 1 1
Derivative
K 1 ⫺2zwt
K tan⫺1
1 ⫺ w 2t 2 1
t 2 s 2 ⫹ 2z ts ⫹ 1
(1 ⫺ w t )
2 2 2
⫹ ( 2zwt )
2
t
0 ⫺2
Second-order system f → ⫺180 ⬚ as w → ⬁
exp(⫺ts) 180
⫺wt 0 — 0
p
Transportation lag 1
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CHAPTER
16
CONTROL SYSTEM
DESIGN BY FREQUENCY
RESPONSE
T he purpose of this chapter is twofold. First, it is indicated that the stability of a
control system can usually be determined from the Bode diagram of its open-loop
transfer function. Then methods are presented for rational selection of controller param-
eters based on this Bode diagram. The material presented here is one of the more useful
design aspects of the subject of frequency response.
16.1 TANK TEMPERATURE CONTROL
SYSTEM
It was indicated in the discussion following Example 15.4 that the control system of
Fig. 16–1 might offer stability problems because of excessive phase lag. To review, this
system represents proportional control of tank temperature with a delay in the feedback
1
loop. The factor 600 is the process sensitivity 1/(wC), which gives the ultimate change
in tank temperature per unit change in heat input Q.
1 1 ⬚F
⫽ ⫽
wC lb Btu 600
Btu
600 1 m in
min lb⭈⬚ F
The proportional gain Kc, in Btu per minute per degree of temperature error, is to be
specified by the designer.
The open-loop transfer function for this system is
( Kc / 600 ) e⫺0.0396 s
G (s) ⫽ (16.1)
0.203s ⫹ 1
323
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324 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
U = T i′
Q
+ Kc /wC wC 1
R C = T′
= Kc /600 0.203s + 1
−
′
B = Tm
e−0.0396s
FIGURE 16–1
Control system for stirred-tank heater of Example 15.4.
The Bode diagram for G(s) is plotted in Fig. 16–2. As usual, the constant factor Kc/600
is included in the definition of the ordinate for AR.
1
Amplitude ratio
Asymptote
Kc /wC
0.5
0.2
0.1
0
e−0.0396s
−45
1
0.203s + 1
−90
Phase, deg
e−0.0396s
−135 0.203s + 1
−180
−225
43
−270
1 2 5 10 20 50 100
FIGURE 16–2
Bode diagram for open-loop transfer function of control system for stirred-tank heater:
( K c / wC ) e⫺t 2s / (t 1s ⫹ 1) . Block diagram is shown in Fig. 16–1.
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 325
At the frequency of 43 rad/min, the phase lag is exactly 180° and AR/(Kc/600) ⫽ 0.12.
Kc Kc Kc
AR ⫽ ( 0 . 12 ) ⫽ ⫽
600 600 / 0 . 12 5000
Therefore, if a proportional gain of 5000 Btu/(min · °F) is used,
5000
AR ⫽ ⫽1
5000
This is the AR between the signals e and B. Note that it is dimensionless, as e and B
both have the units of temperature.
The control system is redrawn for Kc ⫽ 5000 in Fig. 16–3a, with the loop opened.
That is, the feedback signal B is disconnected from the comparator. Imagine that a set
point disturbance
R ⫽ sin 43t
is applied to the opened loop. Then, since the open-loop AR ⫽ 1 and the phase
lag ⫽ 180°,
B ⫽ sin(43t ⫺ 180 ⬚) ⫽ ⫺sin 43t
Now imagine that, at some instant in time, R is set to zero and simultaneously the loop
is closed. Figure 16–3b indicates that the closed loop continues to oscillate indefinitely.
This oscillation is theoretically sustained even though both R and U are zero.
U=0
+ = sin 43t + 1
8.33 +
R = sin 43t 0.202s + 1 C = sin (43t−83°)
−
Loop open
Before
B = −sin 43t closing loop
e−0.0396s
(a)
U=0
+ = sin 43t + 1
8.33 +
R=0 0.202s + 1 C = sin (43t−83°)
−
After
B = −sin 43t closing loop
e−0.0396s
(b)
FIGURE 16–3
Sustained closed-loop oscillation.
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326 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Now suppose Kc is set to a slightly higher value and the same experiment
repeated. This time, the signal e is amplified slightly each time it passes around the
loop. Thus, if Kc is set to 5001, after the first time around the loop the signal e becomes
(5001/5000) sin 43t. After the second time, it is (5001/5000)2 sin 43t, etc. The phase
angle is not affected by changing Kc. We thus conclude that, for Kc > 5000, the response
is unbounded, since it oscillates with increasing amplitude.
By using the definition of stability presented in Chap. 13, it is concluded that the
control system is unstable for Kc > 5000 because it exhibits an unbounded response
to the bounded input described above. (The bounded input is zero in this case, for
U ⫽ R ⫽ 0.) The condition Kc > 5000 corresponds to
AR ⬎ 1
for the open-loop transfer function, at the frequency 43 rad/min, where the open-loop
phase lag is 180°.
This argument is not rigorous. We know the response B only if e remains constant
in amplitude because of the definition of frequency response. If, however, the change in
Kc is very small, so that e is amplified infinitesimally, then B will closely approximate
the frequency response. While this does not prove anything, it shows that we are justi-
fied in suspecting instability and that closer investigation is warranted. A rigorous proof
of stability requires application of the Nyquist stability criterion [see Coughanowr and
Koppel (1965) or Kuo (1987)], which uses the theory of complex variables. For our
purposes, it is sufficient to proceed with heuristic arguments.
16.2 THE BODE STABILITY CRITERION
It is tempting to generalize the results of the analysis of the tank temperature control
system to the following rule. A control system is unstable if the open-loop frequency
response exhibits an AR exceeding unity at the frequency for which the phase lag is
180°. This frequency is called the crossover frequency. The rule is called the Bode
stability criterion.
Actually, since the discussion of Sec. 16.1 was based on heuristic arguments,
this rule is not quite general. It applies readily to systems for which the gain and phase
curves decrease continuously with frequency. However, if the phase curve appears as
in Fig. 16–4, the more general Nyquist criterion must usually be used to determine sta-
bility. Other exceptions may occur. Fortunately, most process control systems can be
analyzed with the simple Bode criterion, and it therefore finds wide application.
Application of the criterion requires nothing more than plotting the open-loop
frequency response. This may be based on the theoretical transfer function, if it is avail-
able, as we have done for the tank temperature system. If the theoretical system dynam-
ics are not known, the frequency response may be obtained experimentally. To do this,
the open-loop system is disturbed with a sine wave input at several frequencies. At each
frequency, records of the input and output waves are compared to establish the AR and
phase lag. The results are plotted as a Bode diagram. This experimental technique is
illustrated in greater detail in Chap. 18.
For the remainder of this chapter, we accept the Bode stability criterion as valid
and use it to establish the control system design procedure.
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 327
0
Phase, deg
−180
Frequency
FIGURE 16–4
Phase behavior of a complex system for which the Bode criterion is not applicable.
16.3 GAIN AND PHASE MARGINS
Let us consider the general problem of selecting Gc(s) for the system of Fig. 16–5.
Suppose the open-loop frequency response, when a particular controller Gc(s) is tried,
is as shown in the Bode diagram of Fig. 16–6. The crossover frequency, at which the
phase lag is 180°, is noted as wco on the Bode diagram. At this frequency, the AR is A.
If A exceeds unity, we know from the Bode criterion that the system is unstable and that
we have made a poor selection of Gc(s). In Fig. 16–6 it is assumed that A is less than
unity and therefore the system is stable.
U
+
+
R Gc G1 G2 C
+
−
H
FIGURE 16–5
Block diagram for a general control system.
It is necessary to ascertain to what degree the system is stable. Intuitively, if A
is only slightly less than unity, the system is “almost unstable” and may be expected
to behave in a highly oscillatory manner even though it is theoretically stable. (Again,
heuristic arguments are used. This statement is self-evident to the reader who has studied
Chap. 14, where it is shown that the roots of the characteristic equation vary continuously
with system parameters. Proof of the statement requires the Nyquist stability criterion.)
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328 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Amplitude
1
ratio Gain
margin
A
0
Phase angle,
deg
Phase margin
−180
co
FIGURE 16–6
Open-loop Bode diagram for a typical control system.
Furthermore, the constant A is determined by the physical parameters of the sys-
tem, such as time constants. These can be only estimated and may actually change
slowly with time because of wear or corrosion. Hence, a design for which A is close to
unity does not have an adequate safety factor.
To assign some quantitative measure to these considerations, the concept of gain
margin (GM) is introduced. Using the nomenclature of Fig. 16–6,
1 1
Gain margin ⫽ ⫽
A AR φ ⫽⫺180⬚
Typical specifications for design are that the gain margin should be greater than 1.7.
This means that the AR at crossover could increase by a factor of 1.7 over the design
value before the system became unstable.
1 1
AR φ⫽⫺180⬚ ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 59
GM 1.7
So, for GM ⫽ 1.7, AR ⫽ 0.59 at the crossover frequency. The design value of
the gain margin is really a safety factor that maintains the AR a “safe distance” away
from AR ⫽ 1 at wco. As such, its value varies considerably with the application and
designer. A gain margin of unity or less indicates an unstable system.
Another margin frequently used for design is the phase margin. As indicated in
Fig. 16–6, it is the difference between 180° and the phase lag at the frequency for which
the gain is unity.
Phase margin (PM) ⫽ 180 ⬚ ⫺ f LAG AR⫽1
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 329
The phase margin therefore represents the additional amount of phase lag required to
destabilize the system, just as the gain margin represents the additional gain for desta-
bilization. Typical design specifications are that the phase margin must be greater than
30°. A negative phase margin indicates an unstable system.
Example 16.1. Find a relation between relative stability (see below) and the
phase margin for the control system of Fig. 16–7. A proportional controller is to
be used.
This block diagram corresponds to the stirred-tank heater system, for which
the block diagram has been given in Fig. 12–17. The particular set of constants is
t ⫽ tm ⫽ 1
1
⫽1
wC
These are to be regarded as fixed, while the proportional gain Kc is to be varied to
give a satisfactory phase margin.
U
+
+ 1
R Kc C
+ s+1
−
1
s+1
FIGURE 16–7
Block diagram for Example 16.1.
The closed-loop transfer function for this system is given by Eq. (12.17), rewrit-
ten for our particular case as
C Kc s ⫹1
⫽ (16.2)
R 1 ⫹ K c t 2 s ⫹ 2t 2z 2 s ⫹ 1
2 2
1 1
where t2 ⫽ z2 ⫽
1 ⫹ Kc 1 ⫹ Kc
Since the closed-loop system is second-order, it can never be unstable. The shape
of the response of the closed-loop system to a unit step in R must resemble the
curves of Fig. 7–3. The meaning of relative stability is illustrated by Fig. 7–3.
The lower z2 is made, the more oscillatory and hence the “less stable” will be the
response. Therefore, a relationship between phase margin and z2 will give the
relation between phase margin and relative stability.
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330 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Amplitude ratio
1 Slope = −2
Kc
0.062
angle,
Phase
−152
=4
FIGURE 16–8
Open-loop Bode diagram for system of Example 16.1, G ⫽ 1/(s ⫹ 1)2.
To find this relation the open-loop Bode diagram is prepared and is shown
in Fig. 16–8. The simplest way to proceed from this diagram is as follows:
Consider a typical frequency w ⫽ 4. If the open-loop gain were 1 at this fre-
quency, then since the phase angle is ⫺152°, the phase margin would be 28°. To
make the open-loop gain 1 at w ⫽ 4, it is required that
1
Kc ⫽ ⫽ 16 . 1
0 . 062
Then
1
z2 ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 24
1 ⫹ Kc
Hence, a point on the curve of z2 versus phase margin is
z 2 ⫽ 0 . 24 phase margin ⫽ 28 ⬚
Other points are calculated similarly at different frequencies, and the resulting
curve is shown in Fig. 16–9. From this figure it is seen that z2 decreases with
decreasing phase margin and that if the phase margin is less than 30°, then z2
is less than 0.26. From Fig. 7–3, it can be seen that the response of this system
for z2 < 0.26 is highly oscillatory, hence relatively unstable, compared with a
response for the system with phase margin 50° and z2 ⫽ 0.4.
For the particular system of Example 16.1, it was shown that the response
became more oscillatory as the phase margin was decreased. This result general-
izes to more complex systems. Thus, the phase margin is a useful design tool for
application to systems of higher complexity, where the transient response cannot
be easily determined and a plot such as Fig. 16–9 cannot be made. To repeat, the
rule of thumb is that the phase margin must be greater than 30°.
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 331
0.6
0.4
2
0.2
0
0 30 60 90
Phase margin
FIGURE 16–9
Damping versus phase margin for system of Fig. 16–7.
A similar statement can be made about the gain margin. As the gain mar-
gin is increased, the system response generally becomes less oscillatory, hence
more stable. A control system designer will often try to make both the gain and
phase margins equal to or greater than specified minimum values, typically 1.7
and 30°. Note that, for the case of Example 16.1, the gain margin is always infi-
nite because the phase lag never quite reaches 180°. However, the phase margin
requirement of 30° necessitates that z2 > 0.26, hence Kc < 14, which means that
1
an offset of 15 [see Eq. (16.2)] must be accepted. This illustrates the importance of
considering both margins. The reader should refer to Fig. 16–6 to see that both
margins exist simultaneously.
Example 16.2. Specify the proportional gain Kc for the control system of
Fig. 15–23, reproduced as Fig. 16–10.
U
R+ + 1
Kc (1 + 2 s +1 C
Ds) + s+1
10
−
B Kc = 10
D = 1/2
s
e− 10
FIGURE 16.10
Block diagram of control system for Example 15.6.
The gain is to be specified for the two cases:
Proportional gain tD Open-loop transfer function
K c ( 0 . 5s ⫹ 1) e⫺s / 10
Case 1 (PD control) Kc 0.5 min G (s) ⫽
( s ⫹ 1)2 ( 0 . 1s ⫹ 1)
K c e⫺s / 10
Case 2 (P control only) Kc 0 min G (s) ⫽
( s ⫹ 1)2 ( 0 . 1s ⫹ 1)
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332 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
We’ll use MATLAB to generate the exact Bode diagrams (we sketched the
asymptotes in Chap. 15) for the two cases. We first need to generate the transfer
function in MATLAB. For case 1, the MATLAB commands to produce the Bode
diagram are as follows:
num=[0.5 1] ;
% the coefficients of the polynomial
in the numerator of G(s);
den=conv([1 2 1],[0.1 1]) %conv multiplies the 2
polynomials in the denominator
of G(s);
den =
0.1000 1.2000 2.1000 1.0000
% thus the resulting polynomial in the denominator is
0 . 1s 3 + 1 . 2s 2 + 2 . 1s + 1
sys=tf(num,den,'iodelay',0.1)
Transfer function:
0.5 s + 1
exp(-0.1*s) *
0.1 s^3 + 1.2 s^2 + 2.1 s + 1
% Now we can generate the Bode diagram(Fig.16–11) using
mybode (discussed in Chap. 15).
mybode(sys)
100
Amplitude
10−2
10−4 −1
10 100 101 102
Frequency (rad/time)
0
−200
Phase (deg)
−400
−600
−800
10−1 100 101 102
Frequency (rad/time)
FIGURE 16–11
Bode diagram for Example 16.2, case 1 PD control.
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 333
We can examine the data used to generate Fig. 16–11 as follows.
Solution
Case 1. Consider first the gain margin. The crossover frequency for the curve with deriva-
tive action is 8.62 rad/min. At this frequency, the open-loop gain is 0.0445 if the value of
1
Kc is unity. (Including the factor of 10 in the ordinate is actually equivalent to plotting
the case Kc ⫽ 1.) Therefore, according to the Bode criterion, the value of Kc necessary to
destabilize the loop is 1/0.0445, or 22.5. To achieve a gain margin of 1.7, Kc must be taken
as 22.5/1.7, or 13.2. To achieve proper phase margin, note that the frequency for which the
phase lag is 150° (phase margin is 30°) is 5.52 rad/min. At this frequency, a value for Kc of
1/0.0815, or 12.3, will cause the open-loop gain to be unity. Since this is lower than 13.2,
we use 12.3 as the design value of Kc. The resulting gain margin is then 1.83.
The numerical data for the Bode diagram can be output to Excel and also calculated
in Excel by using the formulas for magnitude and phase angle. Goal Seek can also be used
in Excel to determine the frequency and magnitude at the phase angles of interest (⫺180°
and ⫺150°). With Goal Seek, you have Excel vary the value of the frequency until the
phase angle equals ⫺180° or ⫺150°. The Excel formulas to calculate the magnitude and
phase angle are:
Magnitude =(SQRT(frequency^2/4+1))/(frequency^2+1)/
(SQRT((0.1*frequency)^2+1))
Phase Angle =(2*ATAN(-frequency)+ATAN(-0.1*frequency)
+ATAN(0.5*frequency)+(-frequency/10))*180/3.14159
(The data exported from the MATLAB bode function are shown in the Fig. 16–12 for
comparison purposes.)
frequency magnitude magnitude phase angle phase angle Using Goal Seek ...
matlab Excel matlab Excel frequency magnitude phase angle
0.1 0.9913 0.9913 ⫺9.7047 ⫺9.7047 8.6223706 0.0445 ⫺180.0000
0.1184 0.9878 0.9878 ⫺11.4688 ⫺11.4736 5.5290187 0.0815 ⫺150.0000
... ... ... ... ...
4.8187 0.097 0.0970 ⫺142.4299 ⫺142.4304
5.7029 0.0783 0.0783 ⫺151.8055 ⫺151.8054
6.7494 0.0627 0.0627 ⫺162.339 ⫺162.3387
7.988 0.0496 0.0496 ⫺174.1712 ⫺174.1712
9.4539 0.0388 0.0388 ⫺187.4274 ⫺187.4278
11.1887 0.03 0.0300 ⫺202.2378 ⫺202.2378
... ... ... ... ...
60.3237 0.0014 0.0014 ⫺516.2162 ⫺516.2168
71.3935 0.001 0.0010 ⫺581.0807 ⫺581.0813
84.4947 0.0007 0.0007 ⫺657.369 ⫺657.3697
100 0.0005 0.0005 ⫺747.2471 ⫺747.2477
FIGURE 16–12
Use of Excel to calculate the magnitude and frequency for Bode diagrams.
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334 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Case 2. Proceeding exactly as in case 1 but using the curve for no derivative action, we
found that Kc ⫽ 6.7 is needed for satisfactory gain margin and Kc ⫽ 5.14 for satisfactory
phase margin. Hence Kc is taken as 5.14, and the resulting gain margin is 2.2.
The MATLAB code for generating this Bode diagram (Fig. 16–13) is
num=[1]
num =
1
den=[0.1 1.2 2.1 1.0]
den =
0.1000 1.2000 2.1000 1.0000
sys=tf(num,den,'iodelay',0.1)
Transfer function:
1
exp(-0.1*s) *
0.1 s^3 + 1.2 s^2 + 2.1 s + 1
mybode(sys)
100
10−2
Amplitude
10−4
10−6 −1
10 100 101 102
Frequency (rad/time)
0
−200
Phase (deg)
−400
−600
−800
−1000
10−1 100 101 102
Frequency (rad/time)
FIGURE 16–13
Bode diagram for Example 16.2, case 2, P control only.
To see the advantage of adding derivative control in this case, note from Fig. 16–10 that the
final value of C for a unit step change in U is 1/(1 ⫹ Kc) for any value of tD. The addition
of the derivative action allows an increase in the value of Kc from 5.14 to 12.3 while
maintaining approximately the same relative stability in terms of gain and phase margins.
This reduces the offset from 16 percent of the change in U to 7.5 percent of the change in U.
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 335
The reader is cautioned that the values of Kc selected in this way should be
regarded as initial approximations to the actual values, which give “optimal” control
of the system of Fig. 16–10. More will be said about this matter later in this chapter in
conjunction with the two-tank chemical-reactor control system of Chap. 10.
Thus far, nothing has been said about upper limits on the gain and phase mar-
gins. Referring to Example 16.1 and Fig. 7–3, we see that if z2 is too large, the
response is sluggish. In fact, Fig. 7–3 suggests that for the system of Fig. 16–7 one
should choose a value of z2 low enough to give a short rise time without causing
excessive response time and overshoot. In other words, one wants the most rapid
response that has sufficient relative stability. The results of Example 16.1 general-
ize to many systems of higher complexity, in terms of margin. Hence, the designer
frequently chooses the controller so that either the gain or phase margin is equal
to its lowest acceptable value and the other margin is (probably) above its lowest
acceptable value. This was the procedure followed in Example 16.2. In almost every
situation, the designer faces this conflict between speed of response and degree of
oscillation. In addition, if integral action is not used, the amount of the offset must
be considered.
The concepts of gain and phase margin are useful in selecting Kc for propor-
tional action. However, for additional modes of control such as PD, these concepts
are difficult to apply in practice. Consider the selection of Kc and tD in Example 16.2.
For a different value of tD the derivative contribution is shifted to the right or left on
the Bode diagram of Fig. 15–24. This means that a different value of Kc will provide
the proper margins. A typical design procedure is to select the value of tD for which
the value of Kc resulting in a 30° phase margin is maximized. The motivation for this
choice is that the offset will be minimized. However, the procedure is clearly trial and
error. In the case of three-mode control, there are two parameters, tI and tD, which
must be varied by trial to meet various design criteria. Fortunately, for this case and
others there are simple rules for directly establishing values of the control parameters
that usually give satisfactory gain and phase margins. These are the Ziegler-Nichols
rules, which we develop next.
16.4 ZIEGLER-NICHOLS CONTROLLER
SETTINGS
Consider selection of a controller Gc for the general control system of Fig. 16–5. We
first plot the Bode diagram for the final control element, the process, and the measuring
element in series G1G2H(jw). It should be emphasized that the controller is omitted from
this plot. Suppose the diagram appears as in Fig. 16–6. As noted on the figure, the cross-
over frequency for these three components in series is wco. At the crossover frequency,
the overall amplitude ratio is A, as indicated. According to the Bode criterion, then, the
gain of a proportional controller which would cause the system of Fig. 16–5 to be on the
verge of instability is 1/A. We define this quantity to be the ultimate gain Ku. Thus
1
Ku ⫽ (16.3)
A
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336 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
TABLE 16.1
Ziegler-Nichols controller settings
Type of control Gc(S) Kc sI sD
Proportional Kc 0.5Ku
1 Pu
Proportional-integral (PI) Kc 1 ⫹ 0.45Ku
t I s 1.2
1 Pu Pu
Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) Kc 1 ⫹ ⫹ t D s 0.6Ku
tIs 2 8
The ultimate period Pu is defined as the period of the sustained cycling that would occur
if a proportional controller with gain Ku were used. From the discussion of Fig. 16–3,
we know this to be
2p radians / cycle sec
Pu ⫽ [⫽] [⫽] (16.3a)
w co radians / sec cy cle
The factor of 2p appears, so Pu will be in units of time per cycle rather than time per
radian. It should be emphasized that Ku and Pu are easily determined from the Bode
diagram of Fig. 16–6.
The Ziegler-Nichols settings for controllers are determined directly from Ku and
Pu according to the rules summarized in Table 16.1. Unfortunately, specifications of
Kc and tD for PD control cannot be made using only Ku and Pu . In general, the values
0.6 Ku and Pu /8, which correspond to the limiting case of no integral action in a three-
mode controller, are too conservative. That is, the resulting system will be too stable.
There exist methods for this case which are in principle no more difficult to use than
the Ziegler-Nichols rules. One of these is selection of tD for maximum Kc at 30° phase
margin, which was discussed above. Another method, which utilizes the step response
and avoids trial and error, is presented in Chap. 18.
The reasoning behind the Ziegler-Nichols selection of values of Kc is relatively
clear. In the case of proportional control only, a gain margin of 2 is established. The
addition of integral action introduces more phase lag at all frequencies (see Fig. 16–20);
hence a lower value of Kc is required to maintain roughly the same gain margin. Adding
derivative action introduces phase lead. Hence, more gain may be tolerated. This was
demonstrated in Example 16.2. However, by and large the Ziegler-Nichols settings are
based on experience with typical processes and should be regarded as first estimates.
Example 16.3. Using the Ziegler-Nichols rules, determine Kc and tI for the
control system shown in Fig. 16–14.
For this problem, the computation will be done without plotting a Bode diagram;
however, the reader may wish to do the problem with such a diagram. We first
obtain the crossover frequency by applying the Bode stability criterion.
180
⫺180 ⬚ ⫽ ⫺tan⫺1w ⫺ (1 . 02 ) (w )
p
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 337
+
R Kc 1 + 1 1
e−1.02s C
is (s + 1)
−
FIGURE 16–14
Block diagram for Example 16.3.
The value 180/π ⫽ 57.3 converts radians to degrees. Solving this equation by
trial and error gives for the crossover frequency wco ⫽ 2 rad/min. The amplitude
ratio AR at the crossover frequency for the open loop can be written as
1 Kc
AR ⫽ K c (1) ⫽
1⫹w 2 2 . 24
where we have used Eq. (15.7) for the first-order system and the fact that the
amplitude ratio for a transport lag is 1. According to the Bode criterion, the AR
is 1.0 at the crossover frequency when the system is on the verge of instability.
Inserting AR ⫽ 1 into the above equation and solving for Kc gives Kcu ⫽ 2.24.
From the Ziegler-Nichols rules of Table 16.1, we obtain
K c ⫽ 0 . 45K cu ⫽ ( 0 . 45) ( 2 . 24 ) ⫽ 1 . 01
and
Pu 2p / w co 2p / 2
tI ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 2 . 62 min
1.2 1.2 1.2
Example 16.4. Using the Ziegler-Nichols rules, determine controller settings for
various modes of control of the two-tank chemical-reactor system of Chap. 10.
The block diagram is reproduced in Fig. 16–15.
U
+ +
Gc 1
R C
+ (s + 1)(2s + 1)
−
e−s/2
FIGURE 16–15
Block diagram for two-tank chemical-reactor system.
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338 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
For convenience, the process gain K and the controller gain Kc are combined into
an overall gain K1. The equivalent controller transfer function is regarded as
1
Gc ⫽ K1 1 ⫹ ⫹ t D s
tIs
where K1 (as well as tI and tD) is to be selected by the Ziegler-Nichols rules. The
required value of Kc is then easily determined as
K1
Kc ⫽
K
where K ⫽ 0.09 for the present case (see Chap. 10.)
The Bode diagram for the transfer function without the controller
e⫺0.5s
( s ⫹ 1) ( 2s ⫹ 1)
is prepared by the usual procedures and is shown in Fig. 16–16.
From this figure, it is found that
w co ⫽ 1 . 56 rad / min
1
K1u ⫽ ⫽ 6.9
0 . 145
2p
Pu ⫽ ⫽ 4 . 0 min / cycle (16.4)
1 . 56
Hence, the Ziegler-Nichols control constants determined from Table 16.1 and Eq.
(16.4) are given in Table 16.2.
A plot comparing the open-loop frequency responses including the con-
troller for the three cases, using the controller constants of Table 16.2, is given
in Fig. 16–17. This figure shows quite clearly the effect of the phase lead due
to the derivative action. The resulting gain and phase margins are listed in
Table 16.3. From this table it may be seen that the margins are adequate and gen-
erally conservative.
TABLE 16.2
Control constants for Example 16.4
Control K1 sI sD
P 3.5
PI 3.1 3.3
PID 4.2 2.0 0.50
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 339
1
0.5
Asymptote
Amplitude ratio
0.145
0.1
0.05
0.01
0
e−0.5s
−45
1
1 s+1
−90 2s + 1
Phase angle
−135
−180
−225
0.1 0.5 1 1.56 5 10
FIGURE 16–16
Bode diagram for e⫺0.5s/(s ⫹ 1)(2s ⫹ 1).
Note that to obtain the Bode diagram for systems including the PID control-
ler, the controller transfer function is rewritten as
1 t Dt I s 2 ⫹ t I s ⫹ 1
Kc 1 ⫹ ⫹ t D s ⫽ K c (16.5)
tIs tIs
TABLE 16.3
Gain and Phase margins for Example 16.4
Control Gain margin Phase margin
P 2.0 45°
PI 1.9 33°
PID 2.6 34°
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340 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
PI, PID
1
P
0.5
Amplitude ratio
K1
0.1
PID
0.05 P, PI
0.01
0
−45
P
PI
Phase angle
−90
PID
−135
−180
−225
0.1 0.5 1 5 10
FIGURE 16–17
Open-loop Bode diagrams for various controllers with system of Fig. 16–15.
This is second-order in the numerator and has integral action in the denomina-
tor. In general, the numerator factors into first-order factors; hence it contributes
two curves similar to that of Fig. 15–22 to the overall diagram. For the Ziegler-
Nichols settings it is seen from Table 16.1 that tI ⫽ 4tD. Making this substitution
into Eq. (16.5) gives
4t D2 s 2 ⫹ 4t D s ⫹ 1 K c ( 2t D s ⫹ 1)2
Gc ⫽ K c ⫽ (16.6)
4t D s 4t D s
and shows that the numerator is equivalent to two PD components in series. This
AR is represented by a high-frequency asymptote of slope ⫹2 passing through
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 341
the frequency w ⫽ 1/2tD and a low-frequency asymptote on the line AR ⫽ 1. It
should be emphasized that these special considerations apply only to the Ziegler-
Nichols settings. In the general case, the two time constants obtained by factoring
the numerator of Eq. (16.5) will be different. The Bode plot of the denominator
follows from
1 1
⫽ ⫺ 90 ⬚
t I jw wt I
The gain is a straight line of slope ⫺1 passing through the point (AR ⫽ 1, w ⫽
1/tI). The phase lag is 90° at all frequencies. Plotting of the overall Bode diagram
for the PID case to check the results of Fig. 16–17 is recommended as an exercise
for the reader.
Transient Responses
For instructive purposes, the two-tank reactor system of Fig. 16–15 was simulated using
MATLAB. Responses of C(t) to a unit-step change in R(t) are shown in Fig. 16–18.
These responses were obtained using the Ziegler-Nichols controller settings determined
in Example 16.4.
The responses to a step load change were also obtained using MATLAB. These
are the curves of Fig. 9–9 that were discussed in Chap. 9 to illustrate the function of
the various modes of control. A load change for this system corresponds to a change
in the inlet concentration of reactant to tank 1 (refer to Fig. 10–1). As process control
engineers, we would be more interested in controlling against this kind of disturbance
than against a set point change because the set point or desired product concentration
is likely to remain relatively fixed. In other words, this is a regulator problem and the
curves of Fig. 9–9 are those we would use to determine the quality of control.
PID
PI
1
C (t)
P
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Time
FIGURE 16–18
Closed-loop response to step change in set point for control system of Fig. 16–15
using various control modes.
However, the step change in set point is frequently used to test control systems
despite the fact that the system will be primarily subject to load changes during actual
operation. The reason for this is the existence of well-established terminology used
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342 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
TABLE 16.4
Parameters for response of control system of Fig. 16–15 with Z-N settings
Period of
Rise time, Response oscillation,
Control Overshoot Decay ratio min time, min min Offset
P 0.49 0.26 1.3 10.4 5.0 0.21
PI 0.46 0.29 1.5 11.8 5.5 0
PID 0.42 0.05 0.9 4.9 5.0 0
to describe the step response of the underdamped second-order system. This termi-
nology, which was presented in Chap. 7, is used to assign quantitative measure to
responses that are not truly second-order, such as those of Fig. 16–18. Of course,
the terminology can be applied only to responses that resemble damped sinusoids.
Values of the various parameters determined for the responses of Fig 16–18 are sum-
marized in Table 16.4. Offset, realized only with proportional control, is included for
completeness.
It can be seen from Fig. 16–18 and Table 16.4 that addition of integral action
eliminates offset at the expense of a more oscillatory response. When derivative action
is also included, the response is much faster (lower rise time) and much less oscillatory
(lower response time). The large overshoots realized in all three cases are characteris-
tic of systems with relatively large time delays. In this case the controller is receiving
information about the concentration in the second reactor that was true 12 min ago. This
is to be compared with the reactor time constants of 1 and 2 min. Hence, it is not sur-
prising that the system overshoots before the controller can take sufficient action.
Figure 16–19 is presented for two purposes: (1) to illustrate that the Ziegler-
Nichols controller settings should be regarded as first guesses rather than fixed val-
ues and (2) to show the effects of changing the various controller settings. These
figures are transient responses to step changes in set point for the three-mode PID
control. They show the effects of individually varying the three control parameters
Kc, tI, and tD.
As an example of the use of these figures, suppose that it is decided that the
maximum overshoot that can be tolerated is 25 percent. Figure 16–19a shows that over-
shoot may be reduced by decreasing Kc at the expense of a considerably more sluggish
response. From Fig. 16–19b, we see that overshoot may be reduced by increasing tI
(decreasing integral action) at a lesser expense in speed of response. Thus, for tI ⫽
5 min, the overshoot is reduced to 20 percent without a serious sacrifice in speed.
The overshoot cannot be significantly reduced by changing tD, as can be seen from
Fig. 16–19c. However, the speed of response may be significantly increased by increas-
ing the derivative action (sometimes at the expense of greater oscillation before the
response has settled, as indicated by a higher decay ratio and a lower period). From this
brief study of these figures, it may be concluded that, to decrease overshoot without
seriously slowing the response, a combination of changes should be made. A possible
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 343
Kc = 6.3
4.2 2.1
C (t)
Z-N
I= 2.0
D= 0.5
(a)
I= 1.0
2.0
5.0 Z-N
C (t)
Kc = 4.2
D = 0.5
(b)
D= 0.2
0.5
1.0
C (t)
Z-N Kc = 4.2
I = 2.0
Time
(c)
FIGURE 16–19
Effect of varying controller settings on system response. (Z-N indicates
response using Ziegler-Nichols settings.)
combination, which should be tried, is to reduce Kc slightly and to increase tI and tD
moderately. These changes would probably be tried on the actual reactor system when
it is put into operation. Such adjustments from the preliminary settings are usually made
by experienced control engineers, using trial procedures that are more art than science.
For this reason, we leave the problem of adjustment at this point.
SUMMARY
In this chapter we used frequency response tools, developed in Chap. 15, to design
control systems. We introduced the concepts of Bode stability criterion as well as gain
margin and phase margin for determining appropriate controller settings to obtain the
desired system response, while maintaining system stability. We also studied the use of
Ziegler-Nichols controller settings as initial estimates for controller tuning.
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344 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
PROBLEMS
16.1. Calculate the value of gain Kc needed to produce continuous oscillations in the control
system shown in Fig. P16–1 when
(a) n is 2
(b) n is 3
Do not use a graph for this calculation.
+ 2
R Kc C
(2s + 1)n
−
FIGURE P16–1
16.2. (a) Plot the asymptotic Bode diagram |B/e| versus w for the control system shown in
Fig. P16–2.
(b) The gain Kc is increased until the system oscillates continuously at a frequency of
3 rad/min. From this information, calculate the transportation lag parameter td.
+ 1 + 1
R Kc C
10s + 1 s+1
− −
1
s+1
B
e− ds
FIGURE P16–2
16.3. The frequency response for the block Gp in Fig. P16–3 is given in the following table:
f, cycles/min Gain Phase angle, deg
0.06 1.60 ⫺68
0.08 1.40 ⫺88
0.10 1.20 ⫺105
0.15 0.84 ⫺145
0.20 0.61 ⫺177
0.30 0.35 ⫺235
0.40 0.22
0.60 0.11
0.80 0.066
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 345
Block Gp contains a distance velocity lag e⫺ts with t ⫽ 1 (this transfer function is included
in the data given in the table).
(a) Find the value of Kc needed to produce a phase margin of 30° for the system if
tI ⫽ 0.2.
(b) Using the value of Kc found in part (a) and using tI ⫽ 0.2, find the percentage change in
the parameter t to cause the system to oscillate continuously with constant amplitude.
+
R
−
( )
Kc 1 + 1s
i
Gp C
FIGURE P16–3
16.4. The system shown in Fig. P16–4 is controlled by a proportional controller. The concentra-
tion of salt in the solution leaving the tank is controlled by adding a concentrated solution
through a control valve.
Controller
C1 = 25 lb/ft3
1 ft3/min of water
Holdup
volume
3 ft3 C
FIGURE P16–4
The following data apply:
1. Concentration of concentrated salt solution C1 ⫽ 25 lb salt/ft3 solution.
2. Controlled concentration C ⫽ 0.1 lb salt/ft3 solution.
3. Control valve: The flow through the control valve varies from 0.002 to 0.0006 ft3/min
with a change of valve-top pressure from 3 to 15 psi. This relationship is linear.
4. Distance velocity lag: It takes 1 min for the solution leaving the tank to reach the
concentration-measuring element at the end of the pipe.
5. Neglect lags in the valve.
(a) Draw a block diagram of the control system. Place in each block the appropriate
transfer function. Calculate all the constants and give the units.
(b) Using a frequency-response diagram and the Ziegler-Nichols rules, determine the
settings of the controller.
(c) Using the controller settings of part (b), calculate the offset when the set point is
changed by 0.02 unit of concentration.
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346 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
16.5. The stirred-tank heater system shown in Fig. P16–5 is controlled by a PI controller. The
following data apply:
Flow rate w of liquid through the tanks: 250 lb/min
Holdup volume of each tank: 10 ft3
Density of liquid: 50 lb/ft3
Final control element: A change of 1 psi from the controller changes the heat input q
by 100 Btu/min. The final control element is linear.
psi
PI controller
Kc, psi/°F
Final
control I, min
element
w w w
w T
Thermocouple
FIGURE P16.5
(a) Draw a block diagram of the control system. Show in detail such things as units and
numerical values of the parameters.
(b) Determine the controller settings by the Ziegler-Nichols rules.
(c) If the control system is operated with proportional mode only, using the value of Kc
found in part (b), determine the flow rate w at which the system will be on the verge of
instability and oscillate continuously. What is the frequency of this oscillation?
16.6. The transfer function of a process and measurement element connected in series is
given by
e⫺0.4 s
( 2s ⫹ 1)2
(a) Sketch the open-loop Bode diagram (gain and phase) for a control system involving
this process and measurement lag.
(b) Specify the gain of a proportional controller to be used in this control system.
16.7. (a) For the control system shown in Fig. P16–7, determine the transfer function C/U.
(b) For Kc ⫽ 2 and tD ⫽ 1, find C(1.25) and the offset if U(t) ⫽ u(t), a unit step.
(c) Sketch the open-loop Bode diagram for Kc ⫽ 2 and tD ⫽ 1. For the upper part of the
diagram (AR versus w), show the asymptotic approximation. Include the transfer func-
tion for the controller in the open-loop Bode diagram.
(d) From the Bode diagram, what do you conclude about the stability of the closed-loop
system?
U
+
+ + 2
R Kc (1 + Ds) s C
−
FIGURE P16–7
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CHAPTER 16 CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN BY FREQUENCY RESPONSE 347
16.8. The proportional controller of the temperature control system shown in Fig. P16–8 is prop-
erly tuned to give a good transient response for a standard set of operating conditions.
If changes are made in the operating conditions, the control system may become more or
less stable. If the changes listed below are made separately, determine whether the system
becomes more stable, less stable, or remains the same. Try to use the Bode stability crite-
rion and sketches of frequency response graphs to solve this problem.
1. Controller gain increases.
2. Length of pipe between measuring element and tank increases.
3. Measuring element is inserted in tank.
4. Integral action is provided in controller.
5. A larger valve is used (i.e., one with a higher Cv value).
Controller
Steam
Water
FIGURE P16–8
16.9. For each control system shown in Fig. P16–9, determine the characteristic equation of the
closed-loop response and determine the value of Kc that will cause the system to be on the
verge of instability (i.e., find the ultimate gain Kcu). If possible, use the Routh test. Note
that the feedback element for system B is an approximation to e⫺2s.
System A: + 1
R Kc C
(8s + 1)2
−
e−2s
System B: + 1
R Kc C
(8s + 1)2
−
1−s
1+s
FIGURE P16–9
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348 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
16.10. (a) For the system shown in Fig. P16–10 determine the value of Kc that will give 30° of
phase margin.
(b) If a PI controller with tI ⫽ 2 is used in place of the proportional controller, determine
the value of Kc for 30° of phase margin.
+ 1
R Kc C
(s + 1)2
−
FIGURE P16–10
16.11. A stirred-tank heating process and its block diagram are shown in Fig. P16–11. The con-
trol system is tuned by the Ziegler-Nichols method, and the ultimate frequency wu is
2 rad/min.
(a) Determine the value of Kc by the Ziegler-Nichols method of tuning.
(b) What is the length of the pipe between the tank and the measuring element?
(c) What are the gain margin and the phase margin for the control system when Kc is set
to the Ziegler-Nichols value found in part (a)?
Controller
Energy
w = 100 lb/min
+ 100
R Kc wC e− ds C
− s+1
FIGURE P16–11
Data on process:
Density of fluid, r ⫽ 62 lb / ft 3
Heat capacity , C of fluid ⫽ 1. 0 Btu / (lb⭈ ⬚ F )
Inside diameter of pipe ⫽ 2. 0 in
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CHAPTER
16
CAPSULE SUMMARY
THE BODE STABILITY CRITERION
A control system is unstable if the open-loop frequency response exhibits an AR exceed-
ing unity at the frequency for which the phase lag is 180°. This frequency is called the
crossover frequency. The rule is called the Bode stability criterion.
Gain Margin and Phase Margin
These quantities are defined to provide a safety margin in the design and selection of
controllers.
Design rules of thumb: Set gain margin ⫽ 1.7 and phase margin ⫽ 30°. Choose
the more conservative of the criteria (the one that yields the lower value of Kc). In gen-
eral, the system becomes less oscillatory and more stable as GM and PM are increased.
Note GM ⭐ 0 and PM ⭐ 0 are unstable.
1 1
Gain margin GM ⫽ ⫽ Phase margin (PM) ⫽ 180⬚ ⫺fLAG AR⫽1
A ARf ⫽⫺180⬚
Amplitude
1
ratio
Gain
margin
A
0
Phase angle,
deg
Phase margin
−180
co
349
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350 PART 4 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Suggested Initial Controller Tuning Parameters
Ziegler-Nichols controller settings
Type of control Gc(g) Kc s1 sD
Proportional Kc 0.5Ku
1 Pu
Proportional-integral (PI) Kc 1 ⫹ 0.45Ku
t I s 1.2
1 Pu Pu
Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) Kc 1 ⫹ ⫹ t D s 0.6Ku
tIs 2 8
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PART
V
PROCESS
APPLICATIONS
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CHAPTER
17
ADVANCED
CONTROL
STRATEGIES
U p to this point, the control systems considered have been single-loop systems
involving one controller and one measuring element. In this chapter, several mul-
tiloop systems are described; these include cascade control, feedforward control, ratio
control, Smith predictor control, and internal model control. The first three have found
wide acceptance in industry. Smith predictor control has been known for about forty
years, but it was considered impractical until the modern microprocessor-based control-
lers provided the simulation of transport lag. Internal model control, based on a rigor-
ous mathematical foundation and an accurate model of the process, has been the subject
of research for the past twenty years. The controller hardware and instrumentation for
all these systems are readily available from manufacturers. Since this chapter is quite
long, the reader may wish to select the type of advanced control strategy that is of par-
ticular interest. The descriptions of the five strategies are independent and need not be
read in the order presented.
17.1 CASCADE CONTROL
To provide motivation for the study of cascade control, consider the single-loop control
of a jacketed kettle as shown in Fig. 17–1a. The system consists of a kettle through
which water, entering at temperature Ti, is heated to To by the flow of hot oil through a
jacket surrounding the kettle. The temperature of the water in the kettle is measured and
transmitted to the controller, which in turn adjusts the flow of hot oil through the jacket.
This control system is satisfactory for controlling the kettle temperature; however, if the
temperature of the oil supply should drop, the kettle temperature can undergo a large
prolonged excursion from the set point before control is again established. The reason
is that the controller does not take corrective action until the effect of the drop in oil
353
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354 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
supply temperature has worked itself through the system of several resistances to reach
the measuring element. To prevent the sluggish response of kettle temperature to a
disturbance in oil supply temperature, the control system shown in Fig. 17–1b is pro-
posed. In this system, which includes two controllers and two measuring elements, the
output of the primary controller is used to adjust the set point of a secondary controller,
which is used to control the jacket temperature. Under these conditions, the primary
controller indirectly adjusts the jacket temperature. If the oil temperature should drop,
the secondary control loop will act quickly to maintain the jacket temperature close to
the value determined by the set point that is adjusted by the primary controller. This
system shown in Fig. 17–1b is called a cascade control system. The primary controller
is also referred to as the master controller, and the secondary controller is referred to as
the slave controller.
w Water
Ti
Tj Hot oil
Ts
To
(a)
Primary
controller
w Water
Ti Set
point
Secondary
controller
Tj Hot oil
To
(b)
FIGURE 17–1
(a) Single-loop control of a jacketed kettle; (b) cascade control of a jacketed kettle.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 355
A simplified block diagram of the single-loop system is shown in Fig. 17–2a.
Figure 17–2b, which is a block diagram representation of the cascade control system,
shows clearly that an inner loop has been added to the conventional control system.
L, oil supply temperature
+
+ +
R Gc Gv Gjacket Gkettle To
−
Gm
(a)
L
+
+ + + Tj
R Gc Gc2 Gv Gjacket Gkettle To
1
− −
Gm1
Gm2
(b)
FIGURE 17–2
Block diagram: (a) single-loop conventional control; (b) cascade control.
Analysis of Cascade Control
To develop the closed-loop transfer functions for a cascade control system, consider the
general block diagram shown in Fig. 17–3. In this diagram, the load disturbance U enters
between two blocks of the plant, and the inner loop encloses this load disturbance.
To determine the transfer function C/R, the inner loop is reduced to one block by
the method shown in Chap. 11. The result is shown in Fig. 17–3b, and the block dia-
gram of Fig. 17–3b can be used to give the result
C Gc1 Ga G3 (17.1)
⫽
R 1 ⫹ Gc1 Ga G3 H1
Gc2 G1G2
where Ga ⫽
1 ⫹ Gc2 G1G2 H 2
To obtain the transfer function relating output to load C/U, the block diagram of
Fig. 17–3a is rearranged by placing the transfer function Gc2 G1 in the feedback paths
of the primary and secondary loops; the new arrangement is shown in Fig. 17–4a. Since
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356 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
U=0
+
+ Gc + Gc2 +
R 1
G1 G2 G3 C
− −
H2
H1
(a)
Ga
+ Gc2G1G2
R Gc G3 C
1
1 + Gc2G1G2H2
−
H1
(b)
FIGURE 17–3
Block diagram for cascade control for set point change.
R ⫽ 0 for the case under consideration, the block diagram can be redrawn as shown in
Fig. 17–4b. This diagram, which has the same form as the one in Fig. 17–3a, can now
be reduced to the form shown in Fig. 17–4c. Application of the rules of Chap. 11 to
Fig. 17–4c finally gives
C G3 Ga
⫽ (17.2)
U G1Gc2 1 ⫹ Ga Gc1 H1G3
where Ga is the same as given in Eq. (17.1).
Example 17.1. To compare conventional control with cascade control, consider
the conventional control system of Fig. 17–5a in which a third-order process is
under PI control. A cascade version of this single-loop control system is shown in
Fig. 17–5b in which an inner loop having proportional control encloses the load
disturbance U.
To obtain a response of the conventional control system for use in comparison
with the response of the cascade system, the block diagram of Fig. 17–5a was simu-
lated on a computer. The values of Kc and tI were chosen by trial and error to give the
response to a step change in set point shown as curve I of Fig. 17–6; this response,
which has a decay ratio of about 1 , was obtained with Kc ⫽ 2.84 and tI ⫽ 5.
4
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 357
U
+
+ + +
R=0 G2 G3 C
− −
Gc G1 H2
2
Gc G1 Gc H1
2 1
(a)
+ +
U G2 G3 C
− −
Gc G1 H2
2
Gc G1 Gc H1
2 1
(b)
+ G2
U G3 C
1 + Gc G1G2H2
2
−
Gc Gc G1H1
1 2
(c)
FIGURE 17–4
Block diagram for cascade control for load change.
The Ziegler-Nichols settings (Kc ⫽ 3.65 and tI ⫽ 3.0) gave a set point
response that was too oscillatory. Having obtained satisfactory controller settings
(Kc ⫽ 2.84 and tI ⫽ 5.0), we show the response of the system to a step change in
U of 4 units as curve II of Fig. 17–7. The load response for no control (i.e., Kc ⫽ 0)
is also shown as curve I for comparison.
The cascade control system of Fig. 17–5b was also simulated to obtain a
load response. The controller gain K c2 of the inner loop was chosen arbitrarily
to be 10.0. This value was chosen to be high to obtain a fast-responding inner
loop, a desirable situation for cascade control. Because of the introduction of the
inner loop, the dynamics of the control system have changed, and it is necessary
to tune the primary controller parameters for a good response to a step change
in set point. By trial and error, primary controller settings of K c1 ⫽ 1 . 0 and
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358 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
U
+
+ 1 1 + 1 1
R Kc 1 + C
Is s+1 s+1 s+1
−
1
(a)
U
+
+ 1 + 1 + 1 1
R Kc1 1 + Kc2 C
Is s+1 s+1 s+1
− −
1
1
(b)
FIGURE 17–5
Block diagrams for Example 17.1: (a) single-loop conventional control; (b) cascade control.
I Conventional control
II Cascade control
1
C
0.5
0
5 10 15 20 t
FIGURE 17–6
Responses to step change in set point for single-loop control and cascade control for Example 17.1.
I: Conventional control with Kc ⫽ 2.84 and tI ⫽ 5; II: cascade control with Kc1 ⫽ 1.0, tI ⫽ 0.63, and
Kc2 ⫽ 10.
tI ⫽ 0.63 were found that produced the response to a unit step in set point, shown
as curve II in Fig. 17–6. The use of Ziegler-Nichols settings produced a less desir-
able response.
Using the controller parameters found from the step change in set point
( K c1 ⫽ 1 . 0,t I ⫽ 0 . 63), the response of the cascade system to a step change in
load of 4 units was obtained and is shown as curve III of Fig. 17–7. As shown in
Fig. 17–7, the load response for the cascade control system is far superior to the
load response of the conventional control system. The maximum deviation of the
cascade response has been reduced by a factor of about 4, and the frequency of
oscillation has nearly doubled.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 359
4
I No control
3
2 II Conventional PI control
C
1
III Cascade control
0
0 5 10 15 20 t
FIGURE 17–7
Responses to step change in set point for single-loop control and cascade control for Example 17.1. I: No
control; II: conventional control with Kc ⫽ 2.84 and tI ⫽ 5; III: cascade control with Kc1 ⫽ 1.0, tI ⫽ 0.63,
and Kc2 ⫽ 10.
Generalizations
Cascade control is especially useful in reducing the effect of a load disturbance that moves
through the control system slowly. The inner loop has the effect of reducing the lag in the
outer loop, with the result that the cascade system responds more quickly with a higher
frequency of oscillation. Example 17.2 will illustrate this effect of cascade control.
The choice of control action and tuning of the primary and secondary controllers
for a cascade control system must be given careful consideration. The control action for
the inner loop is often proportional with the gain set to a high value. The rationale for
the use of proportional control rather than two- or three-mode control is that tuning is
simplified and any offset associated with proportional control of the inner loop can be
handled by the presence of integral action in the primary controller. The gain of the sec-
ondary controller should be set to a high value to give a tight inner loop that responds
quickly to load disturbance; however, the gain should not be so high that the inner loop
is unstable. Although the primary control loop can provide stable control even when the
inner loop is unstable, it is considered unwise to have an unstable inner loop because
the system will go unstable if the primary controller is placed in manual operation or if
there is a break in the outer loop.
The action for the primary controller is generally PI or PID. The integral action is
needed to reduce offset when sustained changes in load or set point occur. The problem
of adjusting a primary controller is essentially the same as for a single-loop control
system. Since the addition of the inner loop can change the dynamics of the outer loop
significantly, the primary controller must be retuned when the inner loop is closed or
when the secondary controller settings are changed.
Microprocessor-based controllers available today can implement cascade control
very easily.
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360 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Example 17.2. The claim is often made that cascade control gives a better response
than conventional control because the lags in the outer loop are reduced. To illustrate
this benefit, consider the conventional control and the cascade control of a third-
order plant in Fig. 17–8a and b. The inner loop of the cascade system surrounds
two of the first-order blocks in the plant. To simplify the discussion, the load distur-
bance is not shown since we are interested only in the closed-loop dynamics. The
equivalent single-loop control system of the cascade system, shown in Fig. 17–8c,
was obtained by the usual method for reducing a loop to a single block.
+ 1 1
R Kc C
(s + 1)2 s+1
−
(a)
Kc
2
+ + 1 1
R Kc 10 C
1
(s + 1)2 s+1
− −
(b)
+ 10/11 1
R Kc 1 2
1
11
s2 + 11
s+1 s+1
−
(c)
FIGURE 17–8
Block diagram for Example 17.2.
Comparing Fig. 17–8a with c shows that the use of cascade control has replaced
a second-order critically damped system represented by the first two blocks of the
plant [1/(s ⫹ 1)2] with this underdamped second-order system
K
2 2
t s ⫹ 2zts ⫹ 1
where K⫽ 10
11
t ⫽ 1
11
z ⫽ 1
11
This second-order underdamped system, for which t and z are small, responds
much faster than the critically damped second-order transfer function of the
first two blocks of the open-loop system. Consequently, the cascade system will
respond faster with a higher frequency of oscillation, as we have already seen in
the simulated response of Fig. 17–6.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 361
17.2 FEEDFORWARD CONTROL
If a particular load disturbance occurs frequently in a control process, the quality of
control can often be improved by the addition of feedforward control. Consider the
composition control system shown in Fig. 17–9a in which a concentrated stream of
control reagent containing water and solute is used to control the concentration of the
stream leaving a three-tank system. The stream to be processed passes through a pre-
conditioning stirred tank where composition fluctuations are smoothed out before the
outlet stream is mixed with control reagent. A three-tank system has been chosen for
ease of computation in a numerical example that follows.
Control PI
reagent controller
Control
valve
ci c
Preconditioning Tank1 Tank2 Tank3
tank
(a)
1 1
Ci
5s + 1 (s + 1)3
+
+ 1 1 +
R Kc 1 + C
Is (s + 1)3
−
(b)
FIGURE 17–9
Composition control system: (a) physical process; (b) block diagram.
In the conventional feedback control system shown in Fig. 17–9a, the measurement
of composition in the third tank is sent to a controller, which generates a signal that opens
or closes the control valve, which in turn supplies concentrated reagent to the first tank. The
block diagram corresponding to the control system of Fig. 17–9a is shown in Fig. 17–9b.
[In Fig. 17–9a, concentration is denoted by c (lowercase letter). In the block diagram of the
process in Fig. 17–9b, the symbol for concentration is denoted by C (capital letter) to denote
a deviation variable. This use of symbols follows the procedure established in Chap. 4.]
To obtain some specific control system responses, numerical values of the time con-
stants of the tanks have been chosen as shown in Fig. 17–9b. To study the response of this
control system, the block diagram shown in Fig. 17–9b was simulated on a computer.
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362 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
The values of Kc and tI were chosen by trial and error to give the response to a step
change in set point shown in curve II of Fig. 17–10; this response, which has a decay
ratio of about 14 , was obtained with Kc ⫽2.84 and tI⫽5.0. The Ziegler-Nichols settings
(Kc⫽3.65 and tI ⫽3.0) give a set point response shown as curve I of Fig. 17–10, which
is too oscillatory.
3
I Ziegler-Nichols
2
Responses to a step change in set point for PI
C
II Improved response control.
1 Curve I: Ziegler-Nichols settings: Kc = 3.65,
I = 3.0; curve II: settings for improved
0 response: Kc = 2.84, I = 5.0.
5 10 15 20 25 t
FIGURE 17–10
Having obtained satisfactory settings for the controller (Kc ⫽ 2.84, tI ⫽ 5.0), we obtained
the response of the system to a step change in Ci of 10 units, shown as curve I in Fig. 17–11.
Note that the response is oscillatory and has a long tail. This response illustrates the fact
that the feedback control system does not begin to respond until the load disturbance has
worked its way through the forward loop and reaches the measuring element, with the
result that the composition can move far from the set point during the transient.
2
I
1
0
C
Responses to a step change in load for
10 15 20 t feedforward-feedback control.
IV
−1 II Curve I: PI control with Kc = 2.84, I = 5.0
III Curve II: FF control with Kc = 2.84, I =
5.0, Gf = −1/(5s + 1)
−2 Curve III: FF control with Kc = 2.84, I =
5.0, Gf = −1
−3 Curve IV: FF control with Kc = 2.84, I =
5.0, Gf = −0.5
FIGURE 17–11
If the change in load disturbance Ci can be detected as soon as it occurs in the
inlet stream, this information can be fed forward to a second controller that adjusts
the control valve in such a way as to prevent any change in the outlet composition
from the set point. A controller that uses information fed forward from the source
of the load disturbance is called a feedforward controller. The block diagram that
includes the feedforward controller Gf as well as the feedback controller Gc is shown
in Fig. 17–12.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 363
G1 Gp
1 1
Ci
5s + 1 (s + 1)3
Feedforward
controller
Gf(s)
Gc + Gp +
+ E 1 + 1 +
R Kc 1 + C
1s (s + 1)3
−
Feedback controller
FIGURE 17–12
Control system with feedforward and feedback controllers.
Analysis of Feedforward Control
The response of C to changes in Ci and R can be written from Fig. 17–12 as follows:
C ( s ) ⫽ G1 ( s ) G p ( s ) Ci ( s ) ⫹ G f ( s ) G p ( s ) Ci ( s ) ⫹ Gc ( s ) G p ( s ) E ( s ) (17.3)
where E(s) ⫽ R(s) ⫺ C(s). To determine the transfer function of Gf (s) that will prevent
any change in the control variable C from its set point R, which is 0, we solve Eq. (17.3)
for Gf (s) with C ⫽ 0 and R ⫽ 0. The result is
G f ( s ) ⫽ ⫺G1 ( s ) (17.4)
For the example under consideration in Fig. 17–12,
⫺1
G f (s) ⫽ (17.5)
5s ⫹ 1
This transfer function can be implemented easily with existing control hardware.
If the load response of the control system in Fig. 17–12, with Gf (s) given by
Eq. (17.5), were obtained for a step change in Ci, there would be no deviation of C from
the set point (i.e., perfect control). This response is shown as curve II in Fig. 17–11,
which of course is a horizontal line at C ⫽ 0.
Rather than use the Gf (s) of Eq. (17.5) in the feedforward controller, one can try
using only the constant term of Gf (s), that is,
G f ( s ) ⫽ ⫺1
The response for Gf ⫽ ⫺1 gives curve III in Fig. 17–11; this response has a very large
undershoot before the feedback controller returns C to the set point. If we try using
Gf (s) ⫽ ⫺0.5, we obtain curve IV of Fig. 17–11; the undershoot is less in this case,
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364 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
but the response is still unsatisfactory. As shown by curves III and IV, omitting the
dynamic part of Gf (s) can give very poor results. The success of using a feedforward
controller depends on accurate knowledge of the process model, a luxury that may not
be available in many applications.
Implementing Feedforward Transfer Functions
In applications of feedforward control, Gf (s) may take the form of a lead expression,
such as Gf (s) ⫽ 1 ⫹ tf s. When this occurs, it is necessary to approximate 1 ⫹ tf s by a
lead-lag expression, such as
1⫹t fs
G f (s) ⫽
1 ⫹ bt f s
where  ⬍⬍ 1 (see Prob. 10.3 for an example of this). To see how Gf (s) takes the
form of a lead expression, consider the load disturbance ci of Fig. 17–9 to enter tank 2.
Since no change in concentration occurs in the stream entering the preconditioning
tank, we may eliminate it from the diagram for the case under consideration to obtain
the diagram in Fig. 17–13.
Control
reagent
ci
Tank 1 Tank 2 Tank 3
FIGURE 17–13
Composition control with disturbance to second tank.
Adding feedforward control and feedback control to the system in Fig. 17–13
gives the block diagram of Fig. 17–14. The diagram shown in Fig. 17–14 is the same as
that in Fig. 17–12 with the exception that the disturbance Ci enters tank 2 instead of the
preconditioning tank. As shown previously, the response of C to a change in Ci and R
can be written directly from Fig. 17–14 as
C ( s ) ⫽ G1 ( s ) Ci ( s ) ⫹ G f ( s ) G p ( s ) Ci ( s ) ⫹ Gc ( s ) G p ( s ) E ( s ) (17.6)
where E(s) ⫽ R(s) ⫺ C(s).
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G1
1
Ci
(s + 1)2
Gf
Gp
Gc + +
+ E + 1 +
R PI C
(s + 1)3
−
FIGURE 17–14
Feedforward-feedback control for system in Fig. 17–13.
In order for C not to change from the set point R, which is 0, we solve Eq. (17.6) for
Gf (s) with C ⫽ 0 and R ⫽ 0 to obtain
G1 ( s )
G f (s) ⫽ ⫺ (17.7)
Gp (s)
Introducing the expressions for G1 (s) and Gp (s) from Fig. 17–14 into Eq. (17.7) gives
G f ( s ) ⫽ ⫺( s ⫹ 1) (17.8)
It is not practical to implement ⫺(s ⫹ 1). To see this, consider the response of ⫺(s ⫹ 1)
to a step change as shown in Fig. 17–15.
0 t
−1
X = 1s − (s + 1) Y
Y
−∞
FIGURE 17–15
Step response for ⫺(s ⫹ 1).
There is no hardware that will produce an impulse as shown in Fig. 17–15; however,
one can approximate ⫺(s ⫹ 1) by means of a lead-lag transfer function of the form
Y (s) t fs ⫹1
⫽⫺ (17.9)
X (s) bt f s ⫹ 1
where
 ⬍⬍ 1
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366 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
If we let b ⫽ 0.1 and tf ⫽ 1 for the control system under consideration, we obtain as an
approximation to Eq. (17.8)
s ⫹1
G f (s) ⫽ ⫺ (17.10)
0 . 1s ⫹ 1
The response of this transfer function to a step input is shown in Fig. 17–16. The effect
of this transfer function ⫺(s ⫹ 1)/(0.1s ⫹ 1) on the output of the feedforward controller
for a step change in load is to give a sudden drop in flow followed by a fast exponential
increase in the flow to a steady-state flow of ⫺1. Note that for the parameters chosen
for the transfer functions in Fig. 17–14, a unit increase in Ci must eventually be com-
pensated by a unit decrease in the signal from the feedforward controller if there is to
be no change in the process output. The sudden, initial drop in flow may be too abrupt
for the control hardware, in which case the output would saturate. In practice, b can be
increased (perhaps to 0.5) to reduce the magnitude of the initial drop.
0 t
s+1
X = 1s − Y −1
0.1s + 1
Y
−Y = (10 − 1) e−t/0.1 + 1
−10
FIGURE 17–16
Step response for ⫺(s ⫹ 1)/(0.1s ⫹ 1).
The effect of using Gf (s) ⫽ ⫺ (s ⫹ 1)/(0.1s ⫹ 1) with feedback control is shown
in Fig. 17–17. The responses shown, which were obtained by simulation, are for a unit-
step change in Ci. Curve I is for the case of feedback control only with Kc ⫽ 2.84 and
tI ⫽ 5.0. Curve II is for feedforward-feedback control using Eq. (17.10) for Gf (s) and
Kc ⫽ 2.84 and tI ⫽ 5.0. One can see that the overshoot for the feedforward-feedback
response has been reduced significantly.
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
I
0.20
C
0.15
0.10
0.05 II
0.00
−0.05 t
0 5 10
FIGURE 17–17
Comparison of conventional feedback control with feedforward-feedback control for system in
Fig. 17–14. Curve I: PI control with Kc ⫽ 2.84 and tI ⫽ 5. Curve II : Feedforward-feedback control with
Kc ⫽ 2.84, tI ⫽ 5, and Gf ⫽ ⫺(s ⫹ 1)/(0.1s ⫹ 1).
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 367
Tuning Rules for Feedforward Feedback Control
In the practical application of feedforward control, one does not have a block diagram
with transfer functions as shown in Figs. 17–12 and 17–14. For such a practical situa-
tion, one can still tune the feedforward controller by introducing a step change in the
disturbance that enters the feedforward controller (Ci in Fig. 17–14) and then applying
some tuning rules. The rules to be discussed here are from a training film on feedfor-
ward control produced by Foxboro Co. (1978).
Feedforward Rules
In describing these rules, reference will be made to the general block diagram for a
feedforward-feedback system shown in Fig. 17–18. It is assumed that Gf (s) will be a
lead-lag transfer function of the form
K f ( T1s ⫹ 1)
G f (s) ⫽ (17.11)
T2 s ⫹ 1
where Kf ⫽ steady-state gain of feedforward controller
T1, T2 ⫽ time constants of dynamic part of feedforward controller
Ci G1
Gf
Mf f
+ +
+ + +
R Gc Gp C
−
FIGURE 17–18
Feedforward-feedback control system.
Commercial microprocessor-based controllers provide this lead-lag transfer function.
The tuning rules listed below are explained with the help of Fig. 17–19. In that
figure, a unit step is selected for the disturbance Ci, and Kf has been taken as ⫺1. In
practice, Kf will, of course, depend on the particular process being controlled.
1. Remove the control action in Gc(s) by setting the controller to manual.
2. Set the feedforward controller to the computed steady-state gain (Kf) necessary to
compensate ultimately for a step change in Ci. This means that the dynamic portion
of Gf (s) will be removed, and only the constant term (Kf) will remain.
3. Make a step change in Ci and observe the open-loop transient of C. The general
shapes of the response to be expected are shown in Fig. 17–19.
4. If the response shown in Fig. 17–19a occurs, lead must predominate in Gf (s) of
Eq. (17.11) (i.e., T1 > T2). If the response of Fig. 17–19b occurs, lag must predominate
in Gf (s) (i.e., T1 < T2). The values of T1 and T2 in Eq. (17.11) are found by use of the
information in Table 17.1. The value of Kf in Eq. (17.11) has been obtained in step 2.
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368 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Ci 1 Ci 1
0 t 0 t
0 t 0 t
Mf f Mf f
−1 −1
C
C tp
0 t
0 tp t
(a) (b)
FIGURE 17–19
Open-loop response to determine lead-lag time constants in feedforward tuning rules: (a) Lead must
predominate in Gf ; (b) lag must predominate in Gf.
TABLE 17.1
Tuning parameters for feedforward control
Predominant mode T1 T2
Lead 1.5tp 0.7tp
Lag 0.7tp 1.5tp
T1s ⫹ 1
G f (s) ⫽ K f
T2 s ⫹ 1
Example 17.3 will help clarify the use of these tuning rules.
Example 17.3. Use of feedforward tuning rules. Apply the feedforward tun-
ing rules to the system in Fig. 17–14. Since this example is concerned with the
application of the tuning rules to a system for which a mathematical model is
not generally available, the reader should assume that the transfer functions for
G1(s) and Gp(s) in Fig. 17–14 are unknown. The determination of Gf (s) is to be
obtained solely by information from open-loop transients.
We must first determine the steady-state gain Kf for the system of Fig. 17–14.
If a step change in Ci is made, C will undergo a transient and eventually level
out at a steady-state value. If the controller parameters are properly selected, the
value of C at the end of the transient will be the same as it was before the tran-
sient occurred. By computation or experiment, one can determine the value of Kf
needed to obtain no change in C. For the system in Fig. 17–14, one can see that Kf
of Eq. (17.11) must be equal to ⫺1.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 369
We must now apply the feedforward tuning rules to obtain T1 and T2 in
Eq. (17.11). After removing the feedback controller action [Gc(s)], we have the
equivalent diagram shown in Fig. 17–20. A unit-step change in Ci produces the
transient for C shown as curve I in Fig. 17–22. Comparing the 2 shape of the tran-
sient with those of Fig. 17–19, we see that lead must predominate in Gf (s). The
peak value occurs at tp ⫽ 2. Applying the rules in Table 17.1 gives
T1 ⫽ 1 . 5t p ⫽ 3
T2 ⫽ 0 . 7t p ⫽ 1 . 4
The feedforward controller transfer function is therefore
⫺( 3s ⫹ 1)
G f (s) ⫽ (17.12)
1.4s ⫹ 1
Ci G1(s)
+
+
Kf = − 1 Gp(s) C
FIGURE 17–20
Open-loop feedforward test to determine parameters for Gf.
It is of interest to show the response of C for feedforward only when the
feedforward transfer function of Eq. (17.12) is used. MATLAB and Simulink can
be used to simulate the result for a unit-step change in Ci (Fig. 17–21). It is shown
as curve II in Fig. 17–22.
3s + 1 1
++
Example 17.3
−1
1.4s + 1 s3 + 3s2+ 3s + 1 To workspace
Step Kf up G2
1
s2+ 2s + 1
G1 Scope
1
−1 ++
s3 + 3s2+ 3s + 1
Kf 2
G5
1
s2+ 2s + 1
G4
FIGURE 17–21
Simulink model for simulating Example 17.3.
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370 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
0.3
0.25
0.2 I
0.15
0.1
0.05 II
C
0
−0.05
−0.1
−0.15
−0.2
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Time
FIGURE 17–22
Open-loop response for step change in Ci for Example 17.3. Curve I: Gf ⫽ ⫺1,
curve II: Gf ⫽ ⫺(3s ⫹ 1)/(1.4s ⫹ 1).
When the Gf(s) of Eq. (17.12) is used and the controller parameters for Gc(s) are
Kc ⫽ 2.84 and tI ⫽ 5.0, the feedforward-feedback response to a unit-step change
in Ci is shown as curve II in Fig. 17–23. For comparison, the response for feed-
back control only is also shown in Fig. 17–23.
0.4
I
0.2
II
C
0
0 2 4 6 8 t
−0.2
FIGURE 17–23
Comparison of conventional feedback control with feedforward-feedback control for Example 17.3.
Curve I: PI control with Kc ⫽ 2.84 and tI ⫽ 5. Curve II: Feedforward-feedback control with
Kc ⫽ 2.84, tI ⫽ 5, and Gf ⫽ ⫺(3s ⫹ 1)/(1.4s ⫹ 1).
17.3 RATIO CONTROL
An important control problem in the chemical industry is the combining of two or more
streams to provide a mixture having a desired ratio of components. Examples of this
mixing operation include the blending of reactants entering a chemical reactor or for the
injection of a fuel/air mixture into a furnace.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 371
Figure 17–24a shows an example of a ratio control system. It depicts a control
system for blending two liquid streams A and B to produce a mixed stream having
the ratio Kr in units of mass B/mass A. Stream A, which is uncontrolled, is used to
adjust the flow of stream B so that the desired ratio is maintained. The measured
signal for stream A is multiplied by the desired ratio Kr to provide a signal that is the
set point for the flow control loop for stream B. The parameter Kr can be adjusted to
the desired value. Control hardware is available to perform the multiplication of two
control signals.
Fluid A qA
Flow-measuring
element
Set
point
Kr Controller
Flow-measuring
element
Fluid B qB
PB = supply pressure
(a)
PB Gp
+
+ +
QA Gm1 Kr Gc Gv 1 QB
Measured Set
variable point −
Gm2
(b)
FIGURE 17–24
(a) Ratio control system; (b) block diagram for ratio control (set point ⫽ Gm1 K r Q A ).
A block diagram of the ratio control system is shown in Fig. 17–24b. In a flow con-
trol loop, the dynamic elements consist of the controller, the flow-measuring element,
and the control valve. For incompressible fluids, there is no lag between the change in
valve position and the corresponding flow rate. For this reason, the transfer function
between the valve and the measurement of flow rate is simply unity. The block diagram
also shows a transfer function Gp that relates the flow rate of B to the supply pressure of B.
A transfer function Gm1 is also shown that represents the dynamic lag of the flow-
measuring element for stream A.
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372 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
From the block diagram, the flow of B may be written
Gm1 K r Gc Gv Gp
QB ⫽ QA ⫹ PB
1 ⫹ Gc Gv Gm2 1 ⫹ Gc Gv Gm2
The control action for a flow control system is usually PI. The integral action is needed
to eliminate offset and thereby establish a precise ratio of the mixed streams of A and
B. Derivative action is usually avoided in flow control because the signal from a flow-
measuring element is inherently noisy. The presence of derivative action would amplify
the noise and give poor control.
An example system from the LOOP-PRO software package (Cooper, 2005) is the
control of the air/fuel ratio being fed to a process furnace. A description of the process
from “Practical Process Control” that accompanies the software is as follows.
A furnace burns natural gas to heat a process liquid. The measured process variable is the
temperature of the process liquid as it exits the furnace. To maintain temperature, controllers
adjust the feed rate of combustion air and fuel to the firebox using a ratio control strategy. The
flow rate of the process liquid acts as a load disturbance to the process. . . . For the furnace, the
independent stream is the combustion air flow rate and the dependent stream is the fuel flow
rate. Note that while air flow rate is considered the independent stream for ratio control, its
flow rate is specified by the temperature controller on the process liquid exiting the furnace.
The process diagram is shown in Fig. 17–25.
Excess 02(%)
4.37
Liquid Flow Liquid Temp
(L/min) (°C)
60.0 198.4
(Disturbance)
TC
Minimum Set Point
Fuel Flow Ratio (10/1) (°C)
(m3/min) 2.0 198.4
FT X HS
Ratio FC
(Air/Fuel)
Controller
12.0 Output
RS (m3/min)
FT FC 24.0
Air Flow
(m3/min) 24.0 (Set Point)
Screen shot from LOOP-PRO "Furnace
Air/Fuel Ratio" Case Study (Cooper, 2005)
FIGURE 17–25
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 373
This computer simulation by Cooper is an excellent means of exploring the behavior of
a ratio control system. Additionally, he points out some interesting environmental and
safety considerations that factor into the design of such a control system, such as
• Avoiding unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the flue gases (too
fuel-rich)
• Avoiding excess energy losses (too much air, a fuel-lean situation)
• Avoiding an explosive situation if the airflow fails (fail-safe considerations)
This interesting example provides some insights into the application of ratio control in
a real-world situation.
17.4 DEAD-TIME COMPENSATION (SMITH
PREDICTOR)
Processes that contain a large transport lag [exp (⫺t D s )] can be difficult to control
because a disturbance in set point or load does not reach the output of the process until
tD units of time have elapsed. The control strategy to be described here, which is also
known as dead-time compensation, attempts to reduce the deleterious effect of trans-
port lag. Dead-time compensation, which is also referred to as a Smith predictor, was
first described by O. J. M. Smith (1957).
Consider the single-loop control system of Fig. 17–26 in which the process trans-
fer function Gp (s) is to be modeled by
G p ( s ) ⫽ G (s ) e⫺t D s (17.13)
U
+
+ +
R Gc(s) Gp(s) C
−
FIGURE 17–26
Control system.
The right side of Eq. (17.13) is the product of a transport lag [exp(– tD s)] and a trans-
fer function G(s), which has minimum phase characteristics, such as 1/(t s ⫹ 1). For
convenience in developing the dead-time compensation method, only a change in set
point R will be considered. If a step change is made in R, the disturbance will not
break through and appear at C until tD units of time elapse. Up to time tD, no control
action occurs, with the result that the overall closed-loop response will be sluggish and
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374 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
generally unsatisfactory. To overcome this difficulty, Smith suggested that Gp (s) be
modeled according to Eq. (17.13) and that additional feedback paths be inserted into
Fig. 17–26 as shown in Fig. 17–27a.
If Gp (s) is modeled exactly by Eq. (17.13), a close study of Fig. 17–27a shows
that the signals entering comparator A will be identical; as a result, the signals cancel
and cause the output of comparator A to be zero. The net effect is to completely elimi-
nate the outer feedback path; this simplification is shown in Fig. 17–27b.
+ + M
R Gc (s) Gp C
− −
+
−
e− D
s
G(s)
C1
Comparator A
(a)
+ M
R Gc (s) Gp(s) C
− C
1
G(s)
(b)
FIGURE 17–27
(a) Dead-time compensation (Smith predictor) block diagram; (b) equivalent diagram for part (a)
when G p ⫽ G (s)e⫺t D s .
The system of Fig. 17–27b is now much easier to control because the transport
lag is not present in the loop. Of course, in the real system the transport lag is still
present; we have eliminated it in a mathematical sense from the feedback path by the
additional feedback paths of Fig. 17–27a and the assumption that the process transfer
function Gp (s) can be modeled exactly as shown in Eq. (17.13). To achieve the simpli-
fication suggested by Fig. 17–27b, we must now face reality and realize that the signal
C1 in Fig. 17–27b is not available to feed back. Only the signal C can be measured and
fed back to the controller. In terms of controller hardware implementation, the dia-
gram of Fig. 17–27a is redrawn in Fig. 17–28a to show which portion of the diagram
will be implemented with controller hardware. Figure 17–28b, which is another way
to represent Fig. 17–28a, is a form sometimes presented in the literature for dead-time
compensation. The reader may legitimately ask whether hardware exists to actually
implement what is shown within the dotted lines in Fig. 17–28. Until the appearance of
microprocessor-based controllers, the answer was no. However, today many commer-
cially available controllers provide dead-time compensation [exp(⫺ tD s)] and G(s) in
the form of a first-order lag [1/(ts ⫹ 1)].
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 375
The recommended procedure for applying dead-time compensation is as follows:
1. Model Gp (s) by using a first-order plus dead-time (FOPDT) model
1
e⫺t D s
ts ⫹ 1
In this step, we have chosen G(s) of Fig. 17–28a to be first-order. Many processes
in chemical engineering can be modeled by a first-order lag with dead time.
2. By means of appropriate hardware, implement the controller portion of
Fig. 17–28a or b. If Gp (s) can be exactly modeled by a first-order process with
dead time, the response of the control system in Fig. 17–28 will be equivalent to
the response obtained for the system in Fig. 17–27b in which the loop involves the
control of a first-order process. In most practical situations, there will be some mis-
match between Gp (s) and its first-order with dead-time model. The greater the mis-
match, the greater the deterioration in control response from the ideal situation of
Fig. 17–27b. The application of the dead-time compensation technique and the effect
of mismatch between Gp (s) and its model will be illustrated in Example 17.4.
Controller
+ + M
R Gc(s) Gp(s) C
− −
(1 − e − Ds) G(s)
(a)
Controller
+ + + M
R Gc(s) Gp(s) C
− + −
G(s)
− Ds
G(s) e
(b)
FIGURE 17–28
Hardware implementation of dead-time compensation.
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376 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Example 17.4. Dead-time compensation. Consider the control system shown
in Fig. 17–29 in which the process is fourth-order; thus
1 4
G p (s ) ⫽
s ⫹ 1
In a practical situation, we would not know the transfer function of the process.
In this example, we have taken the process model to be fourth-order to provide a
system sufficiently complex to show considerable transfer lag.
+ 1 4
R Kc Gp = C
s+1
−
FIGURE 17–29
Control system for Example 17.4.
One can show for the system in Fig. 17–29 that the ultimate gain and the corre-
sponding period are K cu ⫽ 4 . 0 and Pu ⫽ 2p. Using the Ziegler-Nichols rules,
one gets Kc ⫽ 2.0. The response for a unit-step change in set point for Kc ⫽ 2 is
shown in curve I of Fig. 17–32. Notice that the decay ratio is about 14 .
We now use the dead-time compensation method to control the process in
Fig. 17–29. If we fit the step response of (s ⫹ 1)⫺4 to a first-order with dead-time
model, we obtain
1 . 03
e⫺1.79 s
2 . 62s ⫹ 1
This model was obtained from a unit-step response using a least-squares fit pro-
cedure. We can now draw the diagram for the dead-time compensation system as
shown in Fig. 17–30.
Gp(s)
1 + + 1 4
R= s Kc C
s+1
− −
1.03
1−e−1.79s
2.62s + 1
FIGURE 17–30
Dead-time compensation for Example 17.4.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 377
The system shown in Fig. 17–30 was simulated by computer to compare the
responses of the two control systems as shown in Fig. 17–32. The Simulink block
diagram for the simulation is shown in Fig. 17–31.
simout
To workspace
Gain
1
+− +− 4
s4 + 4s3 + 6s2 + 4s + 1
Step
Transfer Fcn1 Transfer Fcn Scope
1.03
−+ 2.62s + 1
1.03
2.62s + 1
Transport Transfer Fcn2
delay = 1.79
1
+− +− 2
s4 + 4s3 + 6s2 + 4s + 1
Step1 Gain1
Transfer Fcn3
FIGURE 17–31
Simulink model for Example 17.4.
Using a Kc of 2.0 (the Ziegler-Nichols value) for the conventional control,
we see from curve I that the response is quite oscillatory and has an offset of
0.333 as required for this value of gain. Using a Kc of 4.0 for the dead-time com-
pensation, we see that the response is less oscillatory and the offset is 0.20. Note
that if a Kc of 4.0 were applied to the conventional control system, the system
would be on the verge of instability since a Kc of 4.0 is the ultimate gain.
1.0
0.90 II Dead-time compensation, Kc = 4
0.80
0.70
0.60
I Conventional control, Kc = 2
C
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00 t
0 15 30
FIGURE 17–32
Comparison of response for conventional control with response for dead-time
compensation for Example 17.4.
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378 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
In conclusion, the dead-time compensation has permitted the use of a higher
value of Kc, reduced the offset, and produced a less oscillatory response. The
dead-time compensation response shown in Fig. 17–32 can be improved by add-
ing integral action to the controller and tuning the controller parameters.
To successfully apply dead-time compensation to the control of a process, one
must have an accurate model of the process, such as a first-order with dead-time model.
The parameters in this model (t and tD) can be considered as controller parameters
along with the controller parameters of Gc (s). For the case of dead-time compensation
with proportional control in Example 17.4, we actually have three controller param-
eters: Kc, tD, and t. If the process dynamics [Gp (s)] changes, all three parameters may
need adjustment to achieve good control.
17.5 INTERNAL MODEL CONTROL
Internal model control (IMC), which is based on an accurate model of the process, leads
to the design of a control system that is stable and robust. A robust control system is one
that maintains satisfactory control in spite of changes in the dynamics of the process.
In applying the IMC method of control system design, the following information must
be specified:
• Process model
• Model uncertainty
• Type of input (step, ramp, etc.)
• Performance objective (integral square error, overshoot, etc.)
In many industrial applications for control systems, none of the above items is avail-
able, with the result that the system usually performs in a less than optimum manner.
Determining the mathematical model and its uncertainty can be a difficult task. When
the process is not sufficiently understood to obtain a mathematical model by applying
fundamental principles, one must obtain a model experimentally. A discussion on the
modeling of a process is presented in Chap. 18. The choice of a performance objec-
tive is subjective and often arbitrary. In the IMC method, the integral square error is
implied.
A simple description of the IMC method will be presented here. The interested
reader is advised to consult the book by Morari and Zafiriou (1989) for a full treatment
of internal model control. The literature on IMC is difficult to understand without a
good foundation in control theory and mathematics. A full treatment of IMC is beyond
the scope of this text. It is hoped that the simple treatment given here will stimulate
interest in this important area of process control.
Internal Model Control Structure
A block diagram of an IMC system is shown in Fig. 17–33a. Notice that the diagram
is similar to the diagram for the Smith predictor method shown in Fig. 17–27a. In this
diagram, G is the transfer function of the process and Gm is the model of the process.
Although G and Gm are called the transfer functions of the process, they actually include
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 379
the valve and the process. The transfer function of the measuring element is taken as
1.0. The portion of the diagram that is implemented by the computer includes the IMC
controller and the model; this portion is surrounded by the dotted boundary.
To compare the IMC structure of Fig. 17–33a with the conventional control
structure, the diagram of Fig. 17–33a has been rearranged as shown in Fig. 17–33b. For
convenience, the transfer function through which the load U passes has been omitted.
We show only the output from the load block (U1).
Load
U G1
Computer
Comparator1 IMC U1
controller Process +
Set point + M +
GI G C
R
−
Comparator 2
Model +
Gm −
B
(a)
U1
+
+ + M +
R GI G C
− +
Gm
(b)
Gc U1
+ GI M +
R G C
1 − GIGm
−
(c)
FIGURE 17–33
Internal model control structures: (a) basic structure; (b) alternate structure; (c) structure equivalent.
We may use the structure in Fig. 17–33b to relate the IMC controller to the con-
ventional controller. Replacing the inner loop of Fig. 17–33b with a single block gives
the structure shown in Fig. 17–33c. Since this structure is the conventional single-loop
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380 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
control structure, we can identify the single controller block as Gc. After one designs
the IMC controller (GI) by the method to be described, one can determine the equiva-
lent conventional controller Gc by the relation
GI
Gc ⫽ (17.14)
1 ⫺ GI Gm
For the structure shown in Fig. 17–33a, one can show that
GGI
C ⫽ U1 ⫹ ( R ⫺ U1 ) (17.15)
1 ⫹ GI ( G ⫺ Gm )
If the model exactly matches the process (i.e., Gm ⫽ G), the only signal entering com-
parator 1 in Fig. 17–33a is U1. (The signals from G and Gm are equal and cancel each
other in going through comparator 2.) Since U1 is not the result of any processing by the
transfer functions in the forward loop, U1 is not a feedback signal but an independent
signal that is equivalent to R in its effect on the output C. In fact, there is no feedback
when G ⫽ Gm, and we have an open-loop system as shown in Fig. 17–34. In this case
the stability of the control system depends only on GI and Gm. If GI and Gm are stable,
the control system is stable.
U1
+
+ +
R GI Gm C
−
U1
FIGURE 17–34
IMC structure when model matches the process (Gm ⫽ G).
Ideally, we should like to have C track R without lag when only a set point change
occurs (i.e., U1 ⫽ 0). For this to occur, we see from Fig. 17–34 or Eq. (17.15) that
GI G ⫽ 1, or since G ⫽ Gm, we may write GI Gm ⫽ 1. Solving for GI gives
1
GI ⫽ (17.16)
Gm
Equation (17.16) simply states that the IMC controller should be the inverse of the
transfer function of the process model. Keep in mind that Eq. (17.16) is based on the
assumption that the model exactly matches the process.
For the case of only a change in load U1 (i.e., R ⫽ 0), we should like to have
the output C remain unchanged (i.e., C ⫽ 0). For this to occur, we see again from
Fig. 17–34 or Eq. (17.15) that GI Gm ⫽ 1; this leads to the same result as given by
Eq. (17.16).
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Even if there is no mismatch between the model and the process, the applica-
tion of Eq. (17.16) will usually lead to a transfer function that cannot be implemented
because it will be unstable, requires prediction, or requires pure differentiation. For
example, if Gm ⫽ 1/(ts ⫹ 1), the application of Eq. (17.16) gives
GI ⫽ ts ⫹ 1
This result is equivalent to an ideal PD controller, which cannot be implemented because
of the derivative term. If Gm ⫽ e⫺ts/(t1s ⫹ 1), we obtain
GI ⫽ (t 1s ⫹ 1) ets
The term ets, which represents prediction, cannot be implemented. If Gm ⫽ (1 ⫺ s)/
[(1 ⫹ s)(ts ⫹ 1)], then
GI ⫽
(1 ⫹ s ) (ts ⫹ 1)
1⫺s
The term 1 ⫺ s in the denominator means that a pole is in the right half-plane, which
leads to an unstable controller. With such difficulties of implementation of the internal
model controller, one might ask if any practical result can be obtained. These difficul-
ties can be overcome by application of the following simplified procedure.
Design of IMC Controllers
In using these rules, only a step change in disturbance is considered. The procedure for
disturbances other than a step response is more complicated and beyond the scope of
the limited discussion presented here.
1. Separate the process model Gm into two terms
(17.17)
Gm ⫽ Gma Gmm
where Gma is a transfer function of an all-pass filter. An all-pass filter is one for
which Gma ( jw ) ⫽ 1 for all w. Examples are e⫺t d s and (1 ⫺ s)/(1 ⫹ s). The Gmm
is a transfer function that has minimum phase characteristics. A system has nonmini-
mum phase characteristics if its transfer function contains zeros in the right half-plane
or transport lags, or both. Otherwise, a system has minimum phase characteristics.
For a step change in disturbance (R ⫽ 1/s or U1 ⫽ 1/s), GI is determined by
1
GI ⫽ (17.18)
Gmm
For a disturbance other than a step change, obtaining GI is more complicated and
the reader is referred to Morari and Zafiriou (1989).
The results of applying Eq. (17.18) will yield a transfer function that is stable
and does not require prediction; however, it will have terms that cannot be imple-
mented because they require pure differentiation (e.g., ts ⫹ 1).
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382 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
2. To obtain a practical IMC controller, one multiplies GI in step 1 by a transfer func-
tion of a filter f(s). The simplest form recommended by Morari and Zafiriou is
given by
1
f (s ) ⫽ (17.19)
( λs ⫹ 1)n
where l is a filter parameter and n is an integer. The practical IMC controller GI
can now be expressed as
f
GI ⫽ (17.20)
Gmm
The value of n is selected large enough to give a result for GI that does not require
pure differentiation. For the simple treatment of IMC design presented here, l will
be considered as a tunable parameter. In the full treatment of IMC given by Morari
and Zafiriou, l can be related to the model uncertainty. In practice, model uncer-
tainty may not be available, in which case one is forced to treat l as a tunable
parameter.
3. If one wants to obtain the conventional controller transfer function Gc, use is made
of Eq. (17.14), with GI obtained from Eq. (17.20). For many simple process mod-
els, Gc turns out to be equivalent to a PID controller multiplied by a first-order
transfer function; thus
1 1
Gc ⫽ K c 1 ⫹ t D s ⫹ (17.21)
t I s t 1s ⫹ 1
where Kc, tD, tI, and t1 are functions of l and the parameters in GI and Gm. The
examples that follow will illustrate the application of this simplified procedure for
designing an IMC controller.
Example 17.5. Internal model control. Design an IMC controller for the pro-
cess which is first-order:
K
Gm ⫽
ts ⫹ 1
For this case Gma ⫽ 1 and Gmm ⫽ K / (ts ⫹ 1) . Applying Eq. (17.18) gives
1 ts ⫹ 1
GI ⫽ ⫽
Gmm K
To be able to implement this transfer function, let f(s) ⫽ 1/(l s ⫹ 1). The IMC
controller becomes
1 ts ⫹ 1
GI ⫽
K ls ⫹ 1
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 383
This result is a lead-lag transfer function that can be easily implemented with
computer-based controllers. We may now obtain Gc from Eq. (17.14).
GI
Gc ⫽
1 ⫺ GI Gm
Introducing the expressions for GI and Gm into this equation gives
ts ⫹ 1
K ( l s ⫹ 1) ts ⫹ 1 t 1
Gc ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 1⫹
ts ⫹ 1 K Kl s lK ts
1⫺
K ( l s ⫹ 1) ts ⫹ 1
This result is in the form of a PI controller:
1 t
Gc ⫽ K c 1 ⫹ Kc ⫽ tI ⫽ t
t I s lK
Although this design procedure results in the equivalence of a PI controller, only
one parameter (l) must be used to tune the controller. This is a distinct advantage
over the use of a conventional controller in which both Kc and tI must be tuned.
Example 17.6. Internal model control. Design an IMC controller for a process
which is first-order with transport lag
e⫺t d s
G⫽K
ts ⫹ 1
In the model of this process, use as an approximation to the transport lag a first-
order Padé approximation [see Eq. (7.48)]; thus
1 ⫺ (t d / 2 ) s
e⫺t d s ⫽
1 ⫹ (t d / 2 ) s
The model becomes
1 ⫺ (t d / 2 )s 1
Gm ⫽ K
1 ⫹ ( t d / 2 ) s ts ⫹ 1
For this model,
1 ⫺ (t d / 2 )s
Gma ⫽ (an all-pass filter )
1 ⫹ (t d / 2 )s
and
K
Gmm ⫽
ts ⫹ 1
Following the same steps as used in Example 17.5, we obtain for the IMC
controller
1 ts ⫹ 1
GI ⫽
K ls ⫹ 1
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384 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
It is instructive to see the form Gc takes for this example. Applying Eq. (17.14)
gives
ts ⫹ 1
GI K ( l s ⫹ 1)
Gc ⫽ ⫽
1 ⫺ GI Gm ts ⫹ 1 K 1 ⫺ (t d / 2 ) s
1⫺
K ( l s ⫹ 1) 1 ⫹ (t d / 2 ) s (ts ⫹ 1)
This may be reduced algebraically to the form given by Eq. (17.21) with
2t ⫹ t d
Kc ⫽
2 (l ⫹ t d )
td
tI ⫽ t ⫹
2
tt d
tD ⫽
2t ⫹ t d
lt d
t1 ⫽
2 (l ⫹ t d )
The response of this first-order with transport lag system for several values
of l and for K ⫽ 1, t ⫽ 1, and t d ⫽ 1 is given in Fig. 17–35. The values of Kc, tI, td,
and t1 obtained from the above relations are shown in Table 17.2. Notice that once a
model is accepted, the tuning of the modified IMC controller [Eq. (17.21)] depends
only on the choice of l. For the range of l used, Fig. 17–35 shows that the step
response is only slightly oscillatory for all values of l, and the fastest response is
for l ⫽ 0.5. Also notice that l affects only Kc and t1. This example shows that the
design of a controller by the IMC method is a straightforward procedure and leads to
a controller that requires the adjustment of only one parameter, l.
2.0
1.80
1.60
1.40 = 0.5
1.20 1.0
1.5
C
1.00 2.0
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00 t
0 5 10
FIGURE 17–35
Response for IMC designed controller of Example 17.6.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 385
TABLE 17.2
IMC derived controller settings for Example 17.6
l 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
Kc 1.0 0.75 0.60 0.5
tI 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
tD 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33
t1 0.167 0.25 0.30 0.33
It is instructive to compare the response for the IMC derived controller
with the response for a PI controller using Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) settings. The
responses, which are given in Fig. 17–36, show that for this particular exam-
ple the controller using Z-N settings produces a response with less overshoot
and a higher frequency of oscillation than the controller designed by the IMC
method.
These two examples show clearly how the parameters of the conventional
controller Gc are related to the parameters of the model and the filter.
The treatment of internal model control presented here has been limited
to single-input, single-output continuous systems for which the disturbance is a
step change. Furthermore, we have not discussed the use of model uncertainty
in selecting the filter parameters. Internal model control has been extended to
sampled-data control systems and to multiple-input, multiple-output systems.
IMC is an approach to the design of control systems that considers the process
model as an essential part of the control system design. Computer-based control-
lers have the capability of implementing many of the control algorithms designed
by the IMC method. There is no longer a need to be tied to the classical control
algorithms.
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2 I
C
1.0
II
.8
.6
.4
.2
0.0
0 5 t
FIGURE 17–36
Comparison of response for IMC controller and conventional controller for Example 17.6:
Curve I: IMC derived controller with l ⫽ 1.0; curve II: PI controller with Ziegler-Nichols settings
(Kc ⫽ 1.02 and tI ⫽ 2.84).
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386 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
SUMMARY
In this chapter, we have examined five advanced control strategies. The first three on
cascade control, feedforward-feedback control, and ratio control are advanced only in
the sense that each strategy is more complex than the single-loop systems we have
encountered up to this chapter. These three strategies are used extensively in industry,
and computer-based controllers can implement them easily. The other strategies, on
Smith prediction and internal model control (IMC), are less likely to be used in industry
and are closely related in their block diagram structure. Three of the strategies—feed-
forward-feedback, Smith prediction, and IMC—are dependent on accurate models of
the processes for their application.
Cascade control is especially useful in reducing the effect of a load disturbance
that is located far from the control variable and that moves through the system slowly.
The presence of the inner control loop reduces the lag in the outer loop, with the result
that the cascade system responds more quickly to a load disturbance.
If a particular load disturbance occurs frequently, the quality of control can often
be improved by applying feedforward control. Ideally the transfer function of the feed-
forward controller is obtained from knowledge of the model of the process. In cases
where the feedforward controller transfer function requires prediction (for example,
tf s ⫹ 1), one must be satisfied with an approximation of the feedforward controller,
which takes the form of a lead-lag transfer function. When a model of the process does
not exist, the feedforward controller can be tuned after doing some open-loop step tests
that relate the control variable to the load disturbance. To provide for load disturbances
that cannot be measured or anticipated, feedforward control is always combined with
feedback control in a practical situation.
Ratio control is widely used in industry in the blending of two component streams
(A and B) to produce a mixed stream of desired composition (i.e., ratio of components).
Ratio control is essentially a flow control problem in which the flow measurement of
stream A (the wild stream) is used to compute the set point for the flow of stream B so
that the desired ratio of components will be obtained.
The Smith predictor control scheme (dead-time compensation) was developed to
improve the control of a system having a large transport lag. The method is based on a
model of the process that is first-order with dead time. By introducing inner loops that con-
tain elements of the transfer function of the model, the control system is transformed ideally
to one without transport lag, a system that is much easier to control. This ideal situation
occurs when the process and the model are in exact agreement. In reality, the success of the
Smith predictor strategy depends on the degree of agreement between process and model.
Internal model control resembles the Smith predictor strategy in terms of the
structure of the block diagram. To apply the IMC method, one must have an accurate
model of the process, the model uncertainty, the type of disturbance (step, ramp, etc.),
and the performance objective (integral of square error). The method, which is based on
a rigorous mathematical foundation, leads to an IMC controller that is the best that can
be designed in terms of the performance objective. The IMC structure can be reduced
to a conventional control structure in which the conventional controller is related to
the IMC controller and the parameters of the model. For many simple processes with
simple disturbance (impulse, step, etc.), the equivalent conventional controller based on
the IMC design method turns out to be the equivalent of a PID controller.
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 387
PROBLEMS
17.1. (a) Obtain Gf for the feedforward-feedback system shown in Fig. P17–1 so that C does not
change when a disturbance in Ci occurs. Would there be any problem in implementing
this Gf?
(b) If Gf is to be a lead-lag transfer function
T1s ⫹ 1
T2 s ⫹ 1
determine T1 and T2 by the Foxboro rule. How do you determine whether lead or lag is
to predominate? Use tp ⫽ 1.0 in the Foxboro rule.
(c) When feedforward-feedback control is present, sketch the response C(t) when Ci ⫽ 1/s
and when Gf from part (a) is used.
(d) Repeat part (c) when Gf from part (b) is used. Only a rough sketch that suggests the
transient response is expected in this case.
(e) Determine C(t) when Ci ⫽ 1/s, Gf ⫽ ⫺1, and the feedback loop is broken at A-A.
Obtain the numerical value of C(t) at t ⫽ 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5.
1 1
Ci =
s s+1
Gf
+ +
+ A + 1 +
R=0 K=1 C
A (s + 1)2
−
FIGURE P17–1
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CHAPTER
17
CAPSULE SUMMARY
CASCADE CONTROL
Cascade control is used for improved disturbance rejection. It employs two controllers,
a primary controller and a secondary controller. The primary controller provides the set
point for the secondary controller.
Disturbance
L
Primary Primary Secondary Final control Secondary Primary
set point controller controller element + process process
+ + + Tf
R Gc1 Gc2 Gv Gjacket Gkettle To
− −
Secondary
process variable
Gm1
Primary
process variable
Gm2
FEEDFORWARD CONTROL
Feedforward control is usually used in conjunction with feedback control to improve
disturbance rejection. A model of the process is used to predict the effect of a distur-
bance on the process. This information instructs the controller on how to preemptively
take action to negate the effect of the disturbance.
Disturbance
Ci G1
Feedforward controller
Gf
Feedback
controller + Process +
+ + +
R Gc Gp C
−
388
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CHAPTER 17 ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES 389
RATIO CONTROL
Ratio control is a control strategy used to control the blending of two components in a
desired ratio.
Fluid A qA
Flow-measuring
element
Set
point
Kr Controller
Flow-measuring
element
Fluid B qB
PB = supply pressure
SMITH PREDICTOR CONTROL
Sometimes referred to as dead-time compensation, this control strategy is used to coun-
teract the deleterious effects of dead time on process control. A model of the process is
used to predict and negate the effect of dead time.
Controller Process
+ + M
R Gc(s) Gp C
− −
Process Dead
model time +
+
e− D
s
G(s)
C1
INTERNAL MODEL CONTROL
Internal model control resembles the Smith predictor strategy in terms of the structure
of the block diagram. To apply the IMC method, one must have an accurate model
of the process, the model uncertainty, the type of disturbance (step, ramp, etc.), and
the performance objective (integral of square error). The method, which is based on a
rigorous mathematical foundation, leads to an IMC controller that is the best that can
be designed in terms of the performance objective. The IMC structure can be reduced
to a conventional control structure in which the conventional controller is related to
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390 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
the IMC controller and the parameters of the model. For many simple processes with
simple disturbance (impulse, step, etc.), the equivalent conventional controller based on
the IMC design method turns out to be the equivalent of a PID controller.
Load
U G1
Computer
Comparator1 IMC U1
controller Process +
Set point + M +
GI G C
R
−
Comparator 2
Model +
Gm −
B
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CHAPTER
18
CONTROLLER TUNING AND
PROCESS IDENTIFICATION
T he selection of a controller type (P, PI, PID) and its parameters (Kc, tI, tD) is inti-
mately related to the model of the process to be controlled. The adjustment of
the controller parameters to achieve satisfactory control is called tuning. The selec-
tion of the controller parameters is essentially an optimization problem in which the
designer of the control system attempts to satisfy some criterion of optimality, the result
of which is often referred to as “good” control. The process of tuning can vary from a
trial-and-error attempt to find suitable control parameters for good control to an elabo-
rate optimization calculation based on a model of the process and a specific criterion of
optimal control. In many applications, there is no model of the process, and the criterion
for good control is only vaguely defined. A typical criterion for good control is that the
response of the system to a step change in set point or load have minimum overshoot
and a one-quarter decay ratio. Other criteria may include minimum rise time and mini-
mum settling time.
In the first part of this chapter, some of the widely used tuning rules for continu-
ous controllers will be presented. In the second part of the chapter, methods for deter-
mining the model of a process from experimental tests will be described. Determining
the model of a process experimentally is referred to as process identification.
18.1 CONTROLLER TUNING
Before we present tuning rules, some discussion of the effect of each mode in a PID
controller on the transient response of a controlled process will be instructive.
Selection of Controller Modes
Consider a typical loop as shown in Fig. 18–1 in which the process is second-order and
the measuring element is a transport lag. (The transfer function of the valve is taken
391
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392 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
U
+
+ 1
R Gc C
+ (10s + 1)(s + 1)
−
B
e−s
FIGURE 18–1
Typical control system used to study the effect of controller modes on load
responses shown in Fig. 18–2.
as 1.) Load responses for this process for four types of controllers (P, PD, PI, PID) are
shown in Fig. 18–2. For each response curve, the process was subjected to a unit-step
change in load (U ⫽ 1/s), and the controller parameters were selected by tuning rules to
be presented later. Regardless of the specific tuning rules used, the responses shown in
Fig. 18–2 are typical of well-tuned controllers for systems found in industry. The nature
of the response for each type controller will now be described. (The reader should also
refer to Figs. 9–10 and 16–18 to reinforce this discussion.)
C
0.20
PD
P
0.10
PI
0.00
PD
−0.10
0 10 t 20
FIGURE 18–2
Load response of a typical control system using
various modes of control (process shown in Fig. 18–1).
PROPORTIONAL CONTROL. As shown in Fig. 18–2, proportional control produces
an overshoot followed by an oscillatory response, which levels out at a value that does
not equal the set point; this ultimate displacement from the set point is the offset.
PROPORTIONAL-DERIVATIVE CONTROL. For this case the response exhibits a
smaller overshoot and a smaller period of oscillation compared to the response for pro-
portional control. The offset that still remains is less than that for proportional control.
PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL CONTROL. In this case, the response has about the same
overshoot as proportional control, but the period is larger; however, the response returns
to the set point (offset ⫽ 0) after a relatively long settling time. The most beneficial
influence of the integral action in the controller is the elimination of offset.
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 393
PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL-DERIVATIVE CONTROL. As one might expect, the
use of PID control combines the beneficial features of PD and PI control. The response
has lower overshoot and returns to the set point more quickly than the responses for the
other types of controllers.
From the nature of the responses just described, we can make the following gen-
eralizations. Integral action, which is present in PI and PID controllers, eliminates off-
set. The addition of derivative action speeds up the response by contributing to the
controller output a component of the signal that is proportional to the rate of change of
the process variable.
For simple, low-order (first- or second-order) processes that can tolerate some
offset, P or PD control is satisfactory. For processes that cannot tolerate offset and are
of low order, PI control is required. For processes that are of high order (those with
transport lag or many first-order lags in series), PID control is needed to prevent large
overshoot and long settling time. There is probably little justification to select a P or PD
controller for most processes. The PI controller is often the choice because it eliminates
offset and requires only two parameter adjustments. Tuning a PID controller is more
difficult because three parameters must be adjusted. The presence of derivative action
can also cause the controller output to be very jittery if there is much noise in the sig-
nals. We now turn our attention to some of the criteria for good control that are used to
judge whether a control system is well tuned.
Criteria for Good Control
Before we can be satisfied with the response of a control system for a choice of control
parameters, we must have some concept of what we want as an ideal response. Most
operators of processes know what they want in the form of a response to a change in
set point or load. For example, a response that gives minimum overshoot and 14 decay
ratio is often considered as a satisfactory response. In many cases, tuning is done by
trial and error until such a response is obtained. To compare different responses that use
different sets of controller parameters, a criterion that reduces the entire response to a
single number, or a figure of merit, is desirable. The figure of merit provides a means
of “keeping score” for the different control parameters, and as we shall see, the low
“score” generally wins. It is dangerous, however, to rely solely on the score to deter-
mine the best choice for the control parameters. The control system designer should
examine the nature of the response in conjunction with the requirements for the process
to determine the “best” choice of settings.
One criterion that is often used to evaluate a response of a control system is the
integral of the square of the error (ISE) with respect to time. The definition of ISE is as
follows:
Integral of the square of the error (ISE)
⬁ 2
ISE ⫽ ∫0 e dt
(18.1)
where e is the usual error (i.e., set point – control variable). For a stable system for which
there is no offset [i.e., e(⬁) ⫽ 0], Eq. (18.1) produces a single number as a figure of merit.
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394 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
The objective of the designer is to obtain the minimum value of ISE by proper choice
of control parameters. A response that has large errors and persists for a long time will
produce a large ISE. For the cases of P and PD control, where offset occurs, the integral
given by Eq. (18.1) does not converge. In these cases, one can use a modified integrand,
which replaces the error r(t) ⫺ c(t) by c(⬁) ⫺ c(t). Since c(⬁) ⫺ c(t) does approach zero
as t goes to infinity, the integral will converge and serve as a figure of merit.
Two other criteria often used in process control are defined as follows:
Integral of the absolute value of error (IAE)
⬁
IAE ⫽ ∫0 | e | dt (18.2)
Integral of time-weighted absolute error (ITAE)
⬁
ITAE ⫽ ∫0 | e | t dt (18.3)
Each of the three figures of merit, given by Eqs. (18.1), (18.2), and (18.3), has
different purposes. The ISE will penalize (i.e., increase the value of ISE) the response
that has large errors, which usually occur at the beginning of a response, because the
error is squared. The ITAE will penalize a response that has errors that persist for a long
time. The IAE will be less severe in penalizing a response for large errors and treat all
errors (large and small) in a uniform manner. The ISE figure of merit is often used in
optimal control theory because it can be used more easily in mathematical operations
(e.g., differentiation) than the figures of merit, which use the absolute value of error. In
applying the tuning rules to be discussed in the next section, these figures of merit can
be used in comparing responses that are obtained with different tuning rules.
Example 18.1. For the control system shown in Fig. 18–1, determine the ISE,
ITAE, and IAE for a unit-step load disturbance. Let the controller be a PI control-
ler with Kc ⫽ 6 and tI ⫽ 4.
Simulink can be used to easily simulate this process and calculate the fig-
ures of merit. The Simulink block diagram is shown in Fig. 18–3.
The response generated using the model of Fig. 18–3 of the process for
these controller settings is shown in Fig. 18–4.
The figures of merit alone tell us nothing unless they are compared with
figures for other controller settings. Remember, the goal is generally to obtain
the lowest value. Once we have a Simulink model such as this prepared, it is
relatively easy to check a variety of controller settings. We compare some other
controller settings and their figures of merit shortly.
18.2 TUNING RULES
Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) Rules
These rules were first proposed by Ziegler and Nichols (1942), who were engineers for
a major control hardware company in the United States (Taylor Instrument Co.). Based
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 395
1
Out1
1 ITAE
19.09
Clock s
Product Integrator 2 ITAE value
1 Out2
u 1.515
s IAE
Absolute value Integrator2 IAE value
3
1 Out3
u2 0.1357
s ISE
Error squared Integrator1 ISE value
Kc = 6, I=4
1
+− PID +−
10s2 + 11s +1
Set point, R = 0 Process Scope
Load, U = 1/s
Time Delay = 1
FIGURE 18–3
Simulink model for Example 18.1
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
−0.05
−0.1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
FIGURE 18–4
Process response for Example 18.1
on their experience with the transients from many types of processes, they developed
a closed-loop tuning method still used today in one form or another. The method is
described as a closed-loop method because the controller remains in the loop as an
active controller in automatic mode. This closed-loop method will be contrasted with an
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396 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
open-loop tuning method to be discussed later. We have already discussed the Ziegler-
Nichols rules in Chap. 16 as a natural consequence of our study of frequency response.
Ziegler and Nichols did not suggest that the ultimate gain Kcu and ultimate period Pu
be computed from frequency response calculations based on the model of the process.
They intended that Kcu and Pu be obtained from a closed-loop test of the actual process.
When the rules were first proposed, frequency response methods and process models
were not generally available to the control engineers. The rules are presented below and
are in the form that one would use for actual application to a real process.
1. After the process reaches steady state at the normal level of operation, remove the
integral and derivative modes of the controller, leaving only proportional control.
On some PID controllers, this requires that the integral time tI be set to its maxi-
mum value and the derivative time tD to its minimum value. On computer-based
controllers, the integral and derivative modes can be removed completely from the
controller.
2. Select a value of proportional gain Kc, disturb the system, and observe the transient
response. If the response decays, select a higher value of Kc and again observe
the response of the system. Continue increasing the gain in small steps until the
response first exhibits a sustained oscillation. The value of gain and the period of
oscillation that correspond to the sustained oscillation are the ultimate gain Kcu and
the ultimate period Pu.
Some very important precautions to take in applying this step of the tuning method are
given in the next section.
3. From the values of Kcu and Pu found in step 2, use the Ziegler-Nichols rules given
in Table 18.1 to determine controller settings (Kc, tI, tD). (This table is the same as
Table 16.1.)
Although variations in the tuning rules given in Table 18.1 are used by industry,
the same approach of using Kcu and Pu to obtain controller parameters is used. The
Ziegler-Nichols rules generally provide conservative (and safe) controller settings. The
Z-N settings should be considered as only approximate settings for satisfactory control.
Fine-tuning of the controller settings is usually required to get an improved control
response.
TABLE 18.1
Ziegler-Nichols controller settings
Type of control Gc(s) Kc sI sD
Proportional (P) Kc 0.5Ku
1 Pu
Proportional-integral (PI) Kc 1 ⫹ 0.45Ku
t I s 1.2
1 Pu Pu
Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) Kc 1 ⫹ ⫹ t D s 0.6Ku
tIs 2 8
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 397
The experimental determination of Kcu and Pu described in step 2 can be replaced
by a computation using frequency response methods if an accurate model of the process,
valve, and measuring element is known. This type of calculation was done in Chap. 16.
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE IN APPLYING THE Z-N METHOD. Some discussion is
needed to avoid some pitfalls in applying step 2 of the Z-N method to obtain Kcu and Pu.
These precautions are concerned with the type and size of the disturbance that induces
the response and with the avoidance of using a limit cycle as the indication that the
system is on the threshold of instability.
The simplest way to introduce a disturbance is to move the set point away from the
control variable for a short time and then return the set point to its original value. This
procedure, which is equivalent to introducing a pulse function in the error, causes the
system to respond and yet stay within a narrow band surrounding the normal operating
point of the process.
An alternate type of disturbance would be to introduce a small step change in set
point. If step changes in set point are used to induce transients, the successive step changes
should alternate around the normal operating point of the process. It is also important
to make the disturbance as small as possible, especially as the gain of the controller is
increased, so that the valve and other components do not exceed their physical limits.
When the valve moves to its limits during a closed-loop transient, we say that the
valve saturates. Under these conditions, a sustained oscillation occurs, which is called
a limit cycle. The limit cycle that is caused by saturation is a nonlinear phenomenon,
which will be covered in Chap. 25 on nonlinear control. If a limit cycle occurs, the gain
that produces it and the period of the cycle should not be used in the Ziegler-Nichols
rules. Since the limit cycle will appear to the observer to be the same as a sustained
oscillation when the system is on the verge of instability, the novice will often mistak-
enly use the information derived from the limit cycle (controller gain and period) to
obtain controller settings. A simple way to know if one has a limit cycle is to observe
the swing in pressure to the valve. If the limits of the valve (e.g., 3 to 15 psig) are
reached repeatedly during the oscillatory response, one has a limit cycle and the con-
troller gain and period should not be used to determine controller settings. It is for this
reason step 2 states that Kc should be increased in small steps until the response first
exhibits a sustained oscillation.
To appreciate the use of step 2 of the tuning method, one should have some labo-
ratory experience in tuning a real process, or at least a computer simulation of a process.
The experienced operator can develop some shortcuts to finding the ultimate gain and
ultimate period.
Cohen and Coon (C-C) Rules
The next method of tuning to be discussed is an open-loop method, in which the control
action is removed from the controller by placing it in manual mode and an open-loop
transient is induced by a step change in the signal to the valve. This method was pro-
posed by Cohen and Coon (1953) and is often used as an alternative to the Z-N method.
Fig. 18–5 shows a typical control loop in which the control action is removed and the
loop opened for the purpose of introducing a step change (M/s) to the valve. The step
response is recorded at the output of the measuring element. The step change to the
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398 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
valve is conveniently provided by the output from the controller, which is in manual
mode. The response of the system (including the valve, process, and measuring ele-
ment) is called the process reaction curve; a typical process reaction curve exhibits an S
shape, as shown in Fig. 18–6. After we present the Cohen and Coon method of tuning,
the basis for their recommendations will be discussed. The C-C method is summarized
in the following steps:
M/s
U=0
+
+
R=0 Gc Gv Gp C
+
−
Loop opened
B
H
To recorder
FIGURE 18–5
Block diagram of a control loop for measurement of a process reaction curve.
1. After the process reaches steady state at the normal level of operation, switch the
controller to manual. In a modern controller, the controller output will remain at the
same value after switching as it had before switching. (This is called “bumpless”
transfer.)
2. With the controller in manual, introduce a small step change in the controller out-
put that goes to the valve and record the transient, which is the process reaction
curve (Fig. 18–6).
3. Draw a straight line tangent to the curve at the point of inflection, as shown in
Fig. 18–6. The intersection of the tangent line with the time axis is the apparent
transport lag Td; the apparent first-order time constant T is obtained from
Bu (18.4)
T ⫽
S
where Bu is the ultimate value of B at large t and S is the slope of the tangent line.
The steady-state gain that relates B to M in Fig. 18–5 is given by
Bu
Kp ⫽ (18.5)
M
4. Using the values of Kp, T, and Td from step 3, the controller settings are found from
the relations given in Table 18.2.
Notice in Table 18.2 that all the controller settings are a function of the dimen-
sionless group Td /T, the ratio of the apparent transport lag to the apparent time constant.
Also Kc is inversely proportional to Kp.
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 399
Bu
B
Bu
Tangent line, slope = =S
T
0
0 Td t
M
input
0
0 t
FIGURE 18–6
Typical process reaction curve showing graphical construction
to determine first-order with transport lag model.
TABLE 18.2
Cohen-Coon controller settings
Type of control Parameter setting
1 T Td
Proportional (P) Kc ⫽ 1 ⫹
K p Td 3T
1 T 9 Td
Proportional-integral (PI) Kc ⫽ ⫹
K p Td 10 12T
30 ⫹ 3Td / T
t I ⫽ Td
9 ⫹ 20Td / T
1 T 5 Td
Proportional-derivative (PD) Kc ⫽ ⫹
K p Td 4 6T
6 ⫺ 2Td / T
t D ⫽ Td
22 ⫹ 3Td / T
1 T 4 T
Kc ⫽ ⫹ d
K p Td 3
Proportional-integral-derivative (PID)
4T
32 ⫹ 6Td / T
t I ⫽ Td
13 ⫹ 8Td / T
4
t D ⫽ Td
11 ⫹ 2Td / T
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400 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
The rationale for the C-C tuning method begins with the representation of the
S-shaped process reaction curve by a first-order with transport lag model; thus
K pe⫺Td s
Gp (s) ⫽ (18.6)
Ts ⫹ 1
Using the system expressed by Eq. (18.6), Cohen and Coon obtained by theoretical
means the controller settings given in Table 18.2. Their computations required that the
response have 1 decay ratio, minimum offset, minimum area under the load-response
4
curve, and other favorable properties.
In applying the C-C tuning method, an important task is the graphical construc-
tion, shown in Fig. 18–6, which reduces the process reaction curve to first-order with
the transport lag model given by Eq. (18.6). To understand the basis for the graphical
procedure, consider the response of the transfer function of Eq. (18.6) to a step change in
input; the resulting transient is shown in Fig. 18–7. After t ⫽ Td, the response is a first-
order response. The point of inflection of the curve in Fig. 18–7 occurs at t ⫽ Td, and the
slope of the tangent line at this point is related to the time constant by the relation
Bu
S ⫽
T
Solving for T gives the expression in Eq. (18.4). The response after t ⫽ Td, shown in
Fig. 18–7, was also presented in Fig. 4–7.
The attempt to model the process reaction curve by the method shown in Fig. 18–6
is crude and does not give a very good fit. Finding the point of inflection and drawing a
tangent line at this point are quite difficult, especially if the data for the process reaction
curve are not accurate and if they scatter. A better method for fitting the process reac-
Bu
Bu
B
Tangent line, slope =
T
0
0 Td t
M
Input
0
0 t
FIGURE 18–7
Step response for a first-order with transport lag model.
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 401
TABLE 18.3
Controller settings for the system of Fig. 18–1.
Control Closed-loop method Open-loop method
type Parameter (Z-N method) (C-C method)
P Kc 6.4 8.1
PI Kc 5.8 7.0
tI 5.6 4.4
PD Kc 11.4* 9.8
tD 1.0* 0.43
PID Kc 7.7 10.5
tI 3.4 3.9
tD 1.6 0.59
* Obtained by design for 30⬚ phase margin and maximum Kc.
tion curve to a first-order with transport lag model is to perform a least-squares fit of the
data. Some computer software, such as the LOOP-PRO package (see www.controlstation
.com), provide an easy means of performing the fitting process. An example to be pre-
sented later will study the effect of the type of model-fitting procedure on the selection
of controller parameters.
To illustrate the two methods of controller tuning just presented, the system shown
in Fig. 18–1 was simulated using Simulink as shown above in Example 18.1. Table 18.3
gives the values of the controller parameters obtained by applying both tuning methods
(Z-N and C-C). Fig. 18–8 shows the resulting transients. Since the Z-N method does
c Z- N c
0.20 0.20 C-C C-C
0.15 0.15
0.10 0.10
0.05 C- C 0.05
0.00 0.00 Z-N
−0.05 Proportional −0.05 Proportional-derivative
−0.10 −0.10
0 10 t 20 0 10 t 20
(a) (b)
c c
0.20 Z- N 0.20 Proportional-integral-derivative
0.15 0.15 Z-N
0.10 Proportional-integral 0.10
0.05 0.05
0.00 C- C 0.00
−0.05 −0.05 C-C
−0.10 −0.10
0 10 t 20 0 10 t 20
(c) (d)
FIGURE 18–8
Comparison of load responses for the system of Fig. 18–1 using controller settings obtained by the
Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) method and the Cohen-Coon (C-C) method.
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402 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
not give a rule for a PD controller, the settings listed for a PD controller under the Z-N
heading of Table 18.3 were obtained by using a theoretical frequency response calcula-
tion in which the design was based on 30⬚ phase margin and a maximum Kc. No general
conclusions can be drawn about the relative merits of the two tuning methods from the
results shown in Fig. 18–8, since these results apply to one specific example. About
all that can be said is that for this specific example, both methods give reasonable first
guesses of the control parameters.
Example 18.2. For the control system shown in Fig. 18–1, shown again in
Fig. 18–9, determine the “best” PI controller settings as indicated by each of the
figures of merit (ISE, ITAE, and IAE). Compare the responses of those settings
with the ones obtained from Z-N and C-C tuning. We can use the same Simulink
diagram that we used in Example 18.1. This time, however, it will be advanta-
geous to write a MATLAB m-file to vary the controller parameters to minimize a
particular figure of merit.
1
Out1
1 ITAE
19.09
Clock s
Product Integrator 2 ITAE value
1 Out2
u 1.515
s IAE
Absolute value Integrator2 IAE value
3
2 1 Out3
u 0.1357
s ISE
Error squared Integrator1 ISE value
P, I
1
+− PID ++
10s2 + 11s +1
Set point, R = 0 Process Scope
Load, U = 1/s
Time delay = 1
FIGURE 18–9
Simulink model for Example 18.2.
The Simulink block diagram is saved as fig18_1.mdl. The m-file that we use
to call the Simulink diagram is called merit_score.m. We make use of the MAT-
LAB optimization function FMINSEARCH to vary the controller parameters for
us and to find the minimum figure of merit of interest. The comment statements
in the m-file describe how it’s used. An example of the MATLAB command that
performs the optimization is
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 403
[zn,fval,exitflag]=FMINSEARCH('merit_score',[5.8 1],OPTIMSET
('MaxIter',100))
m-file: merit_score.m
function merit_score=merit_score(Varg);
% this m-file is for use with the FMINSEARCH function to vary P & I to
% minimize the ITAE, IAE or ISE for the control system in Fig. 18.1:
%
% issue the FMINSEARCH command from the MATLAB workspace
% be sure that the PID controller in simulink model, fig18_1.mdl,
% has the P and I values set to the variables P & I
% also be sure to declare P and I global in the MATLAB workspace
% the 5.8 is the initial guess for P and 1 for I (these are the ZN values)
%
%[zn,fval,exitflag]= FMINSEARCH('merit_score',[5.8 1],options)
%fval is the final value of the objective function
%set the max iterations with:
%options = OPTIMSET('MaxIter',100)
% If EXITFLAG is:
% 1 then FMINSEARCH converged with a solution X.
% 0 then the maximum number of iterations was reached.
%
%note that the ITAE is outport 1 on the simulink diagram, fig18_1
%IAE is outport 2 and ISE is outport 3 on fig18_1
%the column specified in the y variable is the outport. . .
% y(:,1)=ITAE
% y(:,2)=IAE
% y(:,3)=ISE
%
global P I
P=Varg(1);
I=Varg(2);
[t,x,y]=sim('fig18_1',50);
merit_score=max(y(:,1));
The results of running this optimization to minimize each figure of merit for PI
control are shown in Table 18.4 and Fig. 18–10.
TABLE 18.4
Comparison of controller settings for Example 18.2 using
different tuning methods
Parameter Z-N method C-C method Minimum ITAE Minimum IAE Minimum ISE
Kc 5.8 7.0 5.5 6.6 8.7
tI 5.6 4.4 6.0 6.7 7.9
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404 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
0.25
Min ITAE
0.2
Z-N
0.15
0.1 Min ISE
Response
C-C
0.05
Min IAE
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time
FIGURE 18–10
Plot of system response for Example 18.2 using different tuning methods.
The controller settings for all the settings are very similar. The C-C settings are
the most oscillatory for this system. Z-N and minimum ITAE have the largest
initial peak, but settle the most rapidly.
Let’s look at some additional examples.
Example 18.3. For the control system shown in Fig. 18–11, determine control-
ler settings for a PI controller using the Z-N method and the C-C method. This
problem will be instructive because the transfer function of the model is already
in the form of first-order with transport lag, which is the form used by Cohen and
Coon to derive their tuning rules.
C-C method. Since the transfer function of the plant is in the form of Eq. (18.6),
we obtain T and Td immediately without having to draw a tangent line through
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 405
+ 1 1
R = u(t) Kc 1 + e−s C
1s s +1
−
FIGURE 18–11
Process for Example 18.3.
the point of inflection; i.e., T ⫽ 1 and Td ⫽ 1. We also observe from the block
diagram that Kp ⫽ 1. Substituting these values into the appropriate equations of
Table 18.2 gives
T Td 1 1
Kc ⫽ 0.9 ⫹ ⫽ 0 . 9 ⫹ ⫽ 0 . 9 8 3
K pTd 12T 1 12
and
30 ⫹ 3 Td / T 30 ⫹ 3
t I ⫽ Td ⫽ ⫽ 1 . 14
9 ⫹ 20Td / T 9 ⫹ 20
Using these values for Kc and tI, the step response shown in Fig. 18–12 was
obtained by simulation.
c
1.50 C– C
1.00
0.50 Z– N
0.00
0 5 t 10
FIGURE 18–12
Response to unit-step change in set point for the
system in Fig. 18–11 (Example 18.3).
Z-N method. Application of the Bode criterion from Chap. 16 gives
2p
w co ⫽ 2 . 03 or Pu ⫽ ⫽ 3 . 09
w co
K cu ⫽ 2 . 26
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406 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
The details for obtaining these results will not be given here since this type cal-
culation was covered in depth in Chap. 16. Applying the Z-N rules for PI control
from Table 18.1 gives
K c ⫽ 0 . 45 K cu ⫽ (0 . 45 )(2 . 26 ) ⫽ 1 . 02
and
Pu 3 . 09
tI ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 2 . 58
1.2 1.2
The step response for these controller settings is shown in Fig. 18–12. The ISE
value for each response was calculated out to a sufficiently long time (10 units of
time) for the integral to converge; the results are as follows:
C-C response : ISE ⫽ 1 . 54 at t ⫽ 10
Z-N response : ISE ⫽ 1 . 49 at t ⫽ 10
Although the ISE values are nearly the same, the transient for the Z-N set-
tings is better than the transient for the C-C settings. The Z-N transient has much
less overshoot. The lesson to be learned from this example is that the comparison
of two transients based on only one criterion (in this case, the ISE) may be mis-
leading in the selection of the best transient. It is also important to judge the qual-
ity of a transient by its actual appearance. Note that for this example, in which
there is a relatively large transport lag (Td ⫽ 1), much of the contribution to the
ISE occurs from t ⫽ 0 to t ⫽ 1, during which time the ISE reaches 1.0. This value
of the ISE at t ⫽ 1 is the same, regardless of the tuning method used because the
transport lag causes error to be constant from t ⫽ 0 to t ⫽ 1.
Example 18.4. For the control system shown in Fig. 18–13, determine the con-
troller settings for a PI controller using the Z-N method and the C-C method. In
this problem, the process reaction curve must be modeled by the method shown
in Fig. 18–6.
1
U= s
+ 1 1
R=0 KC 1+ C
is (s + 1) 4
−
FIGURE 18–13
Process for Example 18.4.
C-C method. Since the transfer function of the plant is given as 1/(s ⫹ 1)4, we
can obtain the values of Td and T for use in the C-C method analytically. A unit-
step response for the plant transfer function is
c (t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺ ( 16 t 3 ⫹ 12 t 2 ⫹ t ⫹ 1) e⫺t
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 407
From this result one can readily obtain the first and second derivatives; thus
c ( t ) ⫽ 1 3 ⫺t
6
t e
c( t ) ⫽ 1 ⫺t
6
e (3t 2
⫺ t3 )
The location of the inflection point on the transient c(t) is obtained by setting the
second derivative to zero:
0 ⫽ 1 ⫺t
6
e ( 3t 2 ⫺ t 3 )
Solving for t gives as the root of interest in this problem t ⫽ 3. Knowing that the
point of inflection occurs at t ⫽ 3, we can compute the slope of the tangent line
through this point to be
1 3 ⫺3
S ⫽ c(3) ⫽ 6
(3 )e ⫽ 0 . 224
We can now determine Td as shown in Fig. 18–14.
c
1.0
0.9 Slope = 0.224
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3 Point of inflection
0.2
0.1
0.0
0 Td 5 t 10
FIGURE 18–14
Process reaction curve for Example 18.4.
From the expression for c(t), we obtain the value of c at the inflection point to be
c(3) ⫽ 0.353. The value of t where the tangent line intersects the t axis is obtained
from the slope S; thus
0 . 353 ⫺ 0
⫽ S ⫽ 0 . 224
3 ⫺ Td
Solving for Td gives
Td ⫽ 1 . 42
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408 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Solving for T from Eq. (18.4) gives
Bu 1
T ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 4 . 46
S 0 . 224
Having found Td and T, we can apply the appropriate equations from Table 18.2
to get
K c ⫽ 2 . 91 t I ⫽ 2 . 86
The transient for these settings that was obtained by simulation is shown as curve
C-C1 in Fig. 18–15. To our surprise, it is unstable.
Z-N method. We apply the Z-N method for a PI controller, and we obtain the
following results: Kcu ⫽ 4, Pu ⫽ 2p, Kc ⫽ 1.8, and tI ⫽ 5.23.
1.5
1
CC1
CC2 Z-N
0.5
Response
0
−0.5
−1
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time
FIGURE 18–15
Comparison of transients produced by different tuning methods for Example 18.4
(shown in Fig. 18–13). Z-N: Ziegler-Nichols method; CC1: Cohen-Coon graphical
method; CC2: Cohen-Coon method using least-squares fit of data.
The transient for this set of controller parameters is also shown in Fig. 18–15. We
see that the response is stable and well damped.
The lesson learned in this example is that the application of a tuning method
may not produce a satisfactory transient. Fine-tuning of these first guesses is usu-
ally needed.
Before we abandoned the C-C method for this example, the process reac-
tion curve was fitted to a first-order plus dead-time (FOPDT) model by means
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 409
of a least-squares fitting procedure using LOOP-PRO and Simulink software. The
process was simulated in Simulink and disturbed with a unit step occurring at
time t ⫽ 1.0. The response data were imported into Control Station and fit to a
FOPDT model to produce the following results (see Fig. 18–16).
Td ⫽ 1 . 79 T ⫽ 2 . 65 K P ⫽ 1 . 03
LOOP-PRO: Design Tools
Model: First Order Plus Dead Time (FOPDT)
1.00
Process variable
0.75
0.50
0.25
0.00
1.00
Manipulated variable
0.75
0.50
0.25
0.00
0.0 2.5 5.0 7.5 10.0 12.5 15.0
Time
Gain (K) = 1.03, Time Constant (T1) = 2.65, Dead Time (TD) = 1.79
Goodness of Fit: R-Squared = 0.9972, SSE = 0.0271
FIGURE 18–16
LOOP-PRO fit of FOPDT model to process for Example 18.4.
Applying the C-C method for these FOPDT values gives
K c ⫽ 1 . 374 and t I ⫽ 2 . 548
Notice that the value of Kc is now considerably less than the value obtained from
the fitting procedure shown in Fig. 18–14. This leads to the expectation that the
response will now be stable. This expectation is fulfilled as shown by the tran-
sient labeled C-C2 in Fig. 18–15. Additionally, we can minimize ISE, ITAE, or
IAE to find initial controller parameters as shown in Table 18.5. The response of
the process to these controller settings is shown in Fig. 18–17.
The qualitative nature of these responses is similar to that for the Z-N settings
and the CC2 settings shown in Fig. 18–15.
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410 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
TABLE 18.5
Controller settings for Example 18.4 using various tuning methods
C-C using
Z-N C-C LOOP-PRO Minimum Minimum Minimum
Parameter method method FOPDT fit ITAE IAE ISE
Kc 1.8 2.91 1.374 1.18 1.66 2.45
tI 5.23 2.86 2.548 3.28 4.16 5.51
ITAE 24.2 8431 30.7 19.37 21.64 41.33
IAE 2.93 116 3.34 2.96 2.79 3.311
ISE 0.819 284 0.910 1.06 0.816 0.67
0.6
ITAE
0.5
0.4
0.3
Response
ISE
0.2
IAE
0.1
0
−0.1
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Time
FIGURE 18–17
Comparison of transients produced by minimizing the figures of merit for Example 18.4
(shown in Fig. 18–13), ITAE: minimum ITAE; ISE: minimum ISE; IAE: minimum IAE.
18.3 PROCESS IDENTIFICATION
Up to this point, the processes used in our control systems have been described by trans-
fer functions that were derived by applying fundamental principles of physics and chem-
ical engineering (e.g., Newton’s law, material balance, heat transfer, fluid mechanics,
reaction kinetics) to well-defined processes. In practice, many of the industrial processes
to be controlled are too complex to be described by the application of fundamental prin-
ciples. Either the task requires too much time and effort, or the fundamentals of the pro-
cess are not understood. By means of experimental tests, one can identify the dynamical
nature of such processes and from the results obtain a process model which is at least
satisfactory for use in designing control systems. The experimental determination of the
dynamic behavior of a process is called process identification.
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 411
The need for process models arises in many control applications, as we have seen
in the use of tuning methods. Process models are also needed in developing feedfor-
ward control algorithms, self-tuning algorithms, and internal model control algorithms.
Some of these advanced control strategies were discussed in Chap. 17.
Process identification provides several forms that are useful in process control;
some of these forms are
Process reaction curve (obtained by step input)
Frequency response diagram (obtained by sinusoidal input)
Pulse response (obtained by pulse input)
We have already encountered the need for process identification in applying the tuning
methods presented earlier in this chapter. In the case of the Z-N method, the procedure
obtained one point on the open-loop frequency response diagram when the ultimate
gain was found. (This point corresponds to a phase angle of ⫺180⬚ and a process gain
of 1/Kcu at the crossover frequency wco.) In the case of the C-C method, the process
identification took the form of the process reaction curve.
Step Testing
As already described in the application of the C-C tuning method, a step change in the
input to a process produces a response, which is called the process reaction curve. It is
important that no disturbances other than the test step enter the system during the test;
otherwise the transient will be corrupted by these uncontrolled disturbances and will
be unsuitable for use in deriving a process model. Additionally, the step must be large
enough to produce a change in the process that is much larger than any noise present in
the process. (If the noise band is 0.5⬚F, the step should move the process at least 10 times
this amount, or at least 5⬚F. This corresponds to a signal-to-noise ratio of 10.)
For many processes in the chemical industry, the process reaction curve is an
S-shaped curve, as shown in Fig. 18–6. For systems that produce an S-shaped process
reaction curve, a general model that can be fitted to the transient is a second-order plus
dead time (SOPDT) model:
K pe⫺Td s Y (s)
Gp (s) ⫽ ⫽
(T1s ⫹ 1) ( T2 s ⫹ 1) X ( s ) (18.7)
This model is an extension of the one used in the C-C tuning method, in which there
was only one first-order term, the FOPDT model.
Computer software is available to fit a variety of models to process data using
a least-squares technique. LOOP-PRO is one of the easiest and most efficient. Cooper
(2005) makes the following points regarding the successful use of computer software to
fit process models to data for the purposes of controller tuning.
1. The process must be at steady state before data collection begins.
2. The first data point in the file must be the steady-state value.
3. The test must be such that the dynamics caused by the test dominate the process
noise.
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412 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
4. There are no disturbance changes present during the test. The change in the process
variable must be solely due to the changes introduced in the controller output.
5. Finally, does the model appear to visually fit the process data?
We will now work an example to demonstrate the use of such software to fit models to
process data.
Example 18.5. Use LOOP-PRO software to obtain a process model for the two
tanks in series process shown in Fig. 18–18. Fit a FOPDT model and a SOPDT
model to the data.
Inlet flow (L/min)
Controller
17.8
output (%)
70.0
Lower tank
level (m)
3.99 LC
Pumped flow Outlet flow
(L/min) (L/min)
2.0 15.8
(Disturbance)
FIGURE 18–18
Screen shot from LOOP-PRO software for gravity-drained tanks.
The process is a pair of gravity-drained tanks. Flow enters the upper tank and
drains into the lower tank. A level controller monitors the level in the lower tank
and adjusts the flow into the upper tank to maintain the lower level at the desired
set point. The process disturbance is a pumped flow (not dependent on tank level)
from the lower tank.
We perform a step test on the inlet flow rate to the upper tank and record
the data. In this test, the controller output was stepped from 70 to 80 percent, and
the process response was recorded (Fig. 18–19).
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 413
LOOP-PRO: Case Studies
Process: Gravity Drained Tank Cont.:Manual Mode
Process Variable/Set point
5
4
3
2
80
Controller Output
70
60
50
−3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30
Time (mins)
FIGURE 18–19
LOOP-PRO gravity-drained tanks step test for Example 18.5.
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414 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
LOOP-PRO has the built-in capability to fit a FOPDT or SOPDT model (as well
as some others) to the process data that we have generated. We use the Design
Tools feature of the software and fit an FOPDT model to the data as shown in
Fig. 18–20.
LOOP-PRO: Design Tools
Model: First Order Plus Dead Time (FOPDT)
5.0
Process variable
0.1316 exp(−0.6469s)
G=
4.5 1.7 3 s + 1
4.0
5 10 15 20
Time
Gain (K) = 0.1316, Time Constant (T1) = 1.73, Dead Time (TD) = 0.6469
Goodness of Fit: R-Squared = 0.9993, SSE = 0.0424
FIGURE 18–20
LOOP-PRO design tools for data analysis. FOPDT fit of step test data for Example 18.5.
The FOPDT model fits the data very well. It captures the essential features
of the response. The most noticeable difference is located at the time when the
process variable begins to change. The process, being second-order (two tanks in
series), rises as an S-shaped curve. The FOPDT, after the dead time, rises with a
nonzero slope. There are two indications of the goodness of fit: R2 ⫽ 0.9993 is
very close to 1.00 (which would indicate a perfect fit). The sum of the squares of
the errors, SSE, is defined as
N
SSE ⫽ ∑ ( Measured Datai ⫺ Model Datai )2 (18.8)
i ⫽1
For this case SSE ⫽ 0.0424, which indicates a very close fit. We can also fit a
SOPDT model to the process data as shown in Fig. 18–21.
The SOPDT model fits the data nearly perfectly (R2 ⫽ 1, SSE ⫽ 0.0019), as
we would expect, since the process is in fact a second-order process.
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 415
LOOP-PRO: Design Tools
Model: Second Order Plus Dead Time (SOPDT)
5.25
5.00
Process variable
4.75
4.50
4.25
4.00
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Time
K = 0.1311, T1 = 1.04, T2 = 1.04, TD = 0.2208
Goodness of Fit: R-Squared = 1.00, SSE = 0.0019
FIGURE 18–21
LOOP-PRO design tools for data analysis. SOPDT fit of step-test data for Example 18.5.
Pulse and Doublet Testing
Pulse testing is similar to step testing; the only difference in the experimental procedure
is that a pulse disturbance is used in place of a step disturbance. The pulse is introduced
as a variation in valve top pressure as was done for step testing (see Fig. 18–5). In
applying the pulse, the open-loop system is allowed to reach steady state, after which
the valve top pressure is displaced from its steady-state value for a short time and then
returned to its original value. The response is recorded at the output of the measuring
element (B in Fig. 18–5). Usually the pulse shape is rectangular in experimental work,
but other well-defined shapes are also used. An example of a pulse change in a process
variable is shown in Fig. 18–22.
60
50 50
FIGURE 18–22
Sample pulse input.
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416 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
This brief outline describing pulse testing may appear deceptively simple. In
practice, the data on the response must be very accurate and noise-free for the method
to succeed. This means that the recorder used to measure the response must be very
sensitive. The selection of the pulse height and width is also critical. If the pulse height
and width are too small, the disturbance to the system will be too small to produce a
transient that can be measured accurately by the recorder. If the pulse height is too
large, the system may be operating too far from the linear range of interest. The proper
pulse height and width can be determined by some preliminary open-loop experiments.
The pulse test is the least disruptive to plant operation among the process identification
methods we have considered. The pulse disturbance does not cause the process output
to depart far from its normal operating point.
A doublet test is two pulse tests performed in rapid succession and in opposite direc-
tion as shown in Fig. 18–23. (Cooper, 2005). For example, we might step the input to the
process from 50 to 60 to 40 to 50. This is the equivalent of two pulse tests 50-60-50 and
50-40-50 performed back to back. The process variable does not need to come to steady
state for either pulse. It merely needs to show a clear response to the first pulse.
60
50 50
40
FIGURE 18–23
Sample doublet test input.
The advantages of the doublet test are that it starts from and returns to the design level
of operation relatively quickly, it produces data above and below the design level, and
from a process standpoint, it minimizes the amount of time that the process is away
from the design level, and hence off-spec production (Cooper, 2005).
Example 18.6. Consider a process with an unknown transfer function such as
that shown in Fig. 18–24. We wish to perform some process identification test-
ing on it to determine a FOPDT model for use in controller tuning. Compare the
results of pulse and doublet testing for this process.
Manipulated Process
variable Black box variable
process
FIGURE 18–24
“Black-box” process for Example 18.6.
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 417
For calculation purposes we will use G ⫽ 2/[(s ⫹ 1)(s ⫹ 2)(0.5s ⫹ 1)] for the
transfer function of the black box.
Pulse test. We will disturb the process by using a pulse input for the manipulated
variable, as shown in Fig. 18–22, and use LOOP-PRO to determine the parameters
for a FOPDT model (see Fig. 18–25).
LOOP-PRO: Design Tools
Model: First Order Plus Dead Time (FOPDT) File Name: _ _pulse_data.txt
70
Process variable
65
60
55
50
60.0
57.5
Manipulated variable
55.0
52.5
50.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Time
Gain (K) = 1.99, Time Constant (T1) = 2.38, Dead Time (TD) = 0.5784
Goodness of Fit: T-Squared = 0.9994, SSE = 7.03
FIGURE 18–25
FOPDT fit of black-box process response to a pulse input (Example 18.6).
The resulting FOPDT model from a least-squares fit of the pulse data is
1 . 99 exp (⫺0 . 5784 s ) (18.9)
G ⫽
2 . 38 s ⫹ 1
Doublet test. The doublet test on the black-box process is shown in Fig. 18–26.
The FOPDT model from a least-squares fit of the doublet data is
2 . 09 exp(⫺0 . 7458 s ) (18.10)
G ⫽
2 . 70 s ⫹ 1
If we use the model, Eq. (18.9), obtained from the pulse test, and perform a
doublet test on it to compare with our actual black-box process response, we obtain
Fig. 18–27. Notice that the pulse model deviates from the process response, mainly
on the second half of the doublet. The SSE for the pulse model on the doublet
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418 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
LOOP-PRO: Design Tools
Model: First Order Plus Dead Time (FOPDT) File Name: doublet_data.txt
70
Process variable
60
50
40
30
60
Manipulated variable
55
50
45
40
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Time
Gain (K) = 2.09, Time Constant (T1) = 2.70, Dead Time (TD) = 0.7458
Goodness of Fit: R-Squared = 0.9981, SSE = 29.71
FIGURE 18–26
FOPDT fit of black-box process response to a doublet input (Example 18.6).
test is 159.15 compared to 29.71 for the doublet model. Since we would like the
model to capture process characteristics for deviations above and below the design
operating level, we would probably be better off using the FOPDT model obtained
from the doublet testing to determine our initial tuning parameters.
Frequency Testing
We have shown in the section on frequency response that a process having a trans-
fer function G(s) can be represented by a frequency response diagram (or Bode plot)
by taking the magnitude and phase angle of G(jw). This procedure can be reversed to
obtain G(s) from an experimentally determined frequency response diagram. The pro-
cedure requires that a device be available to produce a sinusoidal signal over a range of
frequencies. We describe such a device as a sine wave generator. In frequency testing
of an industrial process, a sinusoidal variation in pressure is applied to the top of the
control valve so that the manipulated variable can be varied sinusoidally over a range of
frequencies. The block diagram that applies during frequency testing is the same as that
of Fig. 18–5 with the step input (M/s) replaced by a sinusoidal signal. The sine wave
generator used to test electronic devices operates at frequencies that are too high for
many slow-moving chemical processes. For frequency testing of chemical processes,
special low-frequency generators must be built that can produce a sinusoidal variation
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CHAPTER 18 CONTROLLER TUNING AND PROCESS IDENTIFICATION 419
LOOP-PRO: Design Tools
Model: First Order Plus Dead Time (FOPDT) File Name:
70
60
Process variable
50
40
30
60
Manipulated variable
55
50
45
40
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Time
Gain (K) = 1.99, Time Constant (T1) = 2.38, Dead Time (TD) = 0.5785
Goodness of Fit: R-Squared = 0.9897, SSE = 159.15
FIGURE 18–27
A doublet test on the FOPDT model derived from a pulse input test (Example 18.6).
in pressure to a control valve. To preserve the sinusoidal signal in the flow of manipu-
lated variable through the valve, the valve must be linear.
In the 1960s when frequency response methods were first introduced to chemi-
cal engineers as a means for process identification, several chemical and petroleum
companies constructed mobile units containing low-frequency sine wave generators
and recorders that could be moved to processing units in a plant for the purpose of
frequency testing.
The great disadvantage of frequency testing is that it takes a long time to collect
frequency response data over a range of frequencies that can be used to construct fre-
quency response plots. The time is especially long for chemical processes, often having
long time constants measured in minutes or even hours. The frequency test at a given
frequency must last long enough to make sure that the transients have disappeared and
only the ultimate periodic response is represented by the data. Frequency testing usually
ties up plant equipment too long to be recommended as a means of process identifica-
tion. Step testing, pulse testing, and doublet testing take much less time and can usually
provide satisfactory process identification.
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420 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
SUMMARY
In the practical application of process control, some methods for tuning and process
identification are needed. The selection of controller modes depends on the process
to be controlled. Proportional control is simple, but the response exhibits offset. The
derivative action in PD control makes it possible to increase the controller gain with
the result that the response has less offset and responds more quickly compared to pro-
portional control. To eliminate offset, integral action must be present in the controller
in the form of PI and PID control. PI control often causes the response to have large
overshoot and a slow return to the set point especially for high-order processes. The
presence of derivative action in a PID controller gives less overshoot and a faster return
to the set point, compared to the response for PI control.
To compare the quality of control on a numerical basis, several criteria that inte-
grate some function of the error with respect to time have been proposed. These include
the integral of the square of the error (ISE), the integral of the absolute error (IAE), and
the integral of the time-weighted absolute error (ITAE).
In the first part of this chapter two well-known tuning methods are presented:
the Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) method (a closed-loop method) and the Cohen-Coon (C-C)
method (an open-loop method). These two methods were applied to several examples
and the transients for each compared. The lesson to be learned through these examples
is that the controller parameters obtained from a tuning rule should be considered as
first guesses; fine online tuning is usually needed to get a satisfactory transient.
The Z-N and C-C methods actually require information about the process model.
The Z-N method is based on the ultimate gain at the crossover frequency, which is
equivalent to knowing one point on the open-loop frequency response diagram. The
C-C method requires the use of an open-loop step response (process reaction curve).
In the advanced control strategies discussed in Chap. 17, a process model is often
needed to apply the strategy. When a process model cannot be found by application
of theoretical principles, one must obtain a model experimentally. The experimental
approach to obtaining a model is called process identification. The three methods of
process identification discussed in this chapter are step testing, frequency testing, and
pulse testing. The frequency method is seldom used because of the time it takes to test
a system over a wide range of frequencies. Step testing is easy to apply and ties the
process up for only enough time to obtain one transient. Pulse testing is also simple to
apply, but the analysis of the input-output data requires extensive calculations that must
be done by a computer.
PROBLEMS
18.1. Calculate C-C and Z-N parameters for PI control for the process in Example 18.5, using the
pulse FOPDT model and the doublet FOPDT model. Compare the results for a step change
in load for a closed-loop PI control system. Use the ITAE figure of merit for comparison.
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CHAPTER
18
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Figures of merit for comparing control parameters (computed from process
transients)
Figure of merit Equation Purpose
Integral of the square of the error ⬁ 2 Penalizes large errors,
(ISE)
ISE ⫽ ∫0 e dt
particularly those that occur
initially
Integral of the absolute value of ⬁ Treats all errors (large and small)
error (IAE)
IAE ⫽ ∫0 | e | dt the same
Integral of time-weighted absolute ⬁ Penalizes errors that persist for a
error (ITAE)
ITAE ⫽ ∫0 | e | t dt long time
First-order plus dead-time (FOPDT) model
K p e⫺Td s Y (s)
Gp (s) ⫽ ⫽
(T1s ⫹ 1) X ( s )
Second-order plus dead-time (SOPDT) model
K p e⫺Td s Y (s)
Gp (s) ⫽ ⫽
(T1s ⫹ 1) (T2 s ⫹ 1) X ( s )
Ziegler-Nichols controller settings
Type of control Gc(s) Kc sI sD
Proportional (P) Kc 0.5Ku
1 Pu
Proportional-integral (PI) Kc 1 ⫹ 0.45Ku
t I s 1.2
1 Pu Pu
Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) Kc 1 ⫹ ⫹ t D s 0.6Ku
tIs 2 8
421
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422 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Cohen-Coon controller settings
Type of control Parameter setting
1 T Td
Proportional (P) Kc ⫽ 1 ⫹
K p Td 3T
1 T 9 Td
Proportional-integral (PI) Kc ⫽ ⫹
K p Td 10 12T
30 + 3Td / T
t I ⫽ Td
9 ⫹ 20Td / T
1 T 5 Td
Proportional-derivative (PD) Kc ⫽ ⫹
K p Td 4 6T
6 ⫺ 2Td / T
t D ⫽ Td
22 ⫹ 3Td / T
1 T 4 Td
Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) Kc ⫽ ⫹
K p Td 3 4T
32 ⫹ 6Td / T
t I ⫽ Td
13 ⫹ 8Td / T
4
t D ⫽ Td
11 ⫹ 2Td / T
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CHAPTER
19
CONTROL
VALVES
O ne of the basic components of any control system is the final control element,
which comes in a variety of forms depending on the specific control application.
The most common type of final control element in chemical processing is the pneu-
matic control valve, which regulates the flow of fluids. Some other types include the
variable-speed pump and the power controller (used in electrical heating).
Since the pneumatic control valve is so widely used in chemical processing, this
chapter will be devoted to the description, selection, and sizing of control valves.
19.1 CONTROL VALVE CONSTRUCTION
The control valve is essentially a variable resistance to the flow of a fluid in which
the resistance, and therefore the flow, can be changed by a signal from a process
controller.
As shown in Fig. 19–1, the control valve consists of an actuator and a valve.
The valve itself is divided into the body and the trim. The body consists of a housing
for mounting the actuator and connections for attachment of the valve to a supply line
and a delivery line. The trim, which is enclosed within the body, consists of a plug, a
valve seat, and a valve stem. The actuator moves the valve stem as the pressure on a
spring-loaded diaphragm changes. The stem moves a plug in a valve seat to change the
resistance to flow through the valve. When a valve is supplied by the manufacturer, the
actuator and the valve are attached to each other to form one unit.
For most actuators, the motion of the stem is proportional to the pressure applied
on the diaphragm. In general, this type of actuator can be used for functions other than
moving a valve stem. For example, it can be used to adjust dampers, variable-speed
drives, rheostats, and other devices. As the pressure to the valve varies over its normal
423
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424 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
range of operation (3 to 15 psig), the range of motion of the stem varies from a fraction
of an inch to several inches depending on the size of the actuator. Manufacturers pro-
vide a range of actuators for various valve sizes.
The valves available vary over a wide range of sizes. The size is usually referred
to by the size of the end connectors. For example, a 1-in valve would have connectors
(threaded or flanged) to fit into a 1-in pipeline. In general, the larger the valve size, the
larger the flow capacity of the valve.
For the control valve shown in Fig. 19–1, an increase in signal pressure above
the diaphragm exerts a force on the diaphragm and back plate, which causes the stem
to move down; this causes the cross-sectional area for flow between the plug and the
seat to decrease, thereby reducing or throttling the flow. Such valve action as shown in
Fig. 19–1 is called air-to-close (AC) action. The reverse action, air-to-open (AO), can
be accomplished by designing the actuator so that pressure is applied to the underside
of the diaphragm, for which case an increase in pressure to the valve raises the stem.
An alternate method to reverse the valve action is to leave the actuator as shown in
Fig. 19–1 and to invert the plug on the stem and place it under the valve seat. In general,
selection of the type of valve (AO or AC) is made based on safety considerations. We
would like the valve to fail in a safe position for the process in the event of a loss of air
pressure. For example, if the control valve is controlling the inlet flow of cooling water
to a cooling jacket on an exothermic chemical reactor, we would like the valve to fail
in the open position so that we do not lose coolant flow. Thus, we would select an air-
to-close (AC) valve.
Air signal Air signal
Diaphragm Diaphragm
ACTUATOR ACTUATOR
Packing Packing
Stem Stem
VALVE VALVE
Supply Delivery Supply Delivery
Plug Plug
Seat Seat
Air-to-Close Valve Air-to-Open Valve
FIGURE 19–1
Single-seated control valves.
The valve shown in Fig. 19–1 is single-seated, meaning the valve contains one
plug with one seating surface. For a single-seated valve, the plug must open against the
full pressure drop across the valve. If the pressure drop is large, this means that a larger,
more expensive actuator will be needed. To overcome this problem, valves are also
constructed with double seating as shown in Fig. 19–2. In this type valve, two plugs
are attached to the valve stem, and each one has a seat. The flow pattern through the
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CHAPTER 19 CONTROL VALVES 425
valve is designed so that the pressure drop across the seat at A tends to open the plug
and the pressure drop across the seat at B tends to close the plug. This counterbalancing
of forces on the plugs reduces the effort needed to open the valve with the result that a
smaller, less expensive actuator is needed.
Stem
Packing
A
B
FIGURE 19–2
Double-seated control valve.
In a double-seated valve, it is difficult to have tight shutoff. If one plug has tight
closure, there is usually a small gap between the other plug and its seat. For this reason,
single-seated valves are recommended if the valve is required to be shut tight. In many
processes, the valve is used for throttling flow and is never expected to operate near
its shutoff position. For these conditions, the fact that the valve has a small leakage at
shutoff position does not create a problem.
19.2 VALVE SIZING
To specify the size of a valve in terms of its capacity, the following equation is used:
∆pvalve
q ⫽ Cv f ( x ) (19.1)
sg
where q flow rate, gal/min
f (x) fraction of maximum flow ( 1 for fully open)
x fractional stem position (i.e., fraction open)
∆ pvalve pressure drop across the valve, psi
sg specific gravity of fluid at stream temperature relative to water; for
water sg 1
Cv factor associated with capacity of valve
Equation (19.1) applies to the flow of an incompressible, nonflashing fluid through the
valve. Manufacturers rate the size of a valve in terms of the factor Cv. Sometimes Cv is
defined as the flow (gal/min) of a fluid of unit specific gravity (water) through a fully
open valve, across which a pressure drop of 1.0 psi exists. This verbal definition is, of
course, obtained directly from Eq. (19.1) by letting f (x) 1, ∆ pvalve 1, and sg 1.
Equation (19.1) is based on the well-known Bernoulli equation for determining the
pressure drop across valves and resistances. It is important to emphasize that Cv must be
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426 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
determined from Eq. (19.1) using the units listed. Since so many valves in use are rated
in terms of Cv, Eq. (19.1) is of practical importance; however, some industries now are
defining a valve coefficient Kv defined by the equation
∆pvalve
q ⫽ Kv
sg
where q flow rate, m3/h
∆ pvalve pressure drop across valve, kgf/cm2
sg specific gravity of fluid relative to water
The relation between Kv and Cv is
K v ⫽ 0 . 856Cv
For gases and steam, modified versions of Eq. (19.1) are used in which Cv is still used
as a factor.
Manufacturers of valves provide brochures, nomographs, and computer programs
for sizing valves for use with gases and steam.
In general, as the physical size of a valve body (i.e., size of pipe connectors)
increases, the value of Cv increases. For a sliding stem and plug type of control valve,
the value of Cv is roughly equal to the square of the pipe size multiplied by 10. Using
this rule, a 3-in control valve should have a Cv of about 90, with units corresponding to
those of Eq. (19.1). This implies the capacity of the fully open valve is 90 gal/min with
a pressure drop of 1 psi.
Example 19.1 A valve with a Cv rating of 4.0 is used to throttle the flow of
glycerine for which sg 1.26. Determine the maximum flow through the valve
for a pressure drop of 100 psi.
100
q ⫽ 4.0 ⫽ 35 . 6 gal / min
1 . 26
The coefficient Cv varies with the design of the valve (shape, size, roughness) and
the Reynolds number for the flow through the valve. This relationship is analogous to
the relationship between the friction factor and roughness and the Reynolds number for
flow through a pipe. For relatively nonviscous fluids, Cv in Eq. (19.1) can be taken as a
constant for a valve of given size and type. The reason for this is that at high Reynolds
numbers, the friction factor changes very little with flow rate. Except for very viscous
fluids, the flow through a valve, which involves sudden contraction and expansion, is in
the turbulent regime of fluid flow; turbulence in the valve exists even if the flow in the
supply pipe is near the critical Reynolds number of 2100.
Consequently, for relatively nonviscous fluids, Eq. (19.1) is satisfactory for sizing
a valve for any fluid. For the control of flow of very viscous fluids, such as tar or molas-
ses, the value of Cv found from Eq. (19.1) must be multiplied by a correction factor that
depends on viscosity, density, flow rate, and valve size (i.e., on the Reynolds number).
Methods for determining the viscosity correction factor are provided by manufacturers
for their valves. If one does not apply the correction factor for a very viscous fluid, the
value of Cv will be too low and the valve will be undersized.
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CHAPTER 19 CONTROL VALVES 427
19.3 VALVE CHARACTERISTICS
The function of a control valve is to vary the flow of fluid through the valve by means
of a change of pressure to the valve top. The relation between the flow through the
valve and the valve stem position (or lift) is called the valve characteristic, which can
be conveniently described by means of a graph as shown in Fig. 19–3 where three types
of characteristics are illustrated.
1.0
f, fraction of maximum flow
III
I
0.5
II
FIGURE 19–3
Inherent valve characteristics (pressure drop across valve is
0 constant).
0 0.5 1.0 I: Linear, II: increasing sensitivity (e.g., equal-percentage valve),
x, fraction of maximum lift and III: decreasing sensitivity (e.g., square root valve).
In general, the flow through a control valve for a specific fluid at a given temperature
can be expressed as
q ⫽ f1 ( L , p0 , p1 ) (19.2)
where q volumetric flow rate
L valve stem position (or lift)
p0 upstream pressure
p1 downstream pressure
The inherent valve characteristic is determined for fixed values of p0 and p1, for which
case Eq. (19.2) becomes
q ⫽ f2 ( L ) (19.3)
or, in other words, the flow is a function of the valve stem position.
For convenience, let
q L
f⫽ and x⫽
qmax Lmax
where qmax maximum flow when valve is fully open (stem is at its maximum lift
Lmax)
x fraction of maximum lift
f fraction of maximum flow
In general, f will be a function of x, which we will denote as f (x). Equation (19.3) may
be written as
L q
f ⫽ f (x) ⫽
Lmax
(19.4)
qmax
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428 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
The types of valve characteristics can be defined in terms of the sensitivity of the
valve, which is simply the fractional change in flow to the fractional change in stem
position for fixed upstream and downstream pressures; mathematically, sensitivity may
be written
df
Sensitivity ⫽
dx
In terms of valve characteristics, valves can be divided into three types: decreasing sensi-
tivity (square root or quick-opening), linear, and increasing sensitivity (equal-percentage).
These types are shown in Fig. 19–3 where the fractional flow f (x) is plotted against frac-
tional lift x. For the decreasing sensitivity type, the sensitivity (or slope) decreases with
increasing flow. For the linear type, the sensitivity is constant and the characteristic curve
is a straight line. For the increasing sensitivity type, the sensitivity increases with flow.
Valve characteristic curves, such as the ones shown in Fig. 19–3, can be obtained
experimentally for any valve by measuring the flow through the valve as a function
of lift (or valve-top pressure) under conditions of constant upstream and downstream
pressures. Two types of valves that are widely used are the linear valve and the equal-
percentage valve.
Linear Valves
The linear valve is one for which the sensitivity is constant and the relation between
flow and lift is linear. For the linear valve, the mathematical relationship is
df (19.5)
⫽a
dx
where a is a constant.
Assuming that the valve is shut tight when the lift is at lowest position, we have
f 0 at x 0. For a single-seated valve that is not badly worn, the valve can be shut off
for x 0. Recall that the definitions of x and f require that f 1 at x 1. Integrating
Eq. (19.5) and introducing the limits f 0 at x 0 and f 1 at x 1 give
1 1
∫0 df ⫽ ∫0 a dx
Integrating this equation and inserting limits give
a ⫽1
For a 1, Eq. (19.5) can now be integrated to give
f (x) ⫽ x linear valve (19.6)
Equal-Percentage Valves
For the equal-percentage valve, the defining equation is
df
⫽ bf (19.7)
dx
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CHAPTER 19 CONTROL VALVES 429
where b is constant. Integration of this equation gives
x
f df
∫f 0 f
⫽ ∫ b dx (19.8)
0
or
f (19.9)
ln ⫽ bx
f0
where f0 is the flow at x 0. Rearranging gives
f ⫽ f0 e b x (19.10)
The term b can be expressed in terms of f0 by inserting f 1 at x 1 into Eq. (19.9).
The result is
1
b ⫽ ln
f0
If we substitute for b in Eq. (19.10), we obtain
x ln (1 / f0 )
⫽ f0 e ( 0 ) ⫽ f0 e ( 0 )
x ⫺x
⫽ f0 f0⫺x ⫽ f01⫺ x
ln 1 / f ln f
f ⫽ f0 e
which is of the form
f ⫽ a x ⫺1 equal-percentage valve (19.11)
where a 1/f0 is a constant.
Equation (19.9) shows that a plot of f versus x on semilog coordinates gives a
straight line. A convenient way to determine if a valve is of the equal-percentage type is
to plot the flow versus lift on semilog coordinates. The relation expressed by Eq. (19.9)
is the basis for calling the valve characteristic logarithmic. The basis for calling the valve
characteristic equal percentage can be seen by rearranging Eq. (19.7) into the form
df ∆f
⫽ b dx or ⫽ b ∆x
f f
In this form it can be seen that an equal fractional (or percentage) change in
flow ∆ f/f occurs for a specified increment of change in stem position ∆ x, regardless of
where the change in stem position occurs along the characteristic curve. In integrating
Eq. (19.7), the flow was assumed to be f0 at x 0. Mathematically this is necessary,
because f0 cannot be taken as zero at x 0 because the term on the left side of Eq. (19.9)
becomes infinite. In practice, there may be some leakage (hence f0 0) when the stem
is at its lowest position for a double-seated valve or for a valve in which the plug and
seat have become worn.
For some valves, especially large ones, the valve manufacturer intentionally
allows some leakage at minimum lift (x 0) to prevent binding and wearing of the
plug and seat surfaces. For a valve that does shut tight and is also classified as an equal-
percentage valve, the equal-percentage characteristic will not be followed when the
valve is nearly shut. In practice, the control valve serves as a throttling valve and is not
intended to be wide open or completely closed during normal operation.
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430 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
To express the range over which an equal-percentage valve will follow the equal-
percentage characteristic, the term rangeability is used. Rangeability is defined as the
ratio of maximum flow to minimum controllable flow over which the valve character-
istic is followed.
f ( x )max
Rangeability ⫽
f ( x )min, controllable
For example, if f0 is 0.02, the rangeability is 50. It is not uncommon for a control valve
to have a rangeability as high as 50.
In practice, the ideal characteristics for linear and equal-percentage valves are
only approximated by commercially available valves. These discrepancies cause no dif-
ficulty because the inherent characteristics are changed considerably when the valve
is installed in a line having resistance to flow, a situation that usually prevails in prac-
tice. The inherent valve characteristics are shown in Table 19.1. In the next section, the
effect of line loss on the effective valve characteristic will be discussed.
TABLE 19.1
Inherent valve characteristics
df
Valve type Sensitivity Relationship
dx
Linear Constant f (x) x
Equal-percentage Increasing f (x) ax1
Square root or quick-opening Decreasing f (x ) ⫽ x
Effective Valve Characteristic
When a valve is placed in a line that offers resistance to flow, the inherent charac-
teristic of the valve will be altered. The relation between flow and stem position
(or valve-top pressure) for a valve installed in a process line is called the effective valve
characteristic.
pv
Water p0
supply
p1
L
FIGURE 19–4
Control valve with supply line.
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CHAPTER 19 CONTROL VALVES 431
Consider a linear control valve attached to the end of a pipeline that delivers water to
an open tank. A diagram of the system is shown in Fig. 19–4. If the pipe is of large
diameter relative to the size of the control valve, the pressure drop in the line will be
negligible and the full pressure drop p0 p1 will be across the valve as the lift varies
between 0 and 1 (from fully closed to fully open). In this case a plot of flow versus lift
will give a linear relation as shown by curve I of Fig. 19–5. This curve is for the flow of
water at 5°C through a control valve for which Cv 4.0 and the overall pressure drop
p0 p1 is 100 psi. To show the effect of line loss, curve II is constructed for the same
conditions as curve I, with the exception that 100 ft of 1.0-in (inside diameter) pipe is
used to supply the valve.
Example 19.2 will give the detailed calculations used to obtain the results
in Fig. 19–5. For 100 ft of pipe, the plot of flow versus lift gives curve II, shown in
Fig. 19–5, in which the curve falls away or droops from the linear relation that holds for
no line loss. Since line loss is proportional to the square of the velocity, the line loss is
very small when the valve is nearly closed, for which case the total pressure drop is across
the valve. For this reason, curves I and II in Fig. 19–5 are close together at low rates.
A rule often followed in industrial application of control valves is that the pressure
drop across the wide-open valve should be greater than 25 percent of the pressure
drop across the closed valve. A valve not selected according to this rule will lose its
effectiveness to control at high flow rates.
40
30 I
q, gal/min
II
20
10
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
x, fraction lift
FIGURE 19–5
Effect of line loss on control valve characteristics from Example 19.2.
I: No pressure drop in supply line to valve, II: pressure drop present in supply line to valve.
Example 19.2. Determine the flow versus lift relation for the linear control
valve installed in the flow system of Fig. 19–4. The fluid is water at 5°C. The
following data apply.
Pipe length 100 ft
Inside pipe diameter 1 in
Density of water 62.4 lb/ft3
Viscosity of water 1.5 cP
Cv of control valve 4.0
Total pressure drop p0 p1 ∆ ptotal 100 psi
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432 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
If there is no line loss, as is the case for a large-diameter line, then ∆ ptotal
∆ pvalve, and the maximum flow can be calculated from Eq. (19.1):
∆pvalve 100
q ⫽ Cv f ( x ) ⫽ 4 . 0(1 . 0) ⫽ 40 . 0 gal / min
sg 1
To determine the flow/lift relation for the case of line loss, we arbitrarily start the
calculation with a flow of 30 gal/min. The pressure drop in the 100 ft-pipe can be
calculated from the well-known expression from fluid mechanics
32 f LρQ 2
∆ppipe ⫽ (19.12)
144p 2 gc D 5
where ∆ ppipe pressure loss in line, psi
lbm ⭈ ft / s2
gc ⫽ 32 . 174
lbf
r density of fluid, lbm/ft3
f Fanning friction factor, dimensionless
Q volumetric flow through pipe, ft3/s
L pipe length, ft
D inside pipe diameter, ft
The Fanning friction factor is a function of the Reynolds number and the
pipe roughness. Equation (19.11) and a correlation for the Fanning friction fac-
tor can be found in the literature (Perry and Green, 1999). We now calculate the
Reynolds number Re:
Dur
Re ⫽
m
Replacing the velocity u with Q/[(p/4)D2] gives
4Qr (19.13)
Re ⫽
pmD
30 gal / min ft 3 ft 3
Q ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 066 8 ⫽ 240 . 6
(60 s/min ) ( 7.48 gal / ft3 ) s h
( 4 ) ( 240.6 ft3 / h ) ( 62.4 lb / ft3 )
Re ⫽ = 63, 220
( )
1
12
lb / (ft ⭈ h)
(p ) ft (1.50 cP ) 2.42 cP
For this value of Reynolds number and for smooth pipe, the Fanning friction fac-
tor f is 0.005. Equation (19.12) may now be used to calculate the line loss:
( 32 ) ( 0 . 005) (100 ) ( 62 . 4 ) ( 0 . 0668 )
2
∆ppipe ⫽ ⫽ 24 . 2 psi
(144 ) (p 2 ) (32.2) ( 121 )
5
Therefore, ∆ pvalve 100 psi 24.2 psi 75.8 psi.
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CHAPTER 19 CONTROL VALVES 433
We next calculate the flow through the wide-open valve that gives a pres-
sure drop of 75.8 psi:
∆pvalve 75 . 8
qmax ⫽ Cv f (x)
⫽ 4.0 ⫽ 34 . 8 gal / min
x for linear ,
sg 1
f ( x ) ⫽ x ⫽1
for max. fl o w
Recall that we arbitrarily started this calculation with a flow rate of 30 gal/min.
Now, since a flow of 34.8 gal/min through the wide-open valve produces a pres-
sure drop of 75.8 psi, we conclude that the valve must be partially closed since we
have ∆ pvalve 75.8 psi with only 30 gal/min of flow. Since the valve is linear,
we can calculate the lift x as follows:
q 30
f (x) ⫽ x ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 86
qmax 34 . 8
Linear valve
We can generalize this calculation to generate the data necessary to produce
Fig. 19–5.
q q q
x ⫽ ⫽ ⫽
qmax Cv ∆pvalve / sg 4 ∆pvalve
We also know that
∆ptotal ⫽ 100 psi ⫽ ∆ppipe + ∆pvalve
We can observe that the pressure drop through the pipe is proportional to the
square of the flow rate through the pipe [Eq. (19.12)]. Therefore, we can write
( ∆ppipe )old 2
qold qold
2
⫽ ⫽
( ∆ppipe )new 2
qnew qnew
We have one data point that we have already calculated: q 30 gal/min and
∆ pvalve 24.2 psi, so
2
24 . 2 psi 30 gpm
⫽
∆ppipe q
and
2
q
∆ppipe ⫽ ( 24.2 psi)
30 gpm
From the expression for the total pressure drop, we can write
2
q
∆pvalve ⫽ ∆ptotal ⫺ ∆ppipe ⫽ 100 psi ⫺ ( 24.2 psi)
30 gpm
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434 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Finally, we can substitute this back into the expression for x.
q q
x ⫽ ⫽
4 ∆pvalve q
2
4 100 psi ⫺ ( 24.2 psi)
30 gpm
Using this equation, we can generate the effective characteristic curve (curve II)
shown in Fig. 19–5. The data are summarized in Table 19.2.
TABLE 19.2
Effective characteristic for a linear valve with supply line loss
Curve I pressure drop in valve only Curve II pressure drop in valve and pipe
Flow Valve pressure Valve pressure
q, gal/min Stem position x drop, psi Stem position x drop, psi
0 0.00 100 0.00 100
10 0.25 100 0.25 97
20 0.50 100 0.53 89
30 0.75 100 0.86 76
30.5 0.76 100 0.88 75
31 0.78 100 0.90 74
31.5 0.79 100 0.92 73
32 0.80 100 0.94 72
32.5 0.81 100 0.96 72
33 0.83 100 0.98 71
33.5 0.84 100 1.00 70
34 0.85 100
34.5 0.86 100
35 0.88 100
35.5 0.89 100
36 0.90 100
36.5 0.91 100
37 0.93 100
37.5 0.94 100
38 0.95 100
38.5 0.96 100
39 0.98 100
39.5 0.99 100
40 1.00 100
Example 19.3. A control valve is to be installed in the flow system of Fig. 19–4.
The valve is supplied by water at 5°C through 200 ft of pipe having an inside diam-
eter of 1.0 in. The total pressure drop p0 p1 is 100 psi. When the valve is wide
open, the flow is to be 30 gal/min. Determine Cv for the valve. Plot the effective
characteristic curve for the valve as flow versus lift. Do this problem for a lin-
ear valve and for an equal-percentage valve. The equal-percentage valve has an
a 33.3.
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CHAPTER 19 CONTROL VALVES 435
Linear valve. To obtain the pressure drop in the line, use is made of Eqs. (19.12)
and (19.13) as was done in Example 19.2. From Eq. (19.13), we obtain the Reyn-
olds number as follows:
30 ft 3 ft 3
q ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 0668 ⫽ 240 . 6
(60)(7 . 48) s h
4qr ( 4 ) ( 240.6 ft3 / h ) ( 62.4 lb / ft3 )
Re ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 63, 2 20
lb / ( ft ⭈ h )
(p ) ( 112 ft ) (1.50 cP ) 2.42 cP
pm D
From a correlation for the Fanning friction factor, we obtain f 0.005. From Eq.
(19.12), the line loss is calculated to be
∆p ⫽
(32) ( 0.005) ( 200 ) (62.4 ) ( 0.0668)2 ⫽ 48. 4 psi
(144 ) (p 2 ) (32.2) ( 121 )
5
∆pvalve ⫽ 100 ⫺ 48 . 4 ⫽ 51. 6 psi
From knowledge of the maximum flow through the wide-open valve (30 gal/min)
and ∆ pvalve, we calculate Cv from Eq. (19.1) as follows:
qmax 30
Cv ⫽ ⫽ ⫽ 4 . 18
∆pvalve / sg 51 . 6
Now that we have Cv, we can calculate the stem position x needed for various
flow rates q.
As we showed in Example 19.2, the pressure drop through the pipe is pro-
portional to the square of the flow rate. Since the total pressure drop is constant,
we can calculate the pressure drop across the valve for any flow rate.
2
q
∆pvalve ⫽ ∆ptotal ⫺ ∆ppipe ⫽ 100 psi ⫺ ( 48.4 psi)
30 gpm
We can generalize the rest of the solution procedure for this problem as follows:
1. Pick a value for q (less than qmax, 30 gal/min in this case).
2
q
2. Find ∆pvalve ⫽ 100 psi ⫺ ( 48.4 psi)
30 gpm
3. Find
2
∆pvalve ∆pvalve q
qmax ⫽ Cv f ( x ) ⫽ ( 4.18 ) (1.0 ) ⫽ 4.18 100 psi ⫺ ( 48.4 psi ).
sg 1 30 gpm
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436 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
q q
4. Find f ( x ) ⫽ ⫽ .
qmax 4 . 18 100 ⫺ ( q / 30 ) ( 48 . 4 )
2
5. Find x f (x) for a linear valve.
As a numerical example,
1. Choose q 20 gal/min.
2
20
2. ⌬pvalve ⫽ 100 psi ⫺ ( 48.4 psi) ⫽ 7 8. 5 psi
30 gpm
3. qmax ⫽ 4 . 18 78 . 5 ⫽ 37 gpm
20
4. f ( x ) ⫽ ⫽ 0 . 54
37
5. x f (x) 0.54 for a linear valve
For other flow rates, one can repeat this procedure to obtain values of x. The
results are shown in Table 19.3 and in Fig. 19–6. The latter also shows the inher-
ent characteristic of the linear valve for comparison with the effective character-
istic of the valve when line loss is present.
Equal-percentage valve. Calculation of the effective characteristic will now be
made for an equal-percentage valve having the same Cv of 4.18 as calculated for
the linear valve in the first part of this example. The procedure (steps 1 to 5) that
we outlined above for the linear valve applies to this case as well, except that we
must modify step 5 for an equal-percentage valve. The relationship between stem
position and fraction of maximum flow is given by Eq. (19.11).
f ( x ) ⫽ a x ⫺1 (19.11)
Solving Eq. (19.11) for x, we get
ln f ( x )
x ⫽ 1⫹
ln a
For this example, a 33.3, and we modify step 5 from above to determine x as
follows:
ln f ( x ) ln f ( x ) ln f ( x )
5. Find x ⫽ 1 ⫹ ⫽ 1⫹ ⫽ 1⫹
ln a ln 33 . 3 3 . 51
For a flow rate of 20 gal/min, we found f (x) 0.54 above. For the equal-percent-
age valve, we can now find the stem position.
ln(0 . 54 )
x ⫽ 1⫹ ⫽ 0 . 82
3 . 51
For other values of flow, corresponding values of x are calculated for the equal-
percentage valve, and the results are shown in Table 19.3 and Fig. 19–6.
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CHAPTER 19 CONTROL VALVES 437
TABLE 19.3
Effective characteristics for a linear and an equal percentage valve (Example 19.3)
Q Ppipe Pvalve Qmax x x x
(gal/min) (psi) (psi) (gal/min) Linear Equal-percentage Linear, inherent
2 0.22 99.78 41.76 0.05 0.13 0.07
4 0.86 99.14 41.62 0.10 0.33 0.13
6 1.94 98.06 41.39 0.14 0.45 0.20
8 3.44 96.56 41.07 0.19 0.53 0.27
10 5.38 94.62 40.66 0.25 0.60 0.33
12 7.74 92.26 40.15 0.30 0.66 0.40
14 10.54 89.46 39.54 0.35 0.70 0.47
16 13.77 86.23 38.82 0.41 0.75 0.53
18 17.42 82.58 37.98 0.47 0.79 0.60
20 21.51 78.49 37.03 0.54 0.82 0.67
22 26.03 73.97 35.95 0.61 0.86 0.73
24 30.98 69.02 34.73 0.69 0.89 0.80
26 36.35 63.65 33.35 0.78 0.93 0.87
28 42.16 57.84 31.79 0.88 0.96 0.93
30 48.40 51.60 30.03 1.00 1.00 1.00
30
25
20
Q, gal/min
15
10
Inherent linear
5 Effective equal %
Effective linear
0
0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00
x, fraction lift
FIGURE 19–6
Comparison of effective characteristics for linear and equal-percentage
valves from Example 19.3.
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438 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
BENEFIT OF AN EQUAL-PERCENTAGE VALVE. It is often stated in the control
literature that the benefit derived from an equal-percentage valve arises from its
inherent nonlinear characteristic that compensates for the line loss to give an effec-
tive valve characteristic that is nearly linear. A study of Fig. 19–6 shows that in this
example an equal-percentage valve overcompensates for line loss and produces an
effective characteristic that is not linear, but is bowed in the opposite direction to
that of the effective characteristic of the linear valve. In summary, neither valve in
this example produces an effective characteristic that is linear. One can show that
as the line loss increases, the linear valve will depart more from the ideal linear
relation and the equal-percentage valve will move more closely toward the linear
relation.
In practice, a valve designated as linear will not give a linear characteristic exactly
as defined in this chapter. To achieve a truly linear characteristic would require very
careful design and precision machining of the valve plug and seat. The same comment
can be made for an equal-percentage valve, as defined by Eq. (19.11). To know the
effective characteristic of a valve, one must test it experimentally.
19.4 VALVE POSITIONER
The operation of an ideal air-to-open control valve is shown in Fig. 19–7a. Any given
air pressure signal to the valve results in a unique stem position x. The friction in the
packing and guiding surfaces of a control valve often causes a control valve to exhibit
hysteresis, as shown in Fig. 19–7b. When the air pressure increases to the valve top,
the stem position increases along the lower curve. When the air pressure decreases, the
stem position decreases along the upper curve. At the moment the air pressure signal
reverses, the stem position stays in the last position until the dead band H is exceeded,
after which the pressure begins to decrease or increase along the paths shown by the
arrows. If the valve is subjected to a slow periodic variation in pressure, a typical
path taken by the stem position is shown by the closed curve ABCDA in Fig. 19–7b.
No hysteresis Hysteresis
B D C
x, stem position
x, stem position
Closing
A Opening
B
H
A
pv, signal to valve pv, signal to valve
(a) (b)
FIGURE 19–7
Control valve hysteresis.
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CHAPTER 19 CONTROL VALVES 439
The net result of this behavior is that the same air pressure signal to the valve top cor-
responds to two different stem positions, depending upon whether the valve is in the
process of opening or closing.
The hysteresis described in the previous paragraph should be distinguished from
the dynamic lag of a valve discussed in Chap. 9. The dynamic lag discussed in Chap. 9
is caused by the volume of space above the valve diaphragm, the resistance to flow of
air to the valve top, and the inertia of the valve stem and plug; such a lag is expressed
by a first-order or second-order transfer function. On the other hand, hysteresis, which
is caused by the friction between the stem and the packing, is a nonlinear phenomenon
and cannot be expressed by a transfer function. A valve can exhibit both dynamic lag
and hysteresis.
The presence of hysteresis in the valve can cause the controlled signal to exhibit
an oscillation or ripple called a limit cycle. Since this limit cycle is usually considered
objectionable and contributes to the wear of the valve, a method is needed to eliminate
it. Since the limit cycle is a nonlinear phenomenon related to the hysteresis, controller
tuning is not a solution to the problem.
To reduce the deleterious effect of hysteresis and to also speed up the response
of the valve, one can attach to the control valve a positioner that acts as a high-gain
proportional controller that receives a set point signal from the primary controller and
a measurement from the valve stem position. In this sense, the addition of a valve posi-
tioner introduces a form of cascade control, which was discussed in a previous chap-
ter. A sketch of a control valve with a positioner attached is shown in Fig. 19–8. The
positioner, bolted to the valve actuator, has an arm that is clamped to the valve stem to
detect the stem position.
Notice that the valve positioner shown in Fig. 19–8 has the usual connections
for a controller: a set point that calls for a desired stem position in the form of a signal
from the primary controller pc, a measurement in the form of stem position x, and a
pneumatic output in the form of a pressure to the valve top pv. Some positioners are
now electronic microprocessor-based controllers, while others are still pneumatically
based. Valve positioners are especially important for speeding up the valve motion and
eliminating hysteresis and valve stem friction.
Output to valve pv
Valve positioner
Signal from
controller pc
pv Valve position
indicator
x
Arm attached to stem
to sense valve position
FIGURE 19–8
Control valve with positioner. (Compare with Fig. 19–1.)
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440 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
SUMMARY
The control valve is a component of a control system often overlooked in a course
on process control. In this chapter, the description, selection, and sizing of pneumatic
control valves were presented. Valves may be of the pressure-to-close or the pressure-
to-open type; the selection of the type is often related to safety considerations. If the air
pressure fails, the valve should return to a position that ensures safe operating condi-
tions for a process.
The flow capacity of a valve is based on an equation relating flow to the square
root of the pressure drop across the valve; the proportionality constant Cv in this equa-
tion is a measure of the valve’s capacity for flow—the larger Cv, the larger the flow.
Valves are classified according to their inherent flow characteristics such as linear
or equal-percentage. A linear valve produces a flow (for constant pressure drop across
the valve) that is proportional to the valve stem position, which in turn is proportional
to the valve-top pressure.
The presence of a long, small-diameter line supplying a valve causes the pressure
drop across the valve to decrease with the increase of flow, for a fixed overall pressure
drop across the system. If the pressure drop in the line is excessive, the characteristic of
the linear valve will become nonlinear and in terms of control theory, the steady-state
gain Kv of the valve decreases with flow.
As a result of the change in valve gain, the controller in the loop must be read-
justed for different flow rates to maintain the same degree of stability. To overcome this
limitation of the linear valve, an equal-percentage (or logarithmic) valve is available for
which the gain of the valve increases with flow rate. Such a valve compensates for the
line loss and produces an effective characteristic that approaches a linear relation. The
basis for the name equal-percentage (or logarithmic) is related to one form of the math-
ematical expression that describes the valve. In this form, an equal-percentage change
in flow occurs for a specified change in stem position, regardless of the stem position.
To eliminate hysteresis, which can produce cycling and cause wear of the valve
plug and seat, a valve positioner may be attached to a control valve. The positioner also
speeds up the motion of the valve in response to a signal from the controller.
PROBLEMS
19.1. A linear control valve having a Cv of 0.1 is connected to a source of water. If the pressure
drop across the valve is 400 psi and if the pneumatic pressure to the valve top is 12 psig,
what is the flow rate through the valve? The valve goes from completely shut to completely
open as the valve-top pressure varies from 3 to 15 psig.
19.2. (a) Under what conditions would an equal-percentage valve be used instead of a linear
valve?
(b) What are some reasons to use a valve positioner?
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CHAPTER
19
CAPSULE SUMMARY
Air signal Air signal
Diaphragm Diaphragm
ACTUATOR ACTUATOR
Packing Packing
Stem Stem
VALVE VALVE
Supply Delivery Supply Delivery
Plug Plug
Seat Seat
Air-to-Close Valve Air-to-Open Valve
FIGURE 19–1
Single-seated control valves.
Control valves can be air-to-open or air-to-close. The choice is usually made so
that the valve fails in the safe position upon loss of air signal pressure.
∆pvalve
Valve sizing equation q ⫽ Cv f ( x ) (19.1)
sg
where q flow rate, gal/min
x fractional stem position (i.e., fraction open)
∆ pvalve pressure drop across valve, psi
f (x) fraction of maximum flow ( 1 for fully open)
Cv factor associated with capacity of valve
sg specific gravity of fluid (water sg 1)
Equation (19.1) applies to the flow of an incompressible, nonflashing fluid
through a fully open valve. Factor Cv can be defined as the flow (gal/min) of a fluid of
unit specific gravity (water) through a fully open valve, across which a pressure drop of
1.0 psi exists. Therefore, the bigger Cv, the larger the valve.
441
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442 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Valve type Sensitivity df Relationship
dx
Linear (I) Constant f(x) x
Equal-percentage (II) Increasing f(x) ax1
Square root or quick-opening (III) Decreasing f (x ) ⫽ x
A valve positioner is a device that can be attached to a valve that drives the valve
to the desired position, in spite of friction or hysteresis.
1.0
f, fraction of maximum flow
III
I
0.5
II
0
0 0.5 1.0
x, fraction of maximum lift
FIGURE 19–3
Inherent valve characteristics (pressure drop across valve is constant).
I: Linear, II: increasing sensitivity (e.g., equal-percentage valve), and III: decreasing sensitivity (e.g., square
root valve).
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CHAPTER
20
THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF
COMPLEX PROCESSES
T o investigate theoretically the control of a process, it is necessary first to know
the dynamic character of the process that is being controlled. In previous chap-
ters, the processes have been very simple for the purpose of illustrating control theory.
Many physical processes are extremely complicated, and it requires considerable effort
to construct a mathematical model that will adequately simulate the dynamics of the
actual system. In this chapter, we analyze several complex systems to indicate some
of the types of problems that can be encountered. In these examples, the technique of
linearization, first presented in Chap. 5, is applied to a function of several variables.
One example leads to a multiloop control system. In Sec. 20.3 distributed-parameter
systems are discussed.
20.1 CONTROL OF A STEAM-JACKETED
KETTLE
The dynamic response and control of the steam-jacketed kettle shown in Fig. 20–1 are
to be considered. The system consists of a kettle through which water flows at a vari-
able rate w lb/time. The entering water is at temperature Ti, which may vary with time.
The kettle water, which is well agitated, is heated by steam condensing in the jacket at
temperature Tv and pressure pv. The temperature of the water in the kettle is measured
and transmitted to the controller. The output signal from the controller is used to change
the stem position of the valve, which adjusts the flow of steam to the jacket. The major
problem in this example is to determine the dynamic characteristics of the kettle. The
kettle is actually a nonlinear system, and to obtain a linear model, a number of simplify-
ing assumptions are needed.
443
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444 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Computer/Controller
Temperature-measuring
element
w Water
Ti
Control valve
m
To Steam
Tv wv
Jacket Pv
wall
wc
Tc Condensate
w
To
FIGURE 20–1
Control of a steam-jacketed kettle.
Analysis of Kettle
The following assumptions are made for the kettle:
1. The heat loss to the atmosphere is negligible.
2. The holdup volume of water in the kettle is constant.
3. The thermal capacity of the kettle wall, which separates steam from water, is neg-
ligible compared with that of the water in the kettle.
4. The thermal capacity of the outer jacket wall, adjacent to the surroundings, is finite,
and the temperature of this jacket wall is uniform and equal to the steam tempera-
ture at any instant.
5. The kettle water is sufficiently agitated to result in a uniform temperature.
6. The flow of heat from the steam to the water in the kettle is described by the
expression
q ⫽ U ( Tv ⫺ To )
where q ⫽ flow rate of heat, Btu/(h · ft2)
U ⫽ overall heat-transfer coefficient, Btu/(h · ft2 · °F)
Tv ⫽ steam temperature, °F
To ⫽ water temperature, °F
The overall heat-transfer coefficient U is constant.
7. The heat capacities of water and the metal wall are constant.
8. The density of water is constant.
9. The steam in the jacket is saturated.
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 445
The assumptions listed here are more or less arbitrary. For a specific kettle operat-
ing under a particular set of conditions, some of these assumptions may require
modification.
The approach to this problem is to make an energy balance on the water side
and another energy balance on the steam side. To aid the development of the transfer
functions, a schematic diagram of the kettle is shown in Fig. 20–2. The symbols used
throughout this analysis are defined as follows:
Ti temperature of inlet water, °F
To temperature of outlet water, °F
Tv temperature of jacket steam, °F
Tc temperature of condensate, °F
w flow rate of inlet water, lb/time
wv flow rate of steam, lb/time
wc flow rate of condensate from kettle, lb/time
m mass of water in kettle, lb
m1 mass of jacket wall, lb
V volume of jacket steam space, ft3
C heat capacity of water, Btu/(lb · °F)
C1 heat capacity of metal in jacket wall, Btu/(lb · °F)
A cross-sectional area for heat exchange, ft2
t time
Hv specific enthalpy of steam entering, Btu/lb
Hc specific enthalpy of condensate leaving, Btu/lb
Uv specific internal energy of steam in jacket, Btu/lb
rv density of steam in jacket, lb/ft3
m1 A
Steam Water w
wv Tv To Ti
Pv m
wc w
Tc To
FIGURE 20–2
Schematic diagram of kettle.
An energy balance on the water side gives
dTo
wC ( Ti To ) UA ( Tv To ) mC (20.1)
dt
In Eq. (20.1), the terms C, U, A, and m are constants. The first term in Eq. (20.1) is non-
linear, since it contains the product of flow rate and temperature, that is, wTi and wTo.
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446 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
To obtain a transfer function from Eq. (20.1), these nonlinear terms must be linearized.
Before continuing the analysis, we digress briefly to discuss the general problem of
linearization of a function of several variables.
Recall from Chap. 5 [Eq. (5.39)] that a function of two variables z(x, y) can be
expanded around an operating point xs, ys by means of a Taylor series expansion:
z z
z z ( xs , ys ) ( x xs ) ( y ys )
x xs , ys y xs , ys
(20.2)
h igher-order terms in x xs and y ys
The subscript s stands for steady state.
In control problems, the operating point (xs, ys), around which the expansion is
to be made, is selected at steady-state values of the variables before any disturbance
occurs. Linearization of the function z consists of retaining only the linear terms, on the
basis that the deviations (e.g., x xs) will be small. Thus,
z ⬵ zs z xs ( x xs ) z ys ( y ys ) (20.3)
where z xs and z ys are the partial derivatives in Eq. (20.2). If z is a function of three or
more variables, the linearized form is the same as that of Eq. (20.3) with an additional
term for each variable.
The linearization expressed by Eq. (20.3) may be applied to the terms wTi and
wTo in Eq. (20.1) to obtain
wTi ws Tis ws ( Ti Tis ) Tis ( w ws ) (20.4)
and
wTo ws Tos ws ( To Tos ) Tos ( w ws ) (20.5)
Notice that for these cases the nonlinear terms are wTi and wTo. The first partial deriva-
tives, evaluated at the operating point, are
( wTis )
Tis
w ws ,Tis
( wTis )
ws
w ws ,Ti
and so on.
Introducing Eqs. (20.4) and (20.5) into Eq. (20.1) gives the following linearized
equation:
dTo
[(Tis Tos ) ( w ws ) ws ( Ti To )] C UA ( Tv To ) mC
dt
(20.6)
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 447
At steady state, dTo/dt 0, and Eq. (20.1) can be written
wsC ( Tis Tos ) UA ( Tvs Tos ) 0 (20.7)
Subtracting Eq. (20.7) from Eq. (20.6), introducing the deviation variables
Ti Ti Tis
To To Tos
Tv Tv Tvs
W w ws
and rearranging give the result
( ) (
C ( Tis Tos ) W ws Ti To UA Tv To mC
d To
dt
) (20.8)
Taking the transform of Eq. (20.8) and solving for To (s) give
K1 K2 K3
To ( s ) Ti ( s ) Tv ( s ) W(s) (20.9)
t ws 1 t ws 1 t ws 1
wsC
where K1
UA wsC
UA
K2
UA wsC
C ( Tos Tis )
K3
UA wsC
mC
tw
UA wsC
From Eq. (20.9), we see that the response of To to Ti, Tv, or W is first-order with a time
constant tw. The steady-state gains (Ks) in Eq. (20.9) are all positive.
The following energy balance can be written for the steam side of the kettle:
Vd ( rvU v )
w
v Hv w
c Hc UA ( Tv To ) +
dt
in by flow out by flow o u t by convection
accumula t ion in steam
dTv (20.10)
m1C1
t
d
accumulation in kettle wall
Notice that we have made use of assumption 4 in writing the last term of Eq.
(20.10), which implies that the metal in the outer jacket wall is always at the steam
temperature.
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448 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
A mass balance on the steam side of the kettle yields
d rv
wv wc V (20.11)
dt
Combining Eqs. (20.10) and (20.11) to eliminate wc gives
d rv dTv
wv ( H v Hc ) (U v Hc ) V m1C1 UA ( Tv To )
dt dt
(20.12)
dU v
Vr v
dt
The variables rv, Uv, Hv, and Hc are functions of the steam and condensate temperatures
and can be approximated by expansion in Taylor series and linearization as follows:
r v r vs a ( Tv Tvs )
U v U vs f ( Tv Tvs )
H v H vs g ( Tv Tvs ) (20.13)
Hc Hcs s ( Tc Tcs )
dv
where a
dTv s
dU v
f
dTv s
dH v
g
dTv s
dHc
s
dTc s
The parameters a, f, g, and s in these relationships can be obtained from the steam
tables once the operating point is selected. For example, if the operating point is at
212°F and the deviation in steam temperature is 10°F, we obtain the following estimate
of g from the steam tables:
Tvs 212 F
H vs 1150 . 4 Btu / lb
Hv 1154.1 at Tv 222°F
Hv 1146.6 at Tv 202°F
1154 . 1 1146 . 6
g ⬇ 0 . 375
222 202
Hv 1150.4 0.375(Tv 212)
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 449
In a similar manner, the properties of saturated steam can be used to evaluate a, f,
and s.
Introducing the relationships of Eq. (20.13) into Eq. (20.12) and assuming the
condensate temperature Tc to be the same as the steam temperature Tv give the follow-
ing result:
H vs Hcs (g s ) ( Tv Tvs ) wv
(U vs Hcs ) ( 2f s ) ( Tv Tvs ) r vs
f m1C1
a aV (20.14)
dTv
aV UA(Tv To )
dt
Some of the terms in Eq. (20.14) can be neglected. The term
(g s ) ( Tv Tvs )
can be dropped because it is negligible compared with H vs Hcs . For example, for
steam at atmospheric pressure, a change of 10°F gives a value of (g s ) ( Tv Tvs ) of
about 7 Btu/lb while H vs Hcs is 970 Btu/lb. Similarly, the term ( 2f s ) ( Tv Tvs )
can be neglected. For example, this term is about 4 Btu/lb for a change in steam tem-
perature of 10°F for steam at about 1 atm pressure; the term U vs Hcs is 897 Btu/lb
under these conditions. Also, the term fr vs /a is about 15 Btu/lb and can be neglected.
Discarding these terms, writing the remaining terms in deviation variables, and trans-
forming yield
1 K5
Tv ( s ) To ( s ) Wv ( s ) (20.15)
t vs 1 t vs 1
where Tv Tv Tvs
Wv Wv Wvs
H vs Hcs
K5
UA
(U vs Hcs )aV m1C1
tv
UA
From Eq. (20.15), we see that the steam temperature Tv depends on the steam
flow rate Wv and the water temperature To. The combination of Eqs. (20.9) and (20.15)
gives the dynamic response of the water temperature to changes in water flow rate, inlet
water temperature, and steam flow rate. These equations are represented by a portion of
the block diagram of Fig. 20–4. Before completing the analysis of the control system,
we must consider the effect of valve stem position on the steam flow rate.
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450 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Analysis of Valve
The flow of steam through the valve depends on three variables: steam supply pres-
sure, steam pressure in the jacket, and the valve stem position, which we assume to be
proportional to the pneumatic valve-top pressure p. For simplicity, assume the steam
supply pressure to be constant with the result that the steam flow rate is a function of
only the two remaining variables; thus
wv f ( p, pv ) (20.16)
Because of the assumption that the steam in the jacket is always saturated, we know that
pv is a function of Tv; thus
pv g ( Tv ) (20.17)
This functional relation can be obtained from the saturated steam tables. Equations
(20.16) and (20.17) can be combined to give
wv f [ p, g ( Tv )] f1 ( p, Tv )
The function f1( p, Tv) is in general nonlinear, and if an analytic expression is available,
the function can be linearized as described previously. The flow of steam through a
control valve can often be represented by the relationship
wv A0Cv ps pv
(20.18)
where ps supply pressure of steam
pv pressure downstream of valve
A0 cross-sectional area for flow of steam through valve
Cv constant of valve
For a linear valve, A0 is proportional to stem position, and the stem position is propor-
tional to the valve-top pressure p; under these conditions, Eq. (20.18) takes the form
wv Cv p ps pv (20.19)
For this example, however, we assume that an analytic expression is not avail-
able. The linearized form of f1( p, Tv) can be obtained by making some experimental
tests on the valve. If the valve-top pressure is fixed at its steady-state (or average) value
and wv is measured for several values of Tv (or pv), a curve such as the one shown in
Fig. 20–3a can be obtained. If the steam temperature Tv (or pv) is held constant and the
flow rate is measured at several values of valve-top pressure, a curve such as that shown
in Fig. 20–3b can be obtained. These two curves can now be used to evaluate the partial
derivatives in the linear expansion of f1( p, Tv) as we now demonstrate.
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 451
Expanding wv about the operating point ps , Tvs and retaining only the linear
terms give
wv wv
w v w vs (p ps ) ( Tv Tvs )
p ps ,Tvs
Tv ps ,Tvs
This equation can be written in the form
1
Wv K v P Tv (20.20)
Rv
where Wv wv wvs
P p ps
Tv Tv Tvs
wv
Kv
p ps ,Tvs
1 w
v
Rv Tv ps ,Tvs
The coefficients Kv and 1/Rv in Eq. (20.20) are the slopes of the curves of Fig. 20–3
at the operating point ps , Tvs . This follows from the definition of a partial derivative.
Notice that 1/Rv has been defined as the negative of the slope so that Rv is a positive
quantity. The experimental approach described here for obtaining a linear form for the
flow characteristics of a valve is always possible in principle. However, it must be
emphasized that the linear form is useful only for small deviations from the operating
point. If the operating point is changed considerably, the coefficients Kv and 1/Rv must
be reevaluated. Notice that, in writing Eq. (20.20), we have assumed the valve to have
no dynamic lag between p and stem position. This assumption is valid for a system
having large time constants, such as a steam-jacketed kettle, as was demonstrated in
Chap. 9.
∂wv
∂wv 1 Slope = = Kv
Slope = =− ∂p s
∂Tv s Rv
wv wv
wvs wvs
p
Tvs ps
wv
Tv p pv or
Tv
(a) p = ps (b) Tv = Tvs (c)
FIGURE 20–3
Linearization of valve characteristics from experimental tests.
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452 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Block Diagram of Control System
We have now completed the analysis of the kettle and valve. A block diagram of the
control system, based on Eqs. (20.9), (20.15), and (20.20), is shown in Fig. 20–4.
G1
K1
T i′
w s+1
−
G3
K3 +
W
w s+1 −
1
Rv
G5 G2
+ P − Wv K5 + T ′v K2 +
R Gc Kv T ′o
+ v s+1 w s+1 +
− +
G4
1
v s+1
H
FIGURE 20–4
Block diagram for control of steam-jacketed kettle.
The controller action is not specified but merely denoted by Gc in the block diagram.
Also, the feedback element is denoted as H. From Fig. 20–4, we see that the steam-
jacketed kettle is a multiloop control system. Furthermore, the loops overlap. The block
diagram can be used to obtain the overall transfer function between any two variables
by applying the methods of Chap. 12. After considerable algebraic manipulation, the
following result is obtained:
Gc G2G5 K v G1 ( 1 G5 / Rv ) G3 ( 1 G5 / Rv )
To R Ti W (20.21)
D (s) D (s) D (s)
where D(s) 1 G5/Rv Gc G2 G5 Kv H G2 G4. The terms G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, Gc,
and H are defined in Fig. 20–4. For example, if Gc Kc and H 1, one obtains from
Eq. (20.21) the transfer function
To K
2 2 (20.22)
R t s 2zts 1
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 453
Kc K v K 2 K5
where K
D1
t vt w
t2
D1
t v t w K 5t w / Rv
2zt
D1
K5
D1 1 Kc K v K 2 K5 K 2
Rv
It is seen that the response of the control system is second-order when propor-
tional control is used and the measuring element does not have dynamic lag. Notice
that the parameters K, t2, and 2z t in Eq. (20.22) are positive. This follows from the fact
that the parameters Kc, Kv, K2, K5, Rv, tv, and tw are all positive and that K2 < 1. When
a block diagram of a control system becomes very complicated, such as the one in this
example, it is convenient to simulate the control system with a software package such
as Simulink.
20.2 DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF A GAS
ABSORBER
Another example of a complex system is the plate absorber shown in Fig. 20–5. The
reader who has not studied gas absorption may find this subject presented in any text-
book on chemical engineering unit operations; for example, see McCabe, Smith, and
Harriott (2004).
Water
L3 x3 V2 y2
Plate 2
Bubble cap V1 y1
L2
x2 Plate 1
Downcomer
weir
Air-
L1 x1 V0 y0 ammonia
FIGURE 20–5
Bubble-cap absorber.
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454 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
In this process, air containing a soluble gas such as ammonia is contacted with
fresh water in a two-plate column in order to remove part of the ammonia from the gas.
The action of gas bubbling through the liquid causes thorough mixing of the two phases
on each plate. During the mixing process, ammonia diffuses from the bubbles into the
liquid. In an industrial operation, many plates may be used; however, for simplicity, we
consider only two plates in this example, since the basic principles are unaffected by
the number of plates.
Our problem is to analyze the system for its dynamic response. In other words,
we want to know how the concentrations of liquid and gas change as a result of change
in inlet composition of the gas stream to be treated. We will consider the inlet flow of
the liquid phase to be constant.
Throughout the analysis, the following symbols are used:
Ln flow of liquid leaving nth plate, mol/min
Vn flow of gas leaving nth plate, mol/min
xn concentration of liquid leaving nth plate, mole fraction NH3
yn concentration of gas leaving nth plate, mole fraction NH3
Hn holdup (or storage) of liquid on nth plate, mole
To avoid too many complicating details, the following assumptions will be used:
1. The temperature and total pressure throughout the column are uniform and do not
vary with changes in flow rate.
2. The entering gas stream is dilute (say 5 mol % NH3) with the consequence that we
can neglect the decrease in total molar flow rate of gas as ammonia is removed.
Likewise, we can assume that the molar flow rate of liquid does not increase as
ammonia is added.
3. The plate efficiency is 100 percent, which means that the vapor and liquid streams
leaving a plate are in equilibrium. Such a plate is called an ideal equilibrium
stage.
4. The equilibrium relationship is linear and is given by the expression
yn mxn∗ b (20.23)
where m and b are constants that depend on the temperature and total pressure of
the system and xn∗ is the concentration of liquid in equilibrium with gas of concen-
tration yn. For an ideal plate
xn xn∗
(If the efficiency of the plate is not 100 percent, we can introduce an individual tray
efficiency of the Murphree type, defined as
xn xn 1
En
xn∗ xn 1
where xn∗ is the concentration of the liquid in equilibrium with gas of composition
∗
yn. Notice that for an ideal plate En 1 and xn xn . In general, the efficiency
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 455
of a plate depends on the design of the plate, the properties of the gas and liq-
uid streams, and the flow rates. We could include efficiency in our mathematical
model; however, to do so would greatly increase the complexity of the problem.
To account properly for the variation in efficiency with flow rates would require
empirical relationships for a specific plate design.
In this list of assumptions, the one which is most likely to be invalid for a
practical process is that the plate is an ideal equilibrium stage.)
5. The holdup of liquid Hn on each plate is constant and independent of flow rate.
Furthermore, the holdup is the same for each plate, that is, H1 H2 H.
6. The inlet liquid flow is constant. This assumption, in addition to assumptions 5
and 2, leads us to the conclusion that the liquid flows throughout the column are
constant and equal, that is, L3 L2 L1 L.
7. The holdup of gas between plates is negligible. As a consequence of this assump-
tion and assumption 2, the flow rate of gas from each plate is the same and equal to
the entering gas flow rate; that is,
V0 V1 V2 V
Analysis
We begin the analysis of this process by writing an ammonia balance around each plate.
A mass balance on ammonia around plate 1 gives
dx1
H Lx2 Vy0 Lx1 Vy1 (20.24)
dt
This last equation states that the accumulation of NH3 on plate 1 is equal to the flow of
NH3 into the plate minus the flow of NH3 out of the plate. Notice that V, L, and H do not
have subscripts because of assumptions 5 through 7.
A mass balance on ammonia around plate 2 gives
dx2
H Vy1 Lx2 Vy2 (20.25)
dt
The last equation does not contain a term Lx3, since we have assumed that x3 0 (pure
water).
For an ideal plate xn x*n, and the equilibrium relation of Eq. (20.23) becomes
yn mxn b
Substituting the equilibrium relationship into Eqs. (20.24) and (20.25) gives
dx1
H Lx2 Lx1 Vm ( x0 x1 )
dt
dx2
and H Vm ( x1 x2 ) Lx2
dt
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456 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
where x0 ( y0 b)/m is the composition of liquid that would be in equilibrium with
the entering gas of composition y0. Solving these last two equations for the derivatives
gives
dx1 L Vm
( x2 x1 ) ( x0 x1 ) (20.26)
dt H H
dx2 Vm L
( x1 x2 ) x2 (20.27)
dt H H
The analysis has resulted in two first-order differential equations. The forcing
functions in this process, which must be specified as functions of t, are the inlet gas
concentration x0 ( y0 b)/m and the inlet liquid flow rate L3 L. We can now solve
for x1(t) and x2(t). Equations (20.26) and (20.27) can be written
dx1
ax1 bx2 cx0 (20.28)
dt
dx2
cx1 ax2 (20.29)
dt
where L Vm
a
H H
L
b
H
Vm
c
H
At steady state, dx1/dt dx2/dt 0, and Eqs. (20.30) and (20.31) can be written
0 ax1s bx2s cx0 s (20.30)
0 cx1s ax2s (20.31)
Subtracting these steady-state equations from Eqs. (20.28) and (20.29) and introducing
the deviation variables X1 x1 x1s , X 2 x2 x2 s , and X 0 x0 x0 s give
dX1
aX1 bX 2 cX 0 (20.32)
dt
dX 2
cX1 aX 2 (20.33)
dt
Notice that X0 Y0 /m because
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 457
X 0 x0 x0s
y0 b y0 b y0 y0 s Y0
X0 − s
m m m m
Equations (20.32) and (20.33) can be transformed to give
sX1 aX1 bX 2 cX 0
sX 2 cX1 aX 2
We now have two algebraic equations and three unknowns (X1, X2, and X0). Solv-
ing this pair of equations to eliminate X1 and replacing X2 by Y2/m and X0 by Y0/m give
the transfer function
Y2 ( s )
c 2 / a 2 bc( )
) )
(20.34)
Y0 ( s )
( (
1 / a 2 bc s 2 2a / a 2 b c s 1
This result shows that the response of outlet gas concentration to a change in inlet gas
concentration is second-order. Equation (20.34) is of the standard second-order form
K/(t2s2 2z t s 1) with the parameters
1 2a
t2 2
and 2zt 2
a bc a bc
Solving these two equations to eliminate t gives
1
z
1 bc / a 2
Writing a and b in terms of the original system parameters (L, H, V, m) gives
−1 / 2
( L / H ) (Vm / H )
z 1 2
( L / H Vm / H )
Simplifying this expression gives
−1/ 2
Vm / L
z 1 2
(1Vm / L )
Since Vm/L > 0, we see that z > 1, meaning that the response is overdamped. If the anal-
ysis is repeated for a gas absorber containing n plates, it will be found that the response
between inlet gas concentration and outlet gas concentration is nth-order.
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458 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
20.3 DISTRIBUTED-PARAMETER SYSTEMS
Heat Conduction into a Solid
In Chap. 4, the analysis of the mercury thermometer was based on a “lumped para-
meter” model. At that time, reference was made to a distributed-parameter model of
the thermometer. To illustrate the difference between a lumped-parameter system and a
distributed-parameter system, consider a slab of solid conducting material of infinite
thickness, as shown in Fig. 20–6. Let the input to this system be the temperature at
the left face (x 0), which is some arbitrary function of time. The output will be the
temperature at the position x L. For convenience, we may consider this system to rep-
resent the response of a bare thermocouple embedded in a thick wall, as the surface of
the wall experiences a variation in temperature. The conductivity k, heat capacity C, and
density r of the conducting material are constant, independent of temperature. Initially
(t < 0), the slab is at a uniform steady-state temperature. Therefore in deviation vari-
ables, which will be used henceforth, the initial temperature is zero. The cross-sectional
area of the slab is A.
T(0,t )
0 x x+ x L
FIGURE 20–6
Heat conduction in a solid.
ANALYSIS. In this problem the temperature in the slab is a function of position and
time and is indicated by T(x,t). The temperature at the surface is indicated by T(0,t), and
that at x L by T(L,t). To derive a differential equation that describes the heat conduc-
tion in the slab, we first write an energy balance over a differential length ∆ x of the slab.
This energy balance can be written
Flow of heat Flow of heat out Rate of accumulation
into left face of right face of in ternal energy in (20.35)
by conduction by condd uction volume element
The flow of heat by conduction follows Fourier’s law:
T
q k
x (20.36)
where q heat flux by conduction
ì T/ì x temperature gradient
k thermal conductivity
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 459
Applying Eq. (20.36) to Eq. (20.35) gives
T T
Ak
x
Ak
x t [C rA ∆x ( T Tr )] (20.37)
x x ∆x
where Tr is the reference temperature used to evaluate internal energy. If we divide both
sides by the volume of the element, and rearrange, we obtain
T T T T
Ak Ak k k
x x x x
x ∆x
A ∆x
x
x ∆x
∆x
x
Cr
t
[(T Tr )] (20.38)
Now, if we let the volume of the element shrink to zero, we obtain the fundamental
equation describing conduction in a solid
2T T
k rC
x 2 t
This is often written as
2 T T
a (20.39)
x 2 t
where a k/(r C) is defined as the thermal diffusivity.
Several points are worth mentioning at this time. In this analysis, we have allowed
the capacity for storing heat (r CA per unit length of x) and the resistance to heat con-
duction [1/(kA) per unit length of x] to be “spread out” or distributed uniformly through-
out the medium. This distribution of capacitance and resistance is the basis for the term
distributed parameter. The analysis has also led to a partial differential equation, which
in general is more difficult to solve than the ordinary differential equation that results
from a lumped-parameter model.
TRANSFER FUNCTION. We are now in a position to derive a transfer function from
Eq. (20.39). First notice that since T is a function of both time t and position x, a transfer
function may be written for an arbitrary value of x. In this problem, the temperature is
to be observed at x L; hence the transfer function will relate T(L,t) to the temperature
at the left surface T(0,t) which is taken as the forcing function.
Equation (20.39) will be solved by the method of Laplace transforms. Taking the
Laplace transform of both sides of Eq. (20.39) with respect to t gives
2 T T
a∫ ( x , t ) est dt ∫0 ( x , t ) est dt (20.40)
0 2
x t
Consider first the integral on the left side of Eq. (20.40). Interchanging the order of
integration and differentiation results in
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460 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
2 T 2 d 2T ( x , s )
∫ 2
( x , t ) est dt ∫0 T ( x , t ) est dt (20.41)
0 x x 2 dx 2
where T ( x, s ) is the Laplace transform of T(x,t). This interchange is allowed for most
functions of engineering interest (Churchill,1972). In this chapter the overbar is often
used to indicate the Laplace transform of a function of two variables. Note that the pres-
ence of x has no effect on the second integral of Eq. (20.41) because the integration is
with respect to t. Also note that the derivative on the right side of Eq. (20.41) is taken
as an ordinary derivative because T(x,s) will later be seen to be a function of only one
independent variable x and a parameter s. Next consider the integral on the right side of
Eq. (20.40). Again, the presence of x has no effect on the integration with respect to t,
and the rule for the transform of a derivative may be applied directly to yield
T
∫0 ( x , t ) est dt sT ( x , s ) T ( x , 0 ) (20.42)
t
where T(x,0) is the initial temperature distribution in the solid. Introducing the results of
the transformation into Eq. (20.40) gives
d 2T ( x , s )
a sT ( x , s ) T ( x , 0 ) (20.43)
dx 2
The partial differential equation has now been reduced to an ordinary differential equa-
tion, which can usually be solved without difficulty. It should be clear that s in Eq.
(20.43) is merely a parameter, with the result that this equation is an ordinary second-
order differential equation in the independent variable x. This follows because there are
no derivatives with respect to s in Eq. (20.43). Since we have taken T(x,0) 0 for the
example under consideration, Eq. (20.43) becomes
d 2T s
T 0 (20.44)
dx 2 a
Equation (20.44) is a linear differential equation and can be solved to give
T A1e (s / a ) x
A2e (s / a )x
(20.45)
The arbitrary coefficients A1 and A2 may be evaluated as follows: In order that T may
be finite as x → , it is necessary that A2 0. Equation (20.45) then becomes
T A1e (s / a ) x (20.45a)
The transformed forcing function at x 0 is T ( 0, s ) , which can be substituted into Eq.
(20.45a) to determine A1; then
T ( 0, s ) A1e 0
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 461
or A1 T ( 0, s )
Substituting A1 into Eq. (20.45a) gives
T ( x, s )
e (s / a )x
(20.46)
T ( 0, s )
By specifying a particular value of x, say x L, the transfer function is
T ( L, s )
e (s / a )L
T ( 0, s ) (20.47)
STEP RESPONSE. To illustrate the use of this transfer function, consider a forcing
function that is the unit-step function; thus
T ( 0, t ) u ( t )
for which case T ( 0, s ) 1 / s. Substituting this into Eq. (20.47) gives
1
T ( L, s ) e (s / a )L
(20.48)
s
To obtain the response in the time domain, we must invert Eq. (20.48). A table of
transforms gives the following transform pair:
L { 1
s
e (s / a )x
} erfc
x
4a t (20.49)
where erfc x is the complementary error function of x defined as
2 x u 2
erfc x 1
p ∫0 e du
This function is tabulated in many textbooks and mathematical tables.
Using this transform pair, Eq. (20.48) becomes
1 a t 1 / 2
erfc 2
L
T ( L , t ) erfc
4a t 2 L (20.50)
A plot of T versus the dimensionless group a t/L2 is shown in Fig. 20–7.
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462 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
1.0
0.8
0.6
T
0.4
0.2
0
0 1 2 3
t
L2
FIGURE 20–7
Response of temperature in the interior of a solid to
a unit-step change in temperature at the surface.
SINUSOIDAL RESPONSE. It is instructive to consider the response in temperature at
x L for the case where the forcing function is a sinusoidal variation; thus
T ( 0, t ) A sinw t
Using the substitution rule of Chap. 15, in which s is replaced by jw, Eq. (20.47)
becomes
T ( L , jw )
e ( jw / a ) L
(20.51)
T ( 0 , jw )
To obtain the AR and phase angle requires that the magnitude and argument of the right
side of Eq. (20.51) be evaluated. This can be done as follows: First write j in polar form
(see Fig. 20–8); thus
(p / 2 ) j
( / 2) j
j e 1 e p hase ang le
magnitude
from which we get
(
j e j (p / 2) )1 / 2
e jp / 4
12 (1 j )
Im
/2
Re
FIGURE 20–8
Polar representation of j.
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 463
Substituting the positive form of j into Eq. (20.51) gives
T ( L , jw )
e w / 2a L j w / 2a L
e
T ( 0 , jw )
[Notice that the substitution of (1 j) / 2 into Eq. (20.51) leads to a result in which
the AR is greater than 1 and the phase angle leads. This is contrary to the response of
the physical system and is not considered as a useful solution.]
From this form, we can write by inspection
T ( L , jw )
AR e w / 2a L
T ( 0 , jw ) (20.52)
T ( L , jw ) w
Phase angle L rad (20.53)
T ( 0 , jw ) 2a
From these results, it is seen that the AR approaches zero as w → and the phase angle
decreases without limit as w → . Such a system is said to have nonminimum phase lag
characteristics. With the exception of the transport lag, all the systems that have been
considered up to now have given a limited value of phase angle as w → . These are
called minimum phase systems and always occur for lumped-parameter systems. The
nonminimum phase behavior is typical of distributed-parameter systems.
Transport Lag as a Distributed-Parameter System
We can demonstrate that the transport lag (distance-velocity lag) is, in fact, a distributed-
parameter system as follows: Consider the flow of an incompressible fluid through an
insulated pipe of uniform cross-sectional area A and length L, as shown in Fig. 20–9a.
The fluid flows at velocity v, and the velocity profile is flat.
v
To
Ti
(a)
v
To
Ti
(b)
FIGURE 20–9
Obtaining the transfer function of a transport lag
from a lumped-parameter model.
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464 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
We know from Chap. 7 that the transfer function relating outlet temperature To to the
inlet temperature Ti is
To ( s )
e( L / v ) s
Ti ( s )
Let the pipe be divided into n zones as shown in Fig. 20–9b. If each zone of length L /n
is considered to be a well-stirred tank, then the pipe is equivalent to n noninteracting
first-order systems in series, each having a time constant
L1
t
nv
This expression for t is equivalent to that appearing in Eq. (8.10). Since the transfer
function for flow through a tank was developed in Chap. 8, the analysis will not be
repeated here. (Note that taking each zone to be a well-stirred tank is called lump-
ing of parameters.) The overall transfer function for this lumped-parameter model is
therefore
n
To ( s ) 1 n 1
Ti ( s ) t s 1 [( L / v ) / n ] s 1
To “distribute” the parameters, we let the size of the individual lumps go to zero by
letting n → .
n
To ( s ) 1
lim
Ti ( s ) n → [( L / v ) / n ] s 1
The thermal capacitance is now distributed over the tube length. It can be shown by use
of calculus that the limit is
e( L / v ) s
which is the transfer function derived previously. This demonstration should provide
some initial insight into the relationship between a distributed-parameter system and a
lumped-parameter system and indicates that a transport lag is a distributed system.
Heat Exchanger
As our last example of a distributed-parameter system, we consider the double-pipe heat
exchanger shown in Fig. 20–10. [The analysis presented here essentially follows that of
W. C. Cohen and E. F. Johnson (1956). These authors also present the experimental
results of frequency response tests on a double-pipe, steam-to-water heat exchanger.]
The fluid that flows through the inner pipe at constant velocity v is heated by steam con-
densing outside the pipe. The temperature of the fluid entering the pipe and the steam
temperature vary according to some arbitrary functions of time. The steam temperature
varies with time, but not with position in the exchanger. The metal wall separating
steam from fluid is assumed to have negligible thermal capacity for the purpose of the
analysis. The heat transfer from the steam to the fluid depends on the heat-transfer coef-
ficient on the steam side ho and the convective transfer coefficient on the water side hi.
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 465
The resistance of the metal wall is neglected. The goal of the analysis will be to find
transfer functions relating the exiting fluid temperature T(L,t) to the entering fluid tem-
perature T(0,t) and the steam temperature Tv(t).
Steam
Tv(t)
v T(L, t)
T(0, t)
Condensate
0 x L
x+ x
x
FIGURE 20–10
Double-pipe heat exchanger.
The following symbols will be used in this analysis:
T(x,t) fluid temperature
Tv(t) steam temperature
Tr reference temperature for evaluating enthalpy
v fluid velocity
r density of fluid
C heat capacity of fluid
Ai cross-sectional area for flow inside pipe
Di inside diameter of inner pipe
Do outside diameter of inner pipe
hi convective heat-transfer coefficient inside pipe
ho heat-transfer coefficient for condensing steam
Ui overall heat-transfer coefficient based on inside area
1
1 / hi (1 / ho )( Di / Do )
ANALYSIS. We begin the analysis by writing a differential energy balance for the fluid
inside the pipe over the volume element of length ∆ x (see Fig. 20–10). This balance can
be stated as
Heat transferred
Flow of Flow of
from steam
enthalpy in enthalpy ou t to liquid
(20.54)
Rate of accumulation
of internal energy
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466 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
The terms in this balance can be evaluated as follows:
Flow of enthalpy in at x vAi rC(T Tr)
T
Flow of enthalpy out at x ∆x vAi rC T ∆x Tr
x
Heat transfer through film p Di Ui ∆ x(Tv T )
Accumulation of internal energy
t
[ Ai r ∆x C (T Tr )]
Introducing these terms into Eq. (20.54) gives, after simplification,
T T 1
v ( Tv T ) (20.55)
t x t
where 1 pDiUi
t Ai rC
We now have the differential equation that describes the dynamics of the system. As in
previous problems, the dependent variables will be transformed to deviation variables.
At steady state, the time derivative in Eq. (20.55) is zero, and it follows that
dTs 1
0 v ( Tvs Ts ) (20.56)
dx t
where the subscript s is used to denote the steady-state value. Note that to determine the
steady-state temperature profile requires the solution of Eq. (20.56). We can rearrange
this equation to
dTs 1 1
Ts Tvs u ( t ) (20.57)
dx tv tv
Transforming gives
1 1 1
( sTs ( s ) Ts
x 0 ) Ts Tvs (20.58)
tv tv s
Now, let Ts0 represent the steady-state inlet (at x 0) temperature of the water Ts and x0
rearrange:
Tvs /t v Ts0
Ts ( s )
s ( s 1 /t v) s 1 /t v
The steady-state temperature profile as a function of x may now be obtained by
inverting
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 467
x
Ts ( x ) Tvs ( Ts0 Tvs ) exp (20.59)
vt
All equations for T to be derived below should be recognized as deviations from this
expression. Subtracting Eq. (20.56) from Eq. (20.55) and introducing deviation vari-
ables give
T T
t
v
x
1
Tv T
t
( ) (20.60)
where T T Ts and Tv Tv Tvs . Assuming that the exchanger is initially at
steady state, so that Ts (x,0) Ts and Tv ( 0 ) Tvs , Eq. (20.60) may be transformed
with respect to t to yield
dT ( x , s ) 1
sT ( x , s ) v Tv ( s ) T ( x , s )
dx t
dT ( x , s ) s 1 /t 1 (20.61)
T( x, s ) Tv ( s )
dx v tv
Equation (20.61) is an ordinary first-order differential equation with the boundary con-
dition T ( x , s ) T ( 0, s ) at x 0 . We can transform Eq. (20.61) with respect to x
(using p as the transform variable) to yield
s 1 /t 1 /t v
pT ( p, s ) T ( 0, s ) T ( p, s ) Tv ( s )
v p
Rearranging gives
1 /tv 1
T ( p, s ) Tv ( s ) T ( 0, s )
p [ p (s 1 / t ) / v ] p [ (s 1 / t ) / v ]
This expression is of the form
A 1
T ( p, s ) Tv ( s ) T ( 0, s ) (20.62)
p ( p B) pB
where A and B are constants defined as A 1/t v and B (s 1/t)/v.
Equation (20.62) can now easily be inverted back to the (x,s) domain to yield
T( x, s )
1
ts 1
( )
1 e[(ts 1) / t v] x Tv ( s ) e[(ts 1) / tv] x T ( 0, s ) (20.63)
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468 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Let’s look at the expression for the liquid outlet temperature from the exchanger, the
quantity of interest in this example. The transform of the liquid outlet temperature is
T (L,s). If we substitute x L into Eq. (20.63), we get
T( L, s )
1
ts 1
( )
1 e[(t s 1) /t v] L Tv ( s ) e[(t s 1) /t v ] L T ( 0, s ) (20.64)
If we examine the exponent of the exponential term
t s 1 L L td
L s t d s
t v v vt t
we see a familiar term appear: td is the transport lag on the liquid side of the exchanger.
We can rewrite Eq. (20.64) as
1
T( L, s ) 1 es t d e
t d /t
Tv ( s ) e
s t d t d /t
e T ( 0, s )
t s 1 constant constant
1 Kes t d
T( L, s )
t s 1 t s 1
Tv ( s )
(Kes t
)
d
T ( 0, s )
outlet temperature steam temperature transfer function inlet temperature
(output) transfer function relating (input ) relating (disturbance )
outll et temperature to changes outlet temperature
in steam temperatt ure to changes in
inlet temperaturee
(20.65)
where K et d / t constant.
If the steam temperature is held constant Tv (s) 0, the transfer function relating the
outlet temperature to the inlet temperature is
T( L, s )
Kest d (20.66)
T ( 0, s )
If we set 1/t 0 (which corresponds to the case of no heat transfer U0 0), then
K et d / t e 0 1 . The response is simply that of a transport lag. This is the
physical situation for which case the wall separating cold fluid from hot fluid acts as a
perfect insulator. We saw in Chap. 7 that this situation is represented by a transport lag.
If the inlet temperature of the fluid entering the heat exchanger does not vary, the
transfer function relating the exit fluid temperature to the steam temperature is
T( L, s ) 1 Kest d
(20.67)
Tv ( s ) ts 1 ts 1
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 469
The response in the temperature of the fluid leaving the exchanger can be found for
any forcing function, T(0,t) or Tv(t), by introducing the corresponding transforms into
Eq. (20.65).
Example 20.1 Consider the heat exchanger shown in Fig. 20–10. The water
is flowing through a 40-ft-long, 3 -in 14 BWG tube at a rate of 2 gal/min. The
4
overall heat-transfer coefficient for the exchanger is Ui 100 Btu/(ft2 · h · °F).
The steady-state inlet water temperature is 70°F, and the steady-state steam tem-
perature is 212°F.
(a) Determine the steady-state temperature profile of the tube-side liquid as a
function of distance from the inlet of the exchanger.
(b) For a 10°F step increase in the inlet temperature (steam temperature
remains constant), determine the response of the exit temperature from the
exchanger.
(c) For a 10°F step increase in the steam temperature (inlet temperature
remains constant), determine the response of the exit temperature from the
exchanger.
Solution
Data:
Do 0 . 75 in
Di 0 . 584 in
p Di2 p (0 . 584 / 12)2
Ai flow area 0 . 00186 ft 2
4 4
gal 1 ft
3
1 1 min ft
v 2 2.4
min 7 . 48 gal 0 . 00186 ft 2 6 0 s
s
1 p DiUi
(
p [( 0 . 584 / 12 ) ft ] 100 Btu / ft 2 h F ) 131 . 7 h1
t Ai r C ( )( )
0 . 00186 ft 2 62 . 4 lb / ft 3 1 Btu / ( lb F )
t 0 . 0 0 759 h 27 . 3 s
(a) Making use of Eq. (20.59) gives
x
Ts ( x ) Tvs ( Ts0 Tvs ) exp
vt
x x
Ts ( x ) 212 ( 7 0 212 ) exp 212 1 4 2 exp
( 2 . 4 ft / s ) ( 27 . 3 s ) 65 . 52
(20.59)
If we plot this result from x 0 to x L 40 ft, we get the plot in Fig. 20–11.
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470 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
Steady-State Temperature Profile
140
130
120
Temperature (°F)
110
100
90
80
70
60
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Length (ft)
FIGURE 20–11
Steady-state temperature profile down length of heat exchanger tube
for Example 20.1.
This plot shows the temperature profile in the tube along the length of the exchanger.
The initial steady-state temperature at x 40 ft, Ts(40), is 134.9°F. This is easily
obtained by substituting x 40 into the above expression.
(b) Using Eq. (20.66), we have
T ( L , s )
Kes t d (20.66)
T ( 0, s )
T ( L , s ) Kes t d T ( 0, s ) et d / t s t d
e T ( 0, s )
L 40 ft
td 16 . 7 s
v 2.4 ft s
10
T ( 0, s ) step function of magnitude 10
s
5 . 42e27.3 s
( )( )
10
s
10
T ( L , s ) e16.7 s / 27.3 s es ( 27.3 s ) 0 . 542e27.3 s
s s
5 . 42e16.7 s
( )( )
10
s
10
T ( L , s ) e16.7 s / 27.3 s es (16.7 s ) 0 . 542e16.7 s
s s
and finally,
0 t 16 . 7 s
T ( L , t ) 5 . 42u ( t 16 . 7 )
5 . 42 t
16 . 7 s
So the response to a step change in the inlet temperature is delayed 16.7 s from the
inlet change. The output increases by only 5.42°F (to 140.32°F) in response to a 10°F
change in inlet temperature (the steady-state gain is 0.542).
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CHAPTER 20 THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX PROCESSES 471
(c) The applicable equation is Eq. (20.67).
T ( L , s ) 1 Kest d
Tv ( s ) ts1 ts 1
1 Kes t d 1 Kes t d 10
T ( L , s ) Tv ( s )
ts 1 ts 1 ts 1 t s 1 s
( ) (
T ( L , t ) 10 1 et / t u ( t ) 10 K 1 e( t t d ) / t u ( t t d ))
10 (1 et / 27 . 3
) u ( t ) 10 ( 0.542)(1 e( t 16 . 7 ) / 27 . 3
) u (t 16.7)
0 t 0
(
T ( L , t ) 10 1 et / 27.3 ) 0 t 16 . 7
( ) (
10 1 et / 27.3 5 . 42 1 e( t 16.7) / 27.3
) t
16 . 7
A plot of the output response T(L,t) 134.9°F T (L,t) is shown in Fig. 20–12.
140
139
138
Temperature (°F)
137
136
135
134
0 5 10 15 20 25
Time (s)
FIGURE 20–12
Plot of exit temperature from the heat exchanger as a function of time T(L,t).
After the transport lag time (16.7 s) the outlet temperature from the exchanger remains
constant.
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472 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
SUMMARY
In this chapter, we analyzed several complex systems, using material and energy bal-
ances to predict their dynamic responses to disturbances. The process is often called
modeling, and the resulting set of equations is referred to as the mathematical model of
the system. In general, the model is based on the physics and chemistry of the system.
As systems are analyzed in greater detail and with fewer assumptions, the mod-
els that describe them become more complex, although more accurate. To predict the
response of the system from the model requires that equations of the model be solved
for some specific input disturbance. The only practical way to solve a complex model
is to use computer simulation. The computer response will resemble that of the physical
system if the model is accurate.
PROBLEMS
20.1 For the heat exchanger described in Example 20.1, determine the output response for a
10°F change in both steam temperature and inlet temperature.
20.2 What is the physical reason for the outlet temperature increasing less than 10°F for a step
increase in the inlet temperature of 10°F? (That is, why doesn’t the 10°F change propagate
through the exchanger and ultimately appear at the outlet?)
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CHAPTER
20
CAPSULE SUMMARY
In this chapter, several complex systems have been analyzed mathematically. The result
of each analysis was a set of equations (algebraic and/or differential) that presumably
describe the dynamic response of the system to one or more disturbances. The process
of obtaining the set of equations is often called modeling, and the set of equations is
referred to as the mathematical model of the system. In general, the model is based
on the physics and chemistry of the system. For example, in the analysis of a heat
exchanger, one may write that the heat flux through a wall is equal to a convective
transfer coefficient times a temperature driving force.
For a process not well understood, there is little chance that an accurate model
can be obtained from the theoretical approach used here. For such systems, a direct
dynamic test can be made. To do this, a known disturbance such as a pulse, step, or
sinusoidal input is applied, and the response is recorded. This approach was discussed
in Chap. 18. On the other hand, a model based on a theoretical analysis is extremely
valuable, for it means that the system is well understood and that the effect of changes
in system design and operation can be predicted.
The analysis of a steam-jacketed kettle provided an example of a nonlinear sys-
tem containing nonlinear functions of several variables. The problem was handled by
linearizing these functions about an operating point and ultimately obtaining a block
diagram of the system from which the transfer function of the control system could
be obtained. Although this approach is relatively straightforward, the resulting linear
model can only be used over a narrow range of variables.
The analysis of the gas absorber gave some insight into the dynamic character
of a typical multistage process that is widely used in the chemical process indus-
tries. A linear analysis of an n-plate column leads to n ordinary differential equations,
which combine to give an overdamped nth-order response. Nonlinearities may be
present in this system in such forms as a product of flow and concentration or a non-
linear equilibrium relationship. When the change of plate efficiency with flow is con-
sidered, the model of a gas absorber becomes even more complex. Most of the design
techniques developed for multistage operations (e.g., gas absorption and distillation)
have applied to steady-state operation. The dynamic analysis of such processes calls
for dynamic parameters that are usually unavailable. For example, the liquid flow
dynamics of trays used in distillation towers are relatively unknown.
The discussion of distributed-parameter systems further illustrated the com-
plexities that can arise in physical systems. The distributed-parameter systems lead
to partial differential equations, which may be very difficult to solve for most of the
473
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474 PART 5 PROCESS APPLICATIONS
forcing functions of practical interest. However, we saw that the response of dis-
tributed-parameter systems to sinusoidal forcing functions can be obtained directly
by application of the substitution rule, in which s is replaced by jw. A distributed-
parameter system features nonminimum phase lag characteristics. This is in sharp
contrast to the lumped-parameter systems for which the phase angle approaches a
limit at infinite frequency.
As systems are analyzed in greater detail and with fewer assumptions, the mod-
els that describe them become more complex, although more accurate. To predict the
response of the system from the model requires that equations of the model be solved
for some specific input disturbance. The only practical way to solve a complex model
is to use computer simulation. The computer response will resemble that of the physical
system if the model is accurate.
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PART
VI
STATE-SPACE METHODS
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CHAPTER
21
STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION
OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS
21.1 INTRODUCTION
Up to this point, we have described dynamic physical systems by means of differential
equations and transfer functions. Another method of description, which is widely used
in all branches of control theory, is the state-space method. In fact, other disciplines of
engineering (e.g., electrical engineering) introduce the state-space description before
the transfer function description. The reader who plans to go beyond an introductory
course in control or read from other engineering disciplines should be familiar with
state-space methods. In the chapters of Part 6 of the book, the state-space method will
be developed and compared with the transfer function method. It is much easier to start
with the transfer function method and then develop the state-space method. The math-
ematical background needed for the transfer function approach involves differential
equations and Laplace transforms. The additional mathematical background needed for
the state-space method involves matrix algebra. Nearly all students today receive infor-
mation on matrices in their mathematics courses. For those who are rusty in this topic,
it is recommended that they review some of the fundamental matrix operations. A brief
review of matrix algebra is given in App. 21A.
The transfer function approach is sufficient to calculate the response of linear
control systems. The state-space approach is especially valuable in the field of optimal
control of linear or nonlinear systems. The concepts developed in Part 6 of the book
will be used in Part 7 on nonlinear control.
21.2 STATE VARIABLES
A linear physical system can be described mathematically by
• An nth-order differential equation
• A transfer function
477
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478 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
• n first-order differential equations
• A matrix differential equation
So far, we have used the first two mathematical representations for describing physi-
cal systems. The third and fourth representations are referred to as state variable
descriptions.
To illustrate these four methods of description, consider the familiar second-order
process relating an output y to an input u. The four representations for this process are
shown below.
1. An nth-order differential equation (n 2)
d2y dy
t2 2zt y u (21.1)
dt 2 dt
2. Transfer function. The transfer function corresponding to Eq. (21.1) is
Y (s) 1
2 2
U (s) t s 2zts 1 (21.2)
3. n first-order differential equations (n 2). Equation (21.1) can be expressed
by two first-order differential equations. First, we need to make a variable change.
Let’s represent y as x1 and y as x2. Thus, x1 y and x2 y (Note: y dy /dt
and ÿ d2y/dt2.) Then,
x1 y x2 (21.3)
and
x2 x1
y (21.4)
Solving Eq. (21.1) for ÿ yields
1 2z 1
y 2
y y 2 u (21.5)
t t t
Substituting in terms of x1 and x2, we obtain
1 2z 1
x2 x
2 1
x2 2 u (21.6a)
t t t
and
x1 x2 (21.6b)
where x1 and x2 are called the state variables (x1 y and x2 y ). Equations
(21.6a) and (21.6b) are the system of two first-order differential equations that
represent the second-order differential equation, Eq. (21.1).
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 479
We shall see later that other choices for x1 and x2 are possible; at this point, how-
ever, the reader is asked to accept Eqs. (21.6a) and (21.6b) as a valid description of
the second-order system under consideration.
4. Matrix differential equation. Equations (21.6a) and (21.6b) can be written as one
matrix differential equation as follows:
x ⴝ Ax ⴙ bu (21.7)
or
0 1 0
x1 x1
x2 1 2z x2 1 u
t
2
t t 2 scalar
x x
A b
The representation given by Eqs. (21.6) and the representation given by Eq. (21.7) are
exactly the same; Eq. (21.7) is in a more compact form. The state variables x1 and x2
are represented by the column vector x. The coefficients of the state variables on the
right sides of Eqs. (21.6a) and (21.6b) are the elements of the matrix A. In this example,
there is only one input or forcing term u, which is a scalar. Each term on the right side
of Eq. (21.7) must be a vector containing two elements (i.e., a 2 1 matrix). For the
expression given by Eq. (21.7) to agree with Eqs. (21.6a) and (21.6b), the coefficient of
u must be a vector with the upper element zero. With some practice, the reader will be
able to look at a matrix expression such as Eq. (21.7) and quickly see the equivalent set
of differential equations.
The output y in representation 1 or 2 often represents a physical variable of inter-
est, such as the temperature of a process or the position of a mechanical system. The
alternate state variable representation given by Eq. (21.3) or Eq. (21.7) contains two
state variables, one of which is y and the other of which is the derivative of y (or y ). In
this case only y may be of interest to the control engineer; y is available, but may not
be of interest since it cannot always be measured easily. (For example, there is no easy
way to measure the rate of change of temperature if y represents temperature.)
State-Space Description
In general, a physical system can be described by state variables as follows
x1 f1 ( x1 , x2 , … , xn , u1 , u2 , … , um )
x2 = f2 ( x1 , x2 , … , xn , u1 , u2 , … , um )
(21.8)
xn = fn ( x1 , x2 , … , xn , u1 , u2 , … , um )
where x1, x2, . . ., xn are n state variables and u1, u2, . . ., um are m inputs or forcing
terms. The above set of equations may be written as a matrix expression as follows:
x ⴝ f ( x, u )
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480 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
If the system parameters vary with time, the vector f will contain explicit functions of
time. An example for an element of f might be the expression on the right side of the
following equation:
x1 2tx1 x2 u1 u2
In this chapter, we shall be concerned with time-invariant systems for which xi is a
linear combination of state variables and the coefficients are constant. For the time-
invariant case, we may write the general term xi in Eq. (21.8) as follows:
xi ai1 x1 ai 2 x2 ain xn bi1u1 bim um (21.9)
for i 1, 2, 3, . . ., n. The equivalent matrix expression for Eq. (21.9) is
x1 a11 a12 a1n x1 b11 b12 b1m u1
x2 a21 a22 a2 n x2 b21 b22 b2 m u2
(21.10)
xn an1 an 2 ann xn bn1 bn 2 bnm um
Writing this in the more compact matrix form, we have
x ⴝ Ax ⴙ Bu (21.11)
In this expression, there are m different inputs where m n. Also, note that u in this
expression is a vector quantity, not a scalar. The nature of the linear physical system
expressed by Eq. (21.11) is completely stated by the matrices A and B. For the time-
invariant system, the elements of A and B are constants.
The outputs of interest to the control engineer may differ from the state variables
xi. The most general statement for relating the output to the state variables is
y ⴝ Cx (21.12)
where y is the vector of outputs (y1, y2, . . ., yp) chosen by the control engineer for some
practical reason. The matrix C is a p n matrix containing constant elements. The
way in which the matrix C is selected will be clarified in Example 21.1. In summary,
the state-space description for a linear time-invariant system is given by Eqs. (21.11)
and (21.12).
Example 21.1. For the two-tank noninteracting liquid-level system shown in
Fig. 21–1, obtain the state-space description as expressed by Eqs. (21.11) and
(21.12). The output y of interest is the level in tank 2. Notice that streams enter
both tanks.
A1 1 R1 0 . 5
A2 0 . 5 R2 2
3
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 481
u1
A1
h1
R1
u2
q1
A2
h2
R2
q2
FIGURE 21–1
Two-tank liquid-level system.
For this example, let the state variables be the physical variables h1 and h2, which
are the levels in tanks 1 and 2. These state variables are called physical variables
because they can be easily measured or observed. (In another example, we shall
consider a different set of state variables.)
For the liquid-level system shown in Fig. 21–1 we may write
dh1 h
A1 u1 1 (21.13)
dt R1
dh2 h h
A2 u2 1 2 (21.14)
dt R1 R2
dh1 1 1
or h1 u1 (21.15)
dt R1 A1 A1
dh2 1 1 1
h1 h2 u2 (21.16)
dt R1 A2 A2 R2 A2
These equations can be written as
h ⴝ Ah ⴙ Bu (21.17)
1 0 1 0
h1 R1 A1 h1 A1 u1
1 1
h2 u2
where
h2 0 1
R1 A2 R2 A2 2
h h A u
A B
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482 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
If the output y is to be the level in tank 2 (h2), we have
y ⴝ Ch
h1
y1 0 1
h2
y C
h
and y y1 h2. In this case y is a scalar (i.e., a 1 1 matrix).
The choice of output can be stated in many ways. Regardless of the choice,
the output is related to the state variables by Eq. (21.12). To see how the matrix C
depends on the choice of output, consider the following examples:
If y is to be a scalar that is the arithmetic average of the levels in the two
tanks, one can show that
h1
y1 0 . 5 0 . 5
h2
y C
h
If the output is to be h1 and h2, one can show that
y1 1 0 h1
y2
0 1 h2
y C h
Selection of State Variables
To the beginner, the selection of state variables may seem mysterious. The state vari-
ables of a system are the smallest set of variables that contain sufficient information
to permit all future states to be determined. Although the number of state variables is
fixed, the actual selection of these state variables is not unique. If possible, it is conve-
nient to choose state variables that are directly related to physical variables which can
be measured or observed (e.g., temperature, level, composition, position, velocity). For
mechanical systems, transducers are available for measuring velocity; for this reason,
velocity is considered a physical variable. On the other hand, since the measurement of
rate of change of composition is not easily made, this variable is not usually considered
a physical variable.
In the control literature, the types of state variables have been classified as
follows.
1. Physical variables. State variables are called physical variables when they are
readily measured and observed (level, temperature, composition, etc.). Physical
variables were discussed at the beginning of this chapter and illustrated for a liq-
uid-level system in Example 21.1 where x1 h1 and x2 h2.
2. Phase variables. State variables that are chosen to be the dependent variable and its
successive derivatives are called phase variables. Phase variables were selected at
the beginning of this chapter where x1 y and x2 y.
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 483
3. Canonical variables. If the state variables are selected to be canonical variables,
the result is that the matrix A is diagonal. At this point, it is sufficient to say that
canonical variables are selected as state variables for ease in matrix computation. In
general, the canonical variables are not readily identified with physical variables.
In addition to the types of state variables listed above, any other legitimate set
of variables can be selected. In Example 21.1, we used physical variables, namely, the
levels in the tanks of the liquid-level system. In Examples 21.2 and 21.3, the method for
selecting state variables will be shown.
Example 21.2. For the two-tank liquid-level system of Example 21.1, shown
in Fig. 21–1, obtain the state-space description as expressed by Eqs. (21.11) and
(21.12) when phase variables are selected for the state variables. To simplify the
problem, let u2 0; i.e., there is only one input u1.
For the system shown in Fig. 21–1, one can show that
H2 ( s ) R2
(21.18)
U1 ( s ) (t 1s 1) (t 2 s 1)
where t1 A1 R1 and t2 A2 R2. Introducing the parameters in Fig. 21–1 into
Eq. (21.18) gives
H2 ( s )
2
3 (21.19)
U1 ( s ) ( 1
2
s 1 )( 1
3
s )
1
H2 ( s ) 4
or
U1 ( s ) ( s 2 ) ( s 3) (21.20)
To obtain the differential equation corresponding to Eq. (21.20), we cross-multi-
ply to obtain
( s 2) ( s 3) H2 4U1
or (s 2
)
5s 6 H 2 4U1
This may be expressed as the following differential equation:
h2 5h2 6h2 4u1 (21.21)
Let the state variables be the following phase variables:
x1 h2 (21.22)
x2 h2 (21.23)
We may now write
x1 x2 h2 (21.24)
x2 h2 (21.25)
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484 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
Equation (21.21) becomes
x2 5 x2 6 x1 4u1 (21.26)
The system can be described by Eqs. (21.24) and (21.26):
x1 x2 (21.27a)
x2 6 x1 5 x2 4u1 (21.27b)
In terms of a matrix expression, Eqs. (21.27) may be written
x ⴝ Ax ⴙ bu1
x1 0 1 x1 0
x2 6 5 x2 4 u1
scalar
x A x b
If the output y is to be the level in tank 2,
x1
y 1 0
x2
y C
x
MATLAB Solution of Example 21.2
MATLAB has the capability to convert from a transfer function model to a state-space model of a
system. From Eq. (21.20), the transfer function that relates the height in tank 2 to changes in the
inlet flow to tank 1 is
H2 ( s ) 4 4
2 (21.20)
U1 ( s ) ( s 2 )( s 3 ) s 5s 6
The MATLAB commands that create the state space representation are:
num=[4];
den=[1 5 6];
[A,B,C,D] = tf2ss(num,den)
A =
-5 -6
1 0
B =
1
0
C =
0 4
D =
0
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 485
tf2ss is a “transfer function to state space” command that generates the matrices for the state-space
model. The generalized model that MATLAB uses is
x ⴝ Ax ⴙ Bu
y ⴝ Cx ⴙ Du
Note that the output y is some function of the states x and/or the inputs u. MATLAB returns a
canonical form for the state-space representation that is equivalent (but not identical) to the one that
we developed using phase variables. The output y that is returned from the tf2ss routine is a scalar
that represents the dependent variable of the original transfer function, h2 in this case. Let’s see if we
can verify that the state-space model that MATLAB returns is a valid representation of the original
system, Eq. (21.21). The MATLAB model is
x1 5 6 x1 1
u1 (t )
x 2
1
0
x2 0
x A x B
x1
y h2 0 4 0 u1 (t )
x2
y C
x
From the output equation,
h2 4 x2
x2 0 . 25h2
and from the differential equations,
x1 5 x1 6 x2 u1 (t )
x2 x1
and so we can write
x1 x2 0 . 25h2
and finally,
0 . 25h2 5(0 . 25h2 ) 6(0 . 25h2 ) u1 (t )
h2 5h2 6h2 4u1 (t )
which we recognize as Eq. (21.21), the original system. Although the state-space representation
is not the same as the representation we derived using phase variables, it is a valid model for the
system, and the output from a computer simulation of these models for h2 would be identical.
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486 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
Gc Gp
+ E Is +1 M Kp
R Kc C
Is ( 1s + 1)( 2s + 1)
−
FIGURE 21–2
PI control system for Example 21.3.
Example 21.3. For the PI control system shown in Fig. 21–2, obtain a state-
space representation in the form of Eq. (21.7); thus
x ⴝ Ax ⴙ br
where r is a scalar (the set point). Let
x1 c (21.28)
x2 c x1 (21.29)
With this choice of state variables, we have selected phase variables.
From Fig. 21–2, we may write
C (s) Kp K p /t 1t 2
M (s) (t 1s 1) (t 2 s 1) ( s 1/t 1 ) ( s 1/t 2 )
or C (s) A
(21.30)
M (s) (s a)(s b)
Kp
where A
t 1t 2
1
a
t1
1
b
t2
Cross-multiplying Eq. (21.30) gives
s 2 ( a b ) s ab C ( s ) AM ( s )
or, in the time domain,
c ( a b ) c abc Am (21.31)
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 487
From Eqs. (21.28), (21.29), and (21.31) we obtain
x1 x2 (21.32)
x2 abx1 ( a b ) x2 Am (21.33)
We must now obtain the state variables associated with the PI controller. From
Fig. 21–2, we obtain
M (s) tIs 1
Kc
E (s) tIs
or t I sM ( s ) K ct I sE ( s ) K c E ( s )
In terms of the time domain, this expression becomes
Kc
m K c e e (21.34)
tI
From the signals entering and leaving the comparator, we may write
e r c
or, since x1 c, we may write
e r x1 (21.35a)
and e r x1 (21.35b)
Combining Eqs. (21.34) and (21.35) gives
Kc
m K c r
x1 ( r x1 )
x2
tI
Kc Kc
or m K c r K c x2 r x1 (21.36)
tI tI
At this stage, we are faced with the difficulty of having a derivative term
on the right side of Eq. (21.36). In state-space representation, all variables on the
right side must be state variables, not derivatives of state variables. One way to
handle the present difficulty is to define a new state variable x3; let
x3 m K c r (21.37)
or x3 m K c r (21.38)
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488 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
Combining Eqs. (21.38) and (21.36) leads to
Kc Kc
x3 x1 K c x2 r (21.39)
tI tI
or x3 a x1 K c x2 a r (21.40)
where a Kc/tI. Summarizing the state variable equations given by Eqs. (21.32),
(21.33), and (21.40) and using the definition of x3 in Eq. (21.37) give
x1 x2
x2 abx1 ( a b ) x2 Ax3 AK c r
x3 a x1 K c x2 a r
Kp
where A
t 1t 2
1
a
t1
1
b
t2
Kc
a
tI
Therefore, the reduced form x ⴝ Ax br is
x1 0 1 0 x1 0
x ab ( a b ) A x AK r (t )
2 2 c
x3 a K c 0 x3 a
A b
If m is required as a function of t, it can always be found by solving Eq. (21.37)
for m; thus
m x3 K c r
SUMMARY
State-space representation is an alternative to the transfer function representation of a
physical system that we have used up to this point. A transfer function that relates an
output variable to an input variable represents an nth-order differential equation. In the
state-space representation, the nth-order differential equation is written as n first-order
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 489
differential equations in terms of n state variables. These n differential equations can
also be written in a more compact form as a matrix differential equation
x ⴝ Ax ⴙ B u
For an nth-order dynamic system, the number of state variables is fixed at n, but
the selection of the variables is not unique. Of the many sets of state variables that one
can choose, we discussed three sets that are useful in control theory, namely, physi-
cal variables, phase variables, and canonical variables. The state-space representation
gives all the dynamic details of a system (e.g., the dependent variable and its successive
derivatives for the case of phase variables, for example, h1 and h2 from Example (21.3).
Whether or not this detail is needed depends on the problem being solved. We shall see
the value of state-space representation in multivariable control and in nonlinear control
in later chapters.
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APPENDIX
21A
ELEMENTARY MATRIX ALGEBRA
The purpose of this section is to provide, in a convenient location, a review of some of
the elementary operations of matrix algebra for use in state-space methods. It is expect-
ed that the reader has had some course work in linear algebra discussing the concepts of
a vector and a matrix and the operations performed on them.
VECTORS
An n-dimensional column vector is an ordered series of elements (numbers) x1, x2, . . .,
xn and is written as
x1
x2
x
xn
Multiplication of a vector by a scalar lx results in a vector for which each element is
multiplied by l.
MATRICES
A matrix is a rectangular array of elements (numbers) that takes the form
a11 a12 a1m
a21 a22 a2 m
A
an1 an 2 anm
in which the elements are written aij. The subscript i refers to the ith row and j to the
jth column.
Matrix A is called an n m matrix where n is the number of rows and m is the
number of columns. If n m, the matrix is called a square matrix. If m 1, the ma-
trix is a column vector (n 1). If n 1, the matrix is a row vector (1 m).
490
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 491
The transpose of a matrix AT is a matrix for which the rows and columns of the
matrix A are interchanged. If the diagonal elements (aij for all i j) of a square matrix
are 1 and all off-diagonal elements are 0, then the matrix is called a unit (or identity)
1 0
matrix and is given the symbol I. For example, a 2 2 unit matrix is given by .
0 1
If A AT for a square matrix, the matrix A is said to be symmetric.
When two matrices are added (or subtracted), the corresponding elements are
added (or subtracted); thus
a11 b11 a12 b12 a1m b1m
a21 b21 a22 b22 a2 m b2 m
AB
n1 bn1
a an 2 bn 2 anm bnm
The product of two matrices C AB is a matrix whose elements are obtained by the
expression
m
cij ∑ aik bkj for i 1, … , n and j 1, … , p
k 1
where A is an n m matrix and B is an m p matrix. The matrix C is an n p ma-
trix. The number of columns in A must equal the number of rows in B to perform this
operation.
INVERSE OF A MATRIX
The inverse of a matrix is related to the concept of division for numbers. It can only
be found for square matrices. The inverse of a number x is written 1/x or x1. The
product of a number x and its inverse is equal to unity. The inverse of a matrix A is
written A1, and the product of a matrix and its inverse is equal to the unit matrix;
thus
A1A I
The expression used for matrix inversion takes the form
adj A
A1 (21A.1)
A
where |A| is the determinant of A and adj A is the adjoint of A. These two terms will
now be described.
The determinant of a matrix |A| is a scalar which is computed from the elements
of the matrix as follows:
A ai1 Ai1 ai 2 Ai 2 ain Ain
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492 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
n
or A ∑ aij Aij for any i (21A.2)
j 1
where Aij, the cofactor of element aij, is computed as
Aij (1)i j Mij
The determinant Mij is the minor of the element aij and is defined as follows. If the row
and column containing the element aij are deleted from a square matrix A, the deter-
minant of the resulting matrix, which is an (n 1) (n 1) matrix, is the minor Mij.
An alternate expression for the calculation of a determinant which uses the elements of
a specific column and its cofactors is as follows:
n
A ∑ aij Aij for any j (21A.3)
i 1
The determinant of a matrix with two equal rows or columns is zero.
We now define the adjoint of a matrix. Let the matrix B be an n n matrix
whose elements bij are the cofactors Aji of A, i.e., the transpose of the cofactor matrix.
Matrix B is the adjoint of A; thus B adj A transpose of cofactor matrix, or
A11 A21 An1
A12 A22 An 2
adj A
A1n A2 n Ann
Some useful properties of the inverse are
( AB )1 B1A1
( A1 ) ( AT )
T 1
( A1 ) A
1
The derivations of relationships presented here, as well as other properties of matrices,
can be found in textbooks on linear algebra (see Anton, 1984).
EXAMPLES
1. Evaluate the determinant of A for the following matrix.
2 3 5
A 1 0 1
2 1 0
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 493
For this problem, we use Eq. (21A.2) with i 1 (i.e., use row 1).
0 1 1 1 1 0
A 2 3 5
1 0 2 0 2 1
2 [( 0 ) ( 0 ) (1) (1)] 3 [(1) ( 0 ) (1) ( 2 )] 5 [(1) (1) ( 0 ) ( 2 )]
2 (1) 3 (2 ) 5 (1) 9
MATLAB Solution:
A=[2,3,5;1,0,1;2,1,0]
A =
2 3 5
1 0 1
2 1 0
det(A)
ans =
9
2. Find the inverse of the matrix
2 3
A
1 4
adj A
A1
A
The determinant of A is
A ( 2 ) ( 4 ) ( 3) (1) 5
The matrix of minors is
4 1
3 2
The cofactor matrix is
4 1
3 2
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494 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
The adjoint of the matrix, which is the transpose of the cofactor matrix, is
4 3
adj A
1 2
1 4 3 45 35
therefore A1 1
5 1 2 5 2
5
MATLAB Solution
A= [2,3;1,4]
A =
2 3
1 4
A^-1
ans =
0.8000 -0.6000
-0.2000 0.4000
3. Obtain the inverse of the matrix
2 3 1
A 1 2 3
3 1 2
One can show that
A 18
The cofactor matrix is
1 7 5
5 1 7
7 5 1
The adjoint matrix is
1 5 7
7 1 5
5 7 1
1 5 7
1
A1 7 1 5
18
5 7 1
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CHAPTER 21 STATE-SPACE REPRESENTATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS 495
MATLAB Solution
A=[2,3,1;1,2,3;3,1,2]
A =
2 3 1
1 2 3
3 1 2
Aˆ-1
ans =
0.0556 -0.2778 0.3889
0.3889 0.0556 -0.2778
-0.2778 0.3889 0.0556 which is the same as we determined by
hand... if we multiply each element by 18, the result will be obvious.
ans*18
ans =
1.0000 -5.0000 7.0000
7.0000 1.0000 -5.0000
-5.0000 7.0000 1.0000
PROBLEMS
21.1. In the liquid-level process shown in Fig. P21–1, the three tanks are interacting. The process
may be described by
x Ax Bu
x1
x u1
where x 2 and u
u2
x3
u1 u2
A1 = 1 A2 = 1 A3 = 1
2
x1 x2 x3
R1 = 1 R2 = 1 R3
R4 R5
FIGURE P21–1
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496 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
(a) If
3 1 0
A 2 3 2
0 1 3
determine values of R3, R4, and R5. If one of these values of R is negative, what is your
interpretation?
(b) Determine B.
21.2. For the system shown in Fig. P21–2, find A and b in
x Ax bu
The tanks are interacting. The following data apply:
A1 1, A2 1
2
, R1 1
2
, R2 2, R3 1
u
A1 A2
x1 x2
R1 R2
R3
FIGURE P21–2
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CHAPTER
21
CAPSULE SUMMARY
A linear physical system can be described mathematically in several ways. For a second-
order differential equation t 2 d2y/dt2 2z t dy/dt y u, we may represent it by
• A transfer function.
Y (s) 1
U (s) 2 2
t s 2zt s 1
• Two first-order differential equations
x1 y and x2 y
x1 x2
1 2z 1
x2 x1 x2 2 u
t2 t t
• A matrix differential equation.
x ⴝ Ax ⴙ bu
0 1 0
x1 1 2z x1
x
x 1 u
2 2
t 2 t t 2 sc a lar
x x
A b
y ⴝ Cx
The xi are the state variables, and the yi are the outputs. In control literature, there are
generally three types of state variables used:
1. Physical variables (readily measured and observed, i.e., level, temperature, com-
position, etc.)
2. Phase variables (the dependent variable and its successive derivatives)
3. Canonical variables (state variables selected so that matrix A is diagonal, chosen
for ease in matrix computation)
SOME MATLAB COMMANDS
tf2ss—converts a transfer function model to a state-space model.
The state variables are canonical.
det(A)—finds the determinant of square matrix A
Aˆ-1 or inv(A)—finds the inverse of square matrix A
497
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CHAPTER
22
TRANSFER
FUNCTION MATRIX
I n Chap. 21, we have seen that a linear dynamic system can be expressed in terms of
the following equations
x ⴝ Ax ⴙ Bu (22.1)
y ⴝ Cx
(22.2)
where x ⫽ column vector of n state variables (x1, x2, . . ., xn)
u ⫽ column vector of m inputs or forcing terms (u1, u2, . . ., um)
y ⫽ column vector of p outputs (y1, y2, . . ., yp)
A ⫽ n ⫻ n matrix of coefficients
B ⫽ n ⫻ m matrix of coefficients
C ⫽ p ⫻ n matrix of coefficients
One of the objectives of this chapter is to show how one solves Eqs. (22.1) and (22.2)
in a systematic manner.
Before discussing the solution of the matrix differential equation of Eq. (22.1),
we consider the scalar differential equation
dx
⫽ Ax ⫹ Bu
dt (22.3)
In this equation all the terms are scalars. If we multiply both sides of Eq. (22.3) by e⫺At,
we obtain, after rearrangement,
e⫺ At dx ⫺ Axe⫺ At dt ⫽ Be⫺ At u(t ) dt
498
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CHAPTER 22 TRANSFER FUNCTION MATRIX 499
We can recognize that the left-hand side is an exact differential, and we can rewrite this
expression as
( )
d xe⫺ At ⫽ Be⫺ At u(t ) dt
Integrating both sides from t ⫽ 0 to t ⫽ t, we obtain
∫0 d ( xe
t ⫺ At
) ⫽ ∫tt =⫽0t Be⫺At u(t ) dτ
t ⫽t
xe⫺ At ⫺ x ( 0 ) ⫽ ∫t = 0 Be
⫺ At
u(t ) d t
t ⫽t t ⫽t A( t ⫺t )
x ⫽ e At x ( 0 ) ⫹ e At ∫ Be⫺ At u(t ) d t ⫽ e At x ( 0 ) ⫹ ∫t = 0 Be u(t ) d t
t =0
The solution to Eq. (22.3) can thus be written as the sum of the complementary function
and the particular integral as follows:
x ( t ) ⫽ e At x ( 0 ) ⫹ ∫ e A( t ⫺t ) Bu(t ) d t
t
0 (22.4)
particular complementary
solution solution
Equation (22.4) is a well-known result that has been derived in many books on the solu-
tion of ordinary differential equations.
22.1 TRANSITION MATRIX
Let us now turn our attention to the solution of the matrix differential equation
x ⴝ Ax (22.5)
This is Eq. (22.1) for the case of no inputs (i.e., u ⫽ 0). The initial conditions for
Eq. (22.5) may be expressed as x(0). One can show that the solution to Eq. (22.5) with
initial conditions x(0) is given by
A2 2 A k k
x ( t ) ⫽ I ⫹ At ⫹ t ⫹ ... ⫹ t x (0) (22.6)
2! k!
The infinite series of matrix terms within the braces is given the symbol eAt. This sym-
bol is chosen to recall that the infinite series of the scalar term eat is
a2 2 ak k
1 ⫹ at ⫹ t ⫹ ... ⫹ t
2! k!
Using the symbol eAt, we may write Eq. (22.6) as
x ( t ) ⫽ e At x ( 0 ) (22.7)
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500 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
The symbol eAt is an n ⫻ n matrix in which each element contains a power series of t.
The solution to Eq. (22.1) can be shown to be
t A ( t ⫺t )
x ( t ) ⫽ e At x ( 0 ) ⫹ ∫0 e Bu(t ) d t (22.8)
Notice that Eq. (22.8) resembles Eq. (22.4), which is the solution for the scalar dif-
ferential equation. Since eAt is awkward and perhaps misleading as to its nature, eAt is
sometimes replaced by f (t); thus
e ( t ) ⫽ e At ( transition matrix) (22.9)
Either of the terms e (t) and eAt can be used for the transition matrix. In this book, we
shall use eAt.
Example 22.1. Solution of a matrix differential equation. Solve the follow-
ing matrix differential equation
⫺1 1 0
x ⫽ x ⫹ u (t )
0 ⫺2 1
where u(t) is a unit-step function and
⫺1
x (0) ⫽
0
One can show that
At
e⫺t e⫺t ⫺ e⫺2 t
e ⫽
0 e⫺2 t
In the next section, the method used to obtain the elements of this matrix will be
developed. Applying Eq. (22.8) gives
⫺( t ⫺t )
e⫺t e⫺t ⫺ e⫺2 t ⫺1 t e e⫺( t ⫺t ) ⫺ e⫺2( t ⫺t ) 0
x(t ) ⫽
0 e⫺2 t
⫹
0
∫0 e⫺2( t ⫺t )
dt
1
0
t ⫽t
⫺e⫺t e⫺( t ⫺t ) ⫺ 0 . 5e⫺2( t ⫺t )
or x (t ) ⫽ ⫹
0 0 . 5e⫺2( t ⫺t )
t ⫽0
0 . 5 ⫺ 2e⫺t ⫹ 0 . 5e⫺2 t
or x (t ) ⫽
0 . 5 ⫺ 0 . 5e⫺2 t
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CHAPTER 22 TRANSFER FUNCTION MATRIX 501
MATLAB Solution of Matrix Differential Equation
Let’s resolve Example 22.1 using MATLAB.
A=[−1,1;0,−2]
A =
−1 1
0 −2
syms t %Declare t to be a symbolic variable.
B=expm(A*t) %Calculate the transition matrix.
B =
[exp(−t), exp(−t)−exp(−2*t)]
[0, exp(−2*t)]
C=B*[−1;0] %This is the “particular” solution, the first term on the right-hand side.
C =
[ −exp(−t)]
[ 0]
syms tau %Declare tau to be symbolic.
D=expm(A*(t−tau)) %Preparing the integrand
D =
[exp(−t+tau), −exp(−2*t+2*tau)+exp(−t+tau)]
[0, exp(−2*t+2*tau)]
E=D*[0;1] %Completing the integrand
E =
[−exp(−2*t+2*tau)+exp(−t+tau)]
[exp(−2*t+2*tau)]
F=int(E,tau,0,t) %Integrating the expression over tau, from tau=0 to tau=t
F =
[1/2+1/2*exp(−2*t)−exp(−t)]
[1/2−1/2*exp(−2*t)] %The “complementary” solution
G=F+C
G =
[1/2+1/2*exp(−2*t)−2*exp(−t)]
[1/2−1/2*exp(−2*t)] %The complete solution . . . this checks with our hand calculation above.
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502 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
Determining eAt
One method for determining the elements of the transition matrix eAt is to use Laplace
transforms. Consider the matrix differential equation of Eq. (22.1)
x ⫽ Ax ⫹ Bu
If we take the Laplace transform of each side, we obtain
sX ( s ) ⫺ x ( 0 ) ⫽ AX ( s ) ⫹ BU ( s )
or sX ( s ) ⫺ AX ( s ) ⫽ x ( 0 ) ⫹ BU ( s )
Solving for X(s) gives
( sI ⫺ A ) X ( s ) ⫽ x ( 0 ) ⫹ BU ( s ) (22.10)
To obtain an expression for X(s), premultiply both sides of Eq. (22.10) by (sI ⫺ A)⫺1; thus
( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 ( sI ⫺ A ) X ( s ) ⫽ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 x ( 0 ) ⫹ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BU ( s )
This equation becomes
X ( s ) ⫽ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 x ( 0 ) ⫹ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BU ( s ) (22.11)
To obtain x(t) from Eq. (22.11), we take the inverse transform; thus
{ } {
x ( t ) ⫽ L⫺1 ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 x ( 0 ) ⫹ L⫺1 ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BU ( s ) } (22.12)
By comparing Eqs. (22.8) and (22.12), we see that
{
e At ⫽ L⫺1 ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 } (22.13)
and
t At ⫺t
∫0 e {
Bu(t ) d t ⫽ L⫺1 ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BU ( s ) } (22.14)
22.2 TRANSFER FUNCTION MATRIX
When x(0) ⫽ 0, a case frequently used in control applications, we obtain from Eq. (22.11)
X ( s ) ⫽ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BU ( s ) (22.15)
This may be written
X (s) ⫽ G (s) U (s) (22.16)
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CHAPTER 22 TRANSFER FUNCTION MATRIX 503
where
G ( s ) ⫽ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 B ( transfer function matrix) (22.17)
The term G(s) is called the transfer function matrix and serves the same purpose as the
transfer function for the scalar case; namely, it relates a set of state variables X(s) to a
set of inputs U(s).
If we prefer to relate the output to the input as expressed by Eq. (22.2), we may
proceed as follows. Taking the Laplace transform of both sides of Eq. (22.2) gives
Y ( s ) ⫽ CX ( s ) (22.18)
Combining Eqs. (22.15) and (22.18) gives
Y ( s ) ⫽ C ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BU ( s )
We may now write
Y ( s ) ⫽ G1 ( s ) U ( s ) (22.19)
where G1 ( s ) ⫽ C ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 B (22.20)
The term G1 (s) in Eq. (22.20) is also a transfer function matrix that relates the output
vector Y to the input vector U.
Example 22.2. Determine the transfer function matrix for the two-tank liquid-level
system shown in Fig. 22–1. Given: A1 ⫽ 1, A2 ⫽ 0 . 5, R1 ⫽ 0 . 5, R2 ⫽ 23 .
u1
A1
h1
R1
u2
q1
A2
h2
R2
q2
FIGURE 22–1
Two-tank liquid-level system.
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504 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
As developed in Example 21.1 [Eq. (21.17)], this system is described by
h ⫽ Ah ⫹ Bu
where
⫺2 0 1 0
A ⫽ B ⫽
4 ⫺3 0 2
From the definition of the transfer function matrix of Eq. (22.17), we write
G ( s ) ⫽ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 B
The inverse of sI ⫺ A is obtained as follows (see App. 21A for details on the
inversion of a matrix):
adj ( sI ⫺ A )
( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 ⫽
sI ⫺ A
s ⫹ 2 0
sI ⫺ A ⫽
⫺4 s ⫹ 3
s ⫹ 3 4
Cofactor of sI ⫺ A ⫽
0 s ⫹ 2
We can now find the adjoint:
s ⫹ 3 0
adj ( sI ⫺ A ) ⫽
4 s ⫹ 2
The determinant of sI ⫺ A is
s⫹2 0
⫽ ( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3)
⫺4 s⫹3
We can now determine the inverse of sI ⫺ A.
s ⫹ 3 0
4 s ⫹ 2 (22.21)
( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 ⫽
( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3)
s ⫹ 3 0 s ⫹ 3 0
4 ⫹ 1 0 4 ( ⫹ )
G (s) ⫽
s 2 2 s 2
⫽
( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3) 0 2 ( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3)
Simplifying this expression gives
1
0
s⫹2
G (s) ⫽
4 2
( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3) s ⫹ 3
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CHAPTER 22 TRANSFER FUNCTION MATRIX 505
From Eq. (22.16) we write
H (s) ⫽ G (s) U (s)
therefore
1
0
H1 ( s ) s⫹2 U1 ( s )
H ( s ) ⫽ (22.22)
2 4 2 U 2 ( s )
( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3) s ⫹ 3
From Eq. (22.22), we obtain
1
H1 ( s ) ⫽ U1 ( s )
s⫹2
4 2
and H2 ( s ) ⫽ U1 ( s ) ⫹ U2 ( s )
( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3) s⫹3
For given inputs, the above equations may be inverted to obtain h1 (t) and h2 (t).
For the case of U1(s) ⫽ 1/s and U2(s) ⫽ 0, we get
1 0.5
H1 ( s ) ⫽ ⫽
s ( s ⫹ 2) s ( 0 . 5s ⫹ 1)
4
and H2 ( s ) ⫽
s ( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3)
Inversion of H1(s) and H2(s) gives
(
h1 ( t ) ⫽ 0 . 5 1 ⫺ e⫺2 t )
h2 ( t ) ⫽
2
3
4 2
(
⫹ e⫺3t ⫺ 2e⫺2 t ⫽ 1 ⫹ 2e⫺3t ⫺ 3e⫺2 t
3 3
)
The results given above can be obtained, of course, by the methods presented
earlier in this book.
The transition matrix can be obtained by applying Eq. (22.13) to Eq. (22.21):
1
0
s ⫹ 2
e At ⫽ L⫺1
4 1
( s ⫹ 2 ) ( s ⫹ 3) s ⫹ 3
Inverting each term in the matrix gives
e⫺2 t 0
e At ⫽ ⫺2 t
4 e
( ⫺ e⫺3t ) e⫺3t
This matrix can be used in Eq. (22.8) to calculate h1 (t) and h2 (t). The result will
be the same as obtained by inversion of Eq. (22.22).
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506 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
MATLAB Solution of Example 22.2
A = [−2,0;4, − 3]
A =
−2 0
4 −3
B = [1,0;0,2]
B =
1 0
0 2
syms s t
I = eye(2) %Set up the identity matrix
I =
1 0
0 1
E = s*I − A
E =
[s + 2, 0]
[−4, s + 3]
F = Eˆ −1
F =
[1/(s + 2), 0]
[4/(s + 2)/(s + 3), 1/(s + 3)]
G = F*B
G =
[1/(s + 2), 0]
[4/(s + 2)/(s + 3), 2/(s + 3)]
This is the same expression that we obtained by hand for G(s).
Let’s check the transition matrix.
H = ilaplace(F)
H =
[ exp(−2*t), 0]
[ 4*exp(−2*t) − 4*exp(−3*t), exp(−3*t)] %This is exp(At), the transition matrix
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CHAPTER 22 TRANSFER FUNCTION MATRIX 507
This matches the value we arrived at above for the transition matrix.
syms tau
K = [exp(−2*(t − tau)),0; 4*exp(−2*(t − tau)) − 4*exp(−3*(t − tau)),
exp(−3*(t − tau))]
K =
[ exp(−2*t + 2*tau), 0]
[ 4*exp(−2*t + 2*tau) −4*exp(−3*t + 3*tau), exp(−3*t + 3*tau)] %This is exp(A(t−τ))
M = K*B
M =
[exp(−2*t + 2*tau), 0]
[ 4*exp(−2*t + 2*tau) − 4*exp(−3*t + 3*tau), 2*exp(−3*t + 3*tau)]
N = M*[1;0] %This is M*u, remember u1 = 1 and u2 = 0
N =
[exp(−2*t + 2*tau)]
[4*exp(−2*t + 2*tau) − 4*exp(−3*t + 3*tau)]
P = int(N,tau,0,t) %The complementary solution.
P =
[1/2 − 1/2*exp(−2*t)]
[2/3 − 2*exp(−2*t) + 4/3*exp(−3*t)] % The first element is H1 and the second is H2.
This result matches the earlier result we obtained for H1 and H2.
Simulink Modeling of Example 22.2
Simulink can model a state-space system. Using the model developed in Example 22.2,
h1 ⫺2 0 h1 1 0 u1
⫽ 4 ⫺3 h ⫹ 0 2 u
h2 2 2
A B
If we desire to examine the response in tank 2, we want the output y to be equal to h2. Therefore,
h1 u1
y = [ 0 1] ⫹ [ 0 0 ] ⫽ outp p ut
h2 u2
C D
The Simulink block diagram for the model is shown in Fig. 22–2.
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508 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
y
To workspace
U1 x' = Ax+Bu
y = Cx+Du
0 State-space Scope
U2
FIGURE 22–2
Simulink model for Example 22.2.
The simulation is quite easy to set up. Double-clicking on the state-space block pops up a menu that
must be filled in using the values for the matrices A, B, C, and D (see Fig. 22–3). The completed
menu box is shown below. The input signals u1 and u2 are multiplexed and fed into the state-space
block. The upper signal is u1, a unit step, and the lower signal is u2, which is zero. The scope output
is shown in Fig. 22–4.
FIGURE 22–3 FIGURE 22–4
Simulink state-space menu block. Simulink model output, Example 22.2.
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CHAPTER 22 TRANSFER FUNCTION MATRIX 509
The output from the model is also sent back to the MATLAB workspace, as y, where we can plot it
in comparison to the analytical expression for h2.
h2 ( t ) ⫽
2
3
4 2
(
⫹ e⫺3t ⫺ 2e⫺2 t ⫽ 1 ⫹ 2e⫺3t ⫺ 3e⫺2 t
3 3
)
The MATLAB commands required to generate a comparison plot are
h2 = y.signals.values;
t = y.time;
h2analytical = (2/3) + (4/3)*exp(−3*t) − 2*exp(−2*t);
plot(t,h2,t,h2analytical,’*’)
Comparison of h2 calculated with Simulink and the analytical expression
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
h2
0.3
0.2 Simulink
Analytical
0.1
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
Time
FIGURE 22–5
Comparison of h2 calculated using Simulink with analytical solution.
From Fig. 22–5, we note that the solutions are identical.
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510 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
SUMMARY
The matrix differential equation
x ⫽ Ax ⫹ Bu
used to describe a control system by the state-space method can be solved for the vector
of state variables x by use of the transfer function matrix. It consists of a matrix of transfer
functions that relate the state variables to the inputs. The transfer function matrix serves
the same purpose in a multiple-input multiple-output system as the transfer function does
for a single-input single-output system. The transfer function matrix is obtained from the
matrix differential equation by application of Laplace transforms.
PROBLEMS
22.1. Determine x(t) for the system
x ⫽ Ax ⫹ Bu
e⫺5t ⫺e⫺2 t ⫹ e⫺5t
where e At ⫽
0 e⫺2 t
0 3 1 2
x (0) ⫽ u (t ) ⫽ B ⫽
1 1 0 ⫺4
22.2 (a) Solve Prob. 21.1, using the techniques in this chapter.
(b) Solve Prob. 21.1, using MATLAB/Simulink.
22.3 (a) Solve Prob. 21.2, using the techniques in this chapter.
(b) Solve Prob. 21.2, using MATLAB/Simulink.
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CHAPTER
22
CAPSULE SUMMARY
For the general state-space model,
x ⫽ Ax ⫹ Bu y ⫽ Cx ⫹ Du
The solution was shown to be
t A( t ⫺t )
x ( t ) ⫽ e At x ( 0 ) ⫹ ∫0 e Bu(t ) d t
where { }
e At ⫽ L⫺1 ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 ⬅ transition matrix
and thus, t At ⫺t
∫0 e {
Bu(t ) d t ⫽ L⫺1 ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BU ( s ) }
If x(0) ⫽ 0 (as is normally the case with deviation variables),
X ( s ) ⫽ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BU ( s )
or X (s) ⫽ G (s) U (s)
where G ( s ) ⫽ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 B ⬅ transfer function matrix (rell ates X to U)
G1 ( s ) ⫽ C ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 B ⬅ transfer fun c tion matrix (relates Y to U)
USEFUL MATLAB COMMANDS
expm(A)—matrix exponential command.
int—performs a symbolic integration.
Aˆ -1 — inverts matrix A.
x'= Ax + Bu
> >—Simulink block that performs state-space simulation
y = Cx + Du
State-Space
511
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CHAPTER
23
MULTIVARIABLE
CONTROL
U p to this point, the fundamentals of process dynamics and control have been illus-
trated by single-input single-output (SISO) systems. The processes encountered in
the real world are usually multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. To explore
these concepts, consider the interacting, two-tank liquid-level system in Fig. 23–1
where there is one input, the flow to tank 1 (m1), and one output, the level in tank 2 (h2).
In this figure, h2 is related to m1 by a second-order transfer function. From the point of
view of a SISO system, the relation between h2 and m1 may be represented by the block
diagram in Fig. 23–1b. One may place a feedback control system around the open-loop
system of Fig. 23–1b to maintain control of H2.
m1
h1 h2
R1 R2
(a)
R2
M1 H2
2s2 + 2 s+1
(b)
FIGURE 23–1
Single-input single-output (SISO) system: (a) two-tank interacting level system and (b) block diagram for
SISO system.
512
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CHAPTER 23 MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL 513
Now consider the same process of Fig. 23–1 in which there are two inputs (m1 and
m2) and two outputs (h1 and h2). This system is shown in Fig. 23–2a. A change in m1
alone will affect both outputs (h1 and h2). A change in m2 alone will also change both
outputs. (Remember that this is an interacting process for which the level in tank 1 is
affected by the level in tank 2.) The interaction between inputs and outputs can be seen
more clearly by the block diagram of Fig. 23–2b. In this diagram, the transfer functions
show how the change in one of the inputs affects both of the outputs. For example, if a
change occurs in only M1, the responses of H1 and H2 are
H1 ( s ) ⫽ G11 ( s ) M1 ( s )
H 2 ( s ) ⫽ G21 ( s ) M1 ( s )
The transfer functions in Fig. 23–2b will be worked out for a specific set of process
parameters in Example 23.1. (If the tanks were noninteracting, G12 ⫽ 0, with the result
that a change in flow to tank 2 would not affect H1.) If both H1 and H2 are to be con-
trolled, a single control loop will not be sufficient; in this case two control loops are
needed. The addition of control loops to the interacting system will be considered in
Sec. 23.1.
m1 m2
h1 h2
R1 R2
(a)
+
M1 G11 (s) H1
+
G21 (s)
G12 (s)
+
M2 +
G22 (s) H2
(b)
FIGURE 23–2
Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system: (a) level process and (b) block diagram.
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514 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
23.1 CONTROL OF INTERACTING SYSTEMS
The problem of controlling the outputs of a MIMO system will be discussed by means
of a 2 ⫻ 2 system shown in Fig. 23–3. The problem can be extended to the case of more
than two pairs of inputs and outputs by the same procedure described here. The control
objective is to control C1 and C2 independently, in spite of changes in M1 and M2 or other
load variables not shown. Two control loops are added to the diagram of Fig. 23–3 as
shown in Fig. 23–4. Each loop has a block for the controller, the valve, and the measur-
ing element. In principle, the multiloop control system of Fig. 23–4 will maintain control
of C1 and C2. However, because of the interaction present in the system, a change in R1
will also cause C2 to vary because a disturbance enters the lower loop through the trans-
fer function G21. Because of interaction, both outputs (C1 and C2) will change if a change
is made in either input alone. If G21 and G12 provide weak interaction, the two-controller
scheme of Fig. 23–4 will give satisfactory control. In the extreme, if G12 ⫽ G21 ⫽ 0, we
have no interaction and the two control loops are isolated from each other.
+
M1 G11 C1
+
G21
G12
+
M2 + FIGURE 23–3
G22 C2 MIMO system for two
pairs of inputs and outputs
Gm1
−
+ E1 M1
R1 Gc11 Gv1 G11 C1
+
+
G21
G12
+
+
R2 Gc22 Gv2 G22 C2
+ E2 M2
−
Gm2
FIGURE 23–4
Multiloop control system with two controllers.
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CHAPTER 23 MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL 515
To completely eliminate the interaction between outputs and set points, two more
controllers (cross-controllers) are added to the diagram of Fig. 23–4 to give the diagram
shown in Fig. 23–5. In principle, these cross-controllers can be designed to eliminate
interaction. The following analysis, which is expressed in matrix form, will lead to the
method of design for cross-controllers that will eliminate interaction.
Response of Multiloop Control System
From Fig. 23–5, we may write by direct observation the following relationships in the
form of the matrix expression
(23.1)
C ⫽ G pM
G11 G12 C1 M1
where G p = C = M =
G21 G22 C2 M 2
We also may write from Fig. 23–5
M1 ⫽ Gv1Gc11E1 ⫹ Gv1Gc12 E2 (23.2)
M 2 ⫽ Gv 2Gc 21E1 ⫹ Gv 2Gc 22 E2 (23.3)
where Gv1 and Gv2 are the transfer functions for the valves. Equations (23.2) and (23.3)
may be written in matrix form as
M ⫽ G v Gc E (23.4)
Gv1 0 Gc11 Gc12
where G v = (valve matrix ) Gc = (controller matrix )
0 Gv 2 Gc 21 Gc 22
E1
E =
E2
Gm1
−
+ E1 M1
R1 Gc 11 Gv 1 G11 C1
+ +
+ +
Gc 12 G21
Gc 21 G12
+ +
+ +
R2 Gc 22 Gv 2 G22 C2 FIGURE 23–5
+ E2 M2
Multiloop control system with two
−
primary controllers and two cross-
Gm2 controllers.
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516 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
From Fig. 23–5, we write directly
E1 ⫽ R1 ⫺ Gm1C1 (23.5)
E2 ⫽ R2 ⫺ Gm 2C2 (23.6)
where E1 and E2 are the error signals from the comparators. Equations (23.5) and (23.6)
can be written in matrix form
E ⴝ R ⴚ G mC (23.7)
Gm1 0
where G m ⫽ (measuring element matrix)
0 Gm 2
R1
R ⫽
R2
From Eqs. (23.1) and (23.4), we obtain
C ⫽ G p G v Gc E (23.8)
If we let Go ⫽ Gp Gv Gc, Eq. (23.8) becomes
C ⫽ Go E (23.9)
Combining Eqs. (23.7) and (23.9) gives
C ⫽ Go R ⫺ GoG m C (23.10)
We may now solve Eq. (23.10) for C to obtain
C ⫽ [ I ⫹ G oG m ]⫺1 G o R (23.11)
Notice that the closed-loop behavior expressed by this matrix equation is analogous to
the closed-loop response of a SISO system, which may be written
Go ( s )
C (s) ⫽ R (s) (23.12)
1 ⫹ Go ( s ) Gm ( s )
The matrix term ( I ⫹ Go Gm)⫺1 is equivalent to the scalar term 1/[1 ⫹ Go(s)Gm(s)].
+ E M
R Gc Gv Gp C
−
Gm
FIGURE 23–6
Block diagram for MIMO control system in terms of matrix blocks.
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CHAPTER 23 MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL 517
E
Go
A block diagram equivalent to the diagram
R C
+ for the MIMO control system in Fig. 23–5 is
−
shown in Fig. 23–6. In this diagram, the blocks
Gm are filled with the matrices in Eqs. (23.1), (23.4),
and (23.7). The double line indicates that more
than one variable is being transmitted. Each block
FIGURE 23–7
Reduced diagram for MIMO control
contains a matrix of transfer functions that relates
system where Go ⫽ Gp Gv Gc. an output vector to an input vector. The dia-
gram can be simplified by multiplying the three
matrices in the forward loop together and calling the result Go, as was done to obtain
Eq. (23.9). The simplified diagram is shown in Fig. 23–7.
Noninteracting Control
In order for no interaction to occur between C and R in Fig. 23–5 (i.e., R1 affects only C1
and R2 affects only C2), the off-diagonal elements of [ I ⫹ Go Gm]⫺1 Go in Eq. (23.11)
must be zero. Since I and Gm are diagonal, [ I ⫹ Go Gm]⫺1 Go will be diagonal if Go
is diagonal. Multiplication of the matrices in the expression for Go is now shown:
G o ⫽ G p G v Gc
G11 G12 Gv1 0 Gc11 Gc12
Go ⫽
G21 G22 0 Gv 2 Gc 21 Gc 22
The result of multiplying these matrices gives
G11Gv1Gc11 ⫹ G12Gv 2Gc 21 G11Gv1Gc12 ⫹ G12Gv 2Gc 22
Go ⫽ (23.13)
G21Gv1Gc11 ⫹ G22Gv 2Gc 21 G21Gv1Gc12 ⫹ G22Gv 2Gc 22
Setting the off-diagonal elements to zero and solving for Gc12 and Gc21 give
G12Gv 2Gc 22
Gc12 ⫽ ⫺ (23.14)
G11Gv1
G21Gv1Gc11
Gc 21 ⫽ ⫺ (23.15)
G22Gv 2
Example 23.1 will give some experience with the computations involved in applying
the theory developed so far in this chapter.
Example 23.1. For the two-tank, interacting liquid-level system shown in Fig.
23–8, develop the block diagram for a MIMO system corresponding to Fig. 23–3.
Material balances around tank 1 and tank 2 give the following differential
equations:
c1 ⫺ c2 c1
A1c1 ⫽ m1 ⫺ ⫺
R1 R3 (23.16)
c1 ⫺ c2 c2
A2c2 ⫽ m2 ⫹ ⫺ (23.17)
R1 R2
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518 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
m1 m2
A1 A2
c1 c2
R3 R1 R2
FIGURE 23–8
Process for Example 23.1: A1 ⫽ 1, A2 ⫽ 1 ,R
2 1 ⫽ 1 ,R
2 2 ⫽ 2, R3 ⫽ 1 .
Introducing the parameters given in Fig. 23–8 into Eqs. (23.16) and (23.17)
gives
c1 ⫽ m1 ⫺ 3c1 ⫹ 2c2 (23.18)
c2 ⫽ 2m2 ⫹ 4c1 ⫺ 5c2 (23.19)
These equations may be written in matrix form as
c ⴝ Ac ⴙ Bm
where
⫺3 2 1 0
A ⫽ B ⫽
4 ⫺5 0 2
We use Eq. (22.15) to obtain
C ( s ) ⫽ ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 BM ( s ) (23.20)
Writing Eq. (23.20) in the form of Eq. (23.1) gives
C ⫽ G pM
where Gp ⫽ (s I ⫺ A)⫺1 B.
After several steps involving the inversion of s I ⫺ A and multiplying the
result of inversion by B, we get
s ⫹ 5 4
4 ( ⫹ )
Gp ⫽
2 s 3 (23.21)
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 )
The block diagram can now be drawn as shown in Fig. 23–3 with
s⫹5 4
G11 ⫽ G12 ⫽
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 ) ( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 )
4 2(s ⫹ 3)
G21 ⫽ G22 ⫽
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 ) ( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 )
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CHAPTER 23 MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL 519
Notice that the diagonal elements of Gp(s) are of the form
a (s ⫹ b )
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 )
1.0 1.0
0.8 0.8 c2
0.6 c1
c2 0.6
c1
0.4 0.4
0.2 0.2
0.0 0.0
0 1.5 t 3 0 1.5 t 3
(a) (b)
FIGURE 23–9
1
Open-loop response for Example 23.1. (a) M1 ⫽ , M 2 ⫽ 0 (step change to tank 1) and
1 s
(b) M1 ⫽ 0, M 2 ⫽ (step change to tank 2).
s
These elements, which relate c1 to m1 and c2 to m2, will produce a second-order
response to a step change in input that has a finite slope at the origin because of the
numerator term s ⫹ b. In contrast, the off-diagonal elements have second-order
transfer functions without numerator dynamics, for which case the step response
will be second-order with zero slope at the origin. The responses of c1 and c2 for
unit-step changes in m1 and m2 taken separately are shown in Fig. 23–9.
Example 23.2. For the two-tank liquid-level system of Example 23.1, deter-
mine the controller transfer function matrix Gc needed to eliminate interaction.
The primary controllers are to be proportional; i.e., Gc11 ⫽ K1 and Gc22 ⫽ K2.
The diagram of the control system is shown in Fig. 23–10.
r1 r2
m1 m2
A1 Controller A2
c1 c2
R1 R2
R3
FIGURE 23–10
Process for Example 23.2. A1 ⫽ 1, A2 ⫽ 1 ,R
2 1 ⫽ 1 ,R
2 2 ⫽ 2, R3 ⫽ 1, Gc11 ⫽ K1 , Gc 22 ⫽ K 2 .
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520 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
The block labeled Controller contains the four transfer functions that are the ele-
ments of Gc. In this problem, Gv is a unit diagonal matrix, i.e., Gv1 ⫽ Gv2 ⫽ 1.
From Eqs. (23.14) and (23.15) we obtain
G12Gc 22 4 ( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 )
Gc12 ⫽ ⫺ ⫽⫺ K2
G11 ( s + 1) ( s + 7 ) s⫹5
⫺4 K 2
or Gc12 ⫽ (23.22)
s⫹5
G21Gc11 4 ( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 )
Gc 21 ⫽ ⫺ ⫽⫺ K1
G22 ( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 ) 2 ( s ⫹ 3)
⫺2 K1
or Gc21 ⫽ (23.23)
s⫹3
Having found the transfer functions for the cross-controllers, we can now deter-
mine the nature of the uncoupled response of c1 to a change in r1 and of c2 to a
change in r2.
Inserting Gv1 ⫽ Gv2 ⫽ 1 and the expressions for Gc12 and Gc21 from Eqs. (23.14)
and (23.15) into Eq. (23.13) gives for Go
G11Gc11 ⫹ G12Gc 21 0
Go ⫽ (23.24)
0 G21Gc12 ⫹ G22Gc 22
Inserting the appropriate elements of the Gp matrix [Eq. (23.21)] and the Gc
matrix in Eq. (23.24) gives, after considerable simplification,
K1 0
s ⫹ 3
Go ⫽ decoupled system
m (23.25)
0 2K 2
s ⫹ 5
The block diagram for this decoupled MIMO system is shown in Fig. 23–11.
Go
K1
0
E s+3
R C
+ − 2K2
0
s+5
Gm1 0
0 Gm2
Gm
FIGURE 23–11
Block diagram for decoupled system in Example 23.2.
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CHAPTER 23 MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL 521
Assuming that the measurement matrix Gm is a unit diagonal matrix, the diagram
in Fig. 23–11 can be simplified to the unity feedback diagram of Fig. 23–12.
Go
K1
0
E (s + 3)
R C
+ 2K2
− 0
s+5
FIGURE 23–12
Simplified block diagram for Example 23.2.
From Fig. 23–12, we may write directly
C ⫽ Go E E ⫽ R⫺C
therefore, C ⫽ G o R ⫺ G oC
C1 Go11 0 R1 Go11 0 C1
C 2 ⫽ 0 ⫺
or
Go 22 C2
Go 22 R2 0
From this expression, we may write
C1 ⫽ Go11 R1 ⫺ Go11C1
C2 ⫽ Go 22 R2 ⫺ Go 22C2
Solving for C1(s) gives
Go11
C1 ( s ) ⫽ R1 ( s )
1 ⫹ Go11
Inserting Go11 from Eq. (23.25) gives
K1 / ( s ⫹ 3)
C1 ( s ) ⫽ R1 ( s ) (23.26)
1 ⫹ K1 / ( s ⫹ 3)
In a similar way, one can show that
2 K 2 / ( s ⫹ 5)
C2 ( s ) ⫽ R2 ( s ) (23.27)
1 ⫹ 2 K 2 / ( s ⫹ 5)
The result shows that the cross-controllers of Eqs. (23.22) and (23.23) give two
separate noninteracting control loops, as shown in Fig. 23–13.
The response of the control system of Fig. 23–10 is shown in Fig. 23–14 for
a unit-step change in R1. In Fig. 23–14a, no cross-controllers are present in the
matrix Gc. In Fig. 23–14b, cross-controllers having the transfer functions given
by Eqs. (23.22) and (23.23) are present. As expected, for the case of no cross-
controllers, one sees from Fig. 23–14a that a request for a unit-step change in r1
causes both c1 and c2 to change. For the case where cross-controllers are present,
we see from Fig. 23–14b that a change in r1 does not affect c2 as demanded by a
decoupled system.
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522 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
−
+ 1
R1 K1 C1
s+3
+ 2
R2 K2 C2
s+5
−
FIGURE 23–13
Decoupled control system for Example 23.2 where primary
controllers are proportional.
1.0 1.0
0.8 0.8
c1
0.6 0.6 c1
0.4 0.4
0.2 c2 0.2 c2
0.0 t 0.0 t
0 1.5 3 0 1.5 3
(a) (b)
FIGURE 23–14
Response for control system in Example 23.2 for R1 ⫽ 1/s, R2 ⫽ 0, Gc11 ⫽ K1 ⫽ 4, Gc22 ⫽ K2 ⫽ 4.
(a) No cross-controllers; (b) cross-controllers present.
Example 23.3. Use MATLAB and Simulink to simulate the system shown in
Example 23.2. Examine the system behavior for values of Kc (both K1 and K2)
⫽ 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.
The Simulink diagram for the process is shown in Fig. 23–5.
The PID controller block for each loop is a proportional controller only, Gc11 ⫽ K1
and Gc22 ⫽ K2.
We use a MATLAB m-file to call this model, using the following command:
>>ex23_3driver
The MATLAB m-file that calls the Simulink model is
% The name of this file is ex23_3driver.m
% The Simulink file for the model is example23_3
% The variable h is used to plot each line in different
colors
h(1,:)='g−';
h(2,:)='r−';
h(3,:)='b−';
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CHAPTER 23 MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL 523
1
E1 M1 s+5 Out1
+− PID ++ ++
s2 + 8s + 7 C1
R1 GC11 G11 C1
4
−2*k1
s+3 s2 + 8s + 7
G21
GC21 Scope
4 C2
−4*k2 s2 + 8s + 7
s+5 G12 2
GC12 Out2
M2 2s + 6
++ ++
s2 + 8s + 7 C2
E2
+− PID G22
E2
R2 GC22
FIGURE 23–15
Simulink model for simulation of Example 23.2.
h(4,:)='k − ';
h(5,:)='g− −';
h(6,:)='r − −';
for i=1:5
K1=2*i;
K2=2*i;
% The variable y in the 'sim' statement is taken from the
outport in the model
[t,x,y] = sim('example23_3',3);
plot(t,y(:,1),h(i,:))
hold on
plot(t,y(:,2),h(i+1,:))
end
grid
title('c_1 and c_2 vs time for K_c = 2,4,6,8,10');
grid
hold off
The output from the m-file is the desired plot shown in Fig. 23–16. (Note that
the text labels for the lines were added afterward using MATLAB plot edit-
ing commands by double-clicking the graph and filling in the appropriate menu
boxes.)
The MATLAB output shows that as we increase the controller gain,
the height in tank 1 more nearly tracks the set point change (as we might
expect), and the height in tank 2 is unaffected because of the decoupling cross-
controllers.
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524 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
c1 and c2 vs time for Kc = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
0.8
K1 = 10
0.7
0.6
0.5 c1
K1 = 2
0.4
0.3
R1 = 1/s
0.2 R2 = 0
0.1
Including cross-controllers c2
0
−0.1 FIGURE 23–16
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 Solution of Example 23.2
Time using MATLAB/Simulink.
To completely avoid the offset associated with proportional control, we can use
PI controllers for the primary controllers for the decoupled system. To study the effect
of PI controllers for the decoupled system, let
Gc11 ⫽ K1 1 ⫹ Gc 22 ⫽ K 2 1 ⫹
1 1
and
s s
Note that tI ⫽ 1 for both controllers. For this case, the cross-controller transfer func-
tions may be obtained from Eqs. (23.14) and (23.15); the results are
⫺4 K 2 ( s ⫹ 1) ⫺2 K1 ( s ⫹ 1)
Gc12 ⫽ and Gc 21 ⫽
s ( s ⫹ 5) s ( s ⫹ 3)
A simulation using these four controller transfer functions with K1 ⫽ K2 ⫽ 4 is shown
in Fig. 23–17. From the transient response, we see that c1 moves toward the set point of
1.0 and that c2 does not change, as is expected for a decoupled system.
Set Point
1.0
c1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2 c2 FIGURE 23–17
0.0 t Response of decoupled control system in Example 23.2 for
0 1.5 3 PI primary controllers: Gc11 ⫽ Gc22 ⫽ 4(1 ⫹ 1/s), R1 ⫽ 1/s,
R2 ⫽ 0.
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CHAPTER 23 MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL 525
23.2 STABILITY OF MULTIVARIABLE
SYSTEMS
Determining the stability for a multivariable control system, such as the one in Fig.
23–4 or Fig. 23–5, can be much more complicated than for a SISO system. The transfer
function for the closed-loop response of a MIMO system is given by Eq. (23.11):
C ⫽ [ I ⫹ G oG m ]⫺1 G o R
To invert this expression, we write
adj [ I ⫹ G oG m ] G o R (23.28)
C ⫽
I ⫹ GoGm
The numerator of this expression is an n ⫻ n matrix; the denominator is a nth-order
polynomial. To simplify the following argument, let the matrix in Eq. (23.28) be 2 ⫻ 2.
Let the elements of the numerator, after expansion, be written as follows:
b11 ( s ) b12 ( s )
adj[ I ⫹ G oG m ] G o R ⫽ (23.29)
b 21 ( s ) b 22 ( s )
Let the elements of Go Gm be written as follows:
a 11 ( s ) a 12 ( s )
GoGm ⫽ (23.30)
a 21 ( s ) a 22 ( s )
Expansion of the determinant in Eq. (23.28), using Eq. (23.30), is
1 ⫹ a 11 ( s ) a 12 ( s )
I ⫹ GoGm ⫽
a 21 ( s ) 1 ⫹ a 22 ( s )
I ⫹ G oG m ⫽ [1 ⫹ a 11 ( s )] [1 ⫹ a 22 ( s )] ⫺ a 12 ( s ) a 21 ( s ) (23.31)
or
Equation (23.31) is a polynomial expression, for which the order will depend on the
order of the transfer functions in Go and Gm. Equation (23.28) can now be written in
terms of the expansions shown in Eqs. (23.29) and (23.31) as follows:
b11 ( s ) b12 ( s )
I ⫹ GoGm I ⫹ GoGm
C ⫽
b 21 ( s ) b 22 ( s )
I ⫹ GoGm I ⫹ GoGm
Since each term contains the polynomial | I ⫹ Go Gm| in the denominator, the stability
of the multivariable system will depend on the roots of the polynomial equation
I ⫹ GoGm ⫽ 0 characteristic equation (23.32)
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526 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
Equation (23.32) is the characteristic equation of the multivariable system.
Although Eq. (23.32) has been derived here for the case where Go Gm is a 2 ⫻ 2
matrix, one can show that Eq. (23.32) applies to the general MIMO system of
Fig. 23–7 in which Go Gm is a matrix of any size (n ⫻ n). If the roots of the charac-
teristic equation are in the left half of the complex plane, we know that the system is
stable. One method to be used for examining the stability of a multivariable system is to
apply the Routh test to the characteristic equation of Eq. (23.32). In practice, the char-
acteristic equation can be of high order for a simple 2 ⫻ 2 multivariable control sys-
tem. Example 23.4 illustrates the determination of stability for a multivariable control
system.
Example 23.4. For the control system of Example 23.2, which is shown in Fig.
23–10, determine stability for the case where Gc11 ⫽ K1, Gc22 ⫽ K2, and there
are no cross-controllers present (i.e., Gc12 ⫽ Gc21 ⫽ 0); also let Gm and Gv be
unit matrices. From Example 23.1, we have for the elements of Gp
s⫹5 4
G11 ⫽ G12 ⫽
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 ) ( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 )
4 2 ( s ⫹ 3)
G21 ⫽ G22 ⫽
( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 ) ( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7 )
Since Gv ⫽ I, Go ⫽ Gp Gc. Since Gm ⫽ I, the characteristic equation of
Eq. (23.32) can now be written as
I ⫹ G p Gc ⫽ 0 (23.33)
Introducing the elements of the matrices Gp and Gc into Eq. (23.33) gives, after
expansion of the determinant,
[( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7) ⫹ K1 ( s ⫹ 5)][( s ⫹ 1) ( s ⫹ 7) ⫹ 2K 2 ( s ⫹ 3)] ⫺ 16K1K 2 ⫽ 0
For given values of K1 and K2, this expression can be expanded into a fourth-
order polynomial equation of the form
s 4 ⫹ as3 ⫹ bs 2 ⫹ g s ⫹ ∆ ⫽ 0 (23.34)
where a, b, g, and ∆ will include the gains K1 and K2.
The Routh test can be applied to Eq. (23.34) to determine whether the sys-
tem is stable. From this simple example, the reader can appreciate the algebraic
tedium that may be needed to determine the stability of a multivariable system.
One way to express the stability of this system is to plot the stability bound-
aries on a graph of K1 versus K2. The region within the boundaries gives the com-
binations of values of K1 and K2 for which the system is stable. Since the details
of stability boundaries are beyond the scope of this chapter, the reader may con-
sult Seborg, Edgar, and Mellichamp (2004) for examples of stability boundaries
for multivariable systems.
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CHAPTER 23 MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL 527
SUMMARY
Most of the systems encountered are multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems.
Such systems have several inputs and several outputs that are often interacting, meaning
that a disturbance at any input causes a response in some of or all the outputs. This inter-
action in a MIMO system makes control and stability analysis of the system very com-
plicated compared to that of a single-input single-output (SISO) system. A convenient
way to describe a MIMO system is by means of a block diagram in which each block
contains a matrix of transfer functions that relates an input vector to an output vector.
It is often desirable to have a control system decoupled so that certain outputs can
be controlled independently of other outputs. A systematic procedure was described
for decoupling a control system by including cross-controllers along with the princi-
pal controllers. This approach to decoupling requires an accurate model of the system;
the number of controllers (principal controllers and cross-controllers) increases rapidly
with the number of inputs and outputs. A system represented by two inputs and two
outputs requires as many as four controllers; a system of three inputs and three outputs
requires as many as nine controllers; and so on.
The characteristic equation for a multivariable control system, from which one
can determine stability by examining its roots, can be of high order for a relatively sim-
ple system. Expressing stability boundaries in terms of controller parameters becomes
complex because of the large number of controller parameters that can be adjusted.
PROBLEMS
23.1. For the liquid-level system shown in Fig. P23–1 determine the cross-controller transfer
functions that will decouple the system. Fill in each block of the diagram shown in Fig.
23–5 with a transfer function obtained from an analysis of the control system. The transfer
function for each feedback measuring element is unity. The following data apply:
A1 ⫽ 1 A2 ⫽ 0 . 5 Res1 ⫽ 0 . 5 Res 2 ⫽ 2
3
Gc11 ⫽ K1 Gc 22 ⫽ K 2
R1 R2
Gc
m1
A1
x1
m2
Res1 A2
x2
Res2 FIGURE P23–1
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528 PART 6 STATE-SPACE METHODS
The resistance on the outlet of a tank has been denoted by Res to avoid confusion with the symbol
for set point (R).
23.2. (a) For the interacting liquid-level system shown in Fig. P23–2, draw very neatly a block
diagram that corresponds to Fig. 23–4. Each block should contain a transfer function
obtained from an analysis of the liquid-level system. There are no cross-controllers in
this system. The transfer function for each feedback element is unity. The following
data apply:
A1 ⫽ 1 A2 ⫽ 1
2
Res1 ⫽ 1
2
Res2 ⫽ 2 Res3 ⫽ 1
Proportional controller Proportional controller
R1
K1 ≡ K11 = 1 K2 ≡ K22
R2
m1 m2
A1 A2
c1 c2
Res1 Res2
Res3
FIGURE P23–2
(b) Obtain the characteristic equation of this system in the form
s n ⫹ a s n ⫺1 ⫹ b s n ⫺ 2 ⫹ . . . ⫽ 0
Obtain expressions for a, b, etc., in terms of K2 (K1 ⫽ 1).
(c) How would you determine stability limits for this interacting control system?
23.3. Modify the Simulink model from Example 23.3 to simulate a PI controller for the process
and verify Fig. 23–17.
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CHAPTER
23
CAPSULE SUMMARY
SISO ⫽ single-input single-output system
MIMO ⫽ multiple-input multiple-output system. Most real-life systems are
MIMO.
In MIMO systems, the variables can interact, making control difficult. A change in one
variable by a controller attempting to drive the process variable to its desired set point
can cause unwanted disturbances in other process variables.
Decoupling process variable interactions is possible by introducing appropriate
cross-controllers.
MATLAB and Simulink are useful for simulating MIMO systems.
529
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PART
VII
NONLINEAR CONTROL
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CHAPTER
24
EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR
SYSTEMS
I n previous chapters, we have confined our attention to the behavior of linear systems
or to the analysis of linearized equations representative of nonlinear systems in the
vicinity of the steady-state condition. While much useful information can be obtained
from such analysis, it frequently is desirable or necessary to consider nonlinearities in
control system design.
No real physical system is truly linear, particularly over a wide range of operating
variables. Hence, to be complete, a control system design should allow for the possibil-
ity of a large deviation from steady-state behavior and resulting nonlinear behavior. The
purpose of Chaps. 24 and 25 is to introduce some of the tools that can be used for this
purpose and to indicate some of the complications that arise when nonlinear systems
are considered.
24.1 DEFINITION OF A NONLINEAR
SYSTEM
A nonlinear system is one for which the principle of superposition does not apply. Thus, by
superposition, the response of a linear system to the sum of two inputs is the same as the
sum of the responses to the individual inputs. This behavior, which allows us to character-
ize completely a linear system by a transfer function, is not true of nonlinear systems.
As an example, consider a liquid-level system. If the outflow is proportional to the
square root of the tank level, superposition does not hold and the system is nonlinear.
If the tank will always operate near the steady-state condition, the square root behavior
may be adequately represented by a straight line and superposition applied, as we have
done before. On the other hand, if the tank level were to fall to one-half the steady-state
value, we would no longer expect the transfer function derived on the linearized basis
to apply. The analysis becomes more complicated, as we shall see in our introduction to
the study of nonlinear systems.
533
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534 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
24.2 THE PHASE PLANE
The analysis of nonlinear dynamic systems may often be conceptually simplified by
changing to a coordinate system known as phase space. In this coordinate system,
time no longer appears explicitly, it being replaced by some other property of the sys-
tem. For example, consider the flight of a rocket to the moon. In a grossly oversim-
plified manner, we may describe this motion by a plot of the distance of the rocket
from the moon versus time. If all goes well, we would like such a plot to resemble
Fig. 24–1. Note the initial acceleration during launch and the final deceleration at
landing. We may, however, also represent this motion by a plot of rocket velocity
versus distance from the moon. This plot is shown in Fig. 24–2, where velocity is
defined as d (distance from moon)/dt. Figure 24–2 is called a phase diagram of the
rocket motion. Time now appears merely as a parameter along the curve of the rocket
motion. It has been replaced as a coordinate by the rocket velocity. Although in the
present example Fig. 24–2 may not be of significant advantage over Fig. 24–1, we
shall find phase diagrams very helpful in the analysis of certain nonlinear control
systems.
Earth
Distance from moon
Landing
Launch
0
Time
FIGURE 24–1
Distance-time plot for moon rocket.
Earth
Distance from moon
0
Velocity
Time
FIGURE 24–2
Velocity-distance plot for moon rocket.
To begin our study of phase diagrams, we convert the second-order system
studied previously in Chap. 7 to the phase plane.
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 535
24.3 PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS OF DAMPED
OSCILLATOR
The differential equation describing the motion of the system of Fig. 7–1 in response to
a unit-step function is
d 2Y dY
t2 2
⫹ 2zt ⫹Y ⫽ 1 (24.1)
dt dt
Equation (24.1) has previously been solved to yield the motion in the form of Y(t) ver-
sus t as shown in Fig. 7–3. For phase analysis, however, we want the motion in terms
of velocity versus position, Y versus Y, where the dot notation is used to indicate dif-
ferentiation with respect to t. Hence, we rewrite Eq. (24.1) as
dY
⫽ Y
dt
dY ⫺Y ⫺ 2ztY ⫹ 1
⫽ (24.2)
dt t2
It is sometimes convenient in phase-plane analysis to write the variables in terms of
deviation about the final condition. In this case, the system will ultimately come to rest
dy d2y
at Y ⫽ 1 (because both time derivatives and equal 0 at steady state). Hence
we define dt dt 2
X ⫽ Y ⫺1
X ⫽ Y
Then Eq. (24.2) becomes
dX
⫽ X
dt
(24.3)
dX ⫺X ⫺ 2ztX
⫽
dt t2
These are now viewed as two simultaneous, first-order differential equations in the
variables X and X (which, we recall, are phase variables).
To solve Eqs. (24.3), we may use the methods presented in Chaps. 21 and 22. For
this purpose, let X1 ⫽ X and X 2 ⫽ X . Equations (24.3) may be written in the form
0 1
X1 X1
⫽ ⫺1 ⫺2z X 2
X2 t 2 t
or ⫽ AX
X (24.4)
0 1
X1
where X ⫽ A ⫽ ⫺1 ⫺2z
X2
t 2 t
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536 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
Equation (24.4) is in the standard form of a matrix differential equation [Eq. (21.7)].
Notice that the term bu of Eq. (21.7) is not present because no forcing term is present in
Eqs. (24.3). Equation (24.4) may be solved by use of Eq. (22.7):
X ( t ) ⫽ e At X ( 0 ) (22.7)
where {
e At ⫽ L⫺1 ( sI ⫺ A )⫺1 } (22.13)
Following the usual steps required to solve these equations gives the result
X1 ⫽ X ⫽ C1e s1 t ⫹ C2e s2 t
X 2 ⫽ X ⫽ s1C1e s1 t ⫹ s2C2e s2 t (24.5)
s2 X o ⫺ X o
where C1 ⫽
s2 − s1
X o ⫺ s1 X o
C2 ⫽
s2 − s1
and X0 and X 0 are the initial conditions; thus X0 ⫽ X(0) and X 0 ⫽ X ( 0 ) . The terms
s1 and s2 are the roots of the characteristic equation
| sI ⫺ A |⫽ 0 (24.6)
Expanding this equation gives
t 2 s 2 ⫹ 2zts ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0
This quadratic equation has two roots:
⫺z ⫾ z 2 ⫺ 1
s1, 2 ⫽
t
If we take s2 as the root with the positive sign
⫺z ⫹ z 2 ⫺ 1
s2 ⫽
t
the constants take the form
C1 ⫽
t
( s2 X0 ⫺ X 0 )
2 z2 ⫺1
(24.7)
C2 ⫽
t
( X 0 ⫺ s1 X 0 )
2 z2 ⫺1
Equations (24.5) and (24.7) together give X(t) and X ( t ) for all possible initial
conditions X0 and X 0 . For a given set of initial conditions, we compute C1 and C2 from
Eq. (24.7), and then each value of t in Eq. (24.5) yields a pair of values for X and X.
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 537
These may be plotted as a point on an X -X diagram (i.e., a phase plane). The locus
of these points as t varies from zero to infinity will be a curve in the XX plane. As an
example, consider the case X 0 ⫽ ⫺1, X 0 ⫽ 0, z ⬍ 1 . The solution is already known
to us in the form of X versus t (Chap. 7) and is replotted in Fig. 24–3 for convenience,
together with a plot of X versus t. If these curves are replotted as X versus X, with t as a
parameter, the result is as shown in Fig. 24–4. The reader should carefully compare Figs.
24–3 and 24–4 to be satisfied that they are indeed equivalent. The relationship between
the two may be expressed by the statement that Fig. 24–3 is a parametric representation
of Fig. 24–4. Having only the curve X versus t of Fig. 24–3, one can construct Fig. 24–4.
X
t
.
X
FIGURE 24–3
t Typical motion of second-order system.
.
X
t
t=0
−1 X
t=∞
at origin
FIGURE 24–4
Phase plane corresponding to motion of Fig. 24–3.
To explore the phase diagram concept further, note that division of the second of
Eqs. (24.3) by the first yields
dX ⫺X ⫺ 2ztX
⫽ (24.8)
dX t 2 X
in which the variable t has been eliminated. Equation (24.8) may be recognized as a
homogeneous first-order differential equation. Hence, the substitution X ⫽ VX
yields
X dV
⫽
⫺1 ⫺ 2ztV
⫺ V ⫽
(
⫺ 1 ⫺ 2ztV ⫹ t 2V 2 )
dX t 2V t 2V
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538 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
an equation which is separable in X and V. This can then be easily solved for V in terms
of X. Finally, replacing V ⫽ X / X gives the solution for X versus X, or the equation
for the curve of Fig. 24–4. The algebraic details of this rather tedious process are omitted.
The point of the discussion is to emphasize further the equivalence between the descrip-
tion of the motion as X versus t or X versus X.
A convenient feature of the phase diagram is that several motions, corresponding
to different initial conditions, can be readily plotted on the same diagram. Thus, if we
add to Fig. 24–4 a curve for the motion under the initial condition X 0 ⫽ 1, X 0 ⫽ 0,
we obtain Fig. 24–5. This new trajectory represents the motion of the system after it is
stretched 2 units and released from rest. (This follows from the definition X ⫽ Y ⫺ 1.)
Furthermore, we have also interpolated in Fig. 24–5 to obtain the motion corresponding
to X 0 ⫽ 0, X 0 ⫽ 1, As we shall see later, this interpolation is justified. Hence, it is evi-
dent that the phase diagram gives us the “big picture” of the motion of the underdamped
U-tube manometer or a spring-mass-damper system. No matter where the system starts, it
spirals to the condition X 0 ⫽ 1, X 0 ⫽ 0, the steady-state position. This spiral motion in
the phase plane corresponds to the oscillatory nature of the X versus t curve of Fig. 24–3.
. Interpolation
X0 = −1, X0 = 0 . for
X0 = 0, X0 = 1
x
.
X0 = 1, X0 = 0
FIGURE 24–5
Interpolation on the phase plane.
Before we begin a more detailed study of the mechanics of phase analysis, it may
be worthwhile to see how situations amenable to such analysis arise naturally in the
physical world.
The Damped Oscillator
A classical example from mechanics is the damped oscillator, shown in Fig. 24–6.
A block of mass W resting on a horizontal, frictionless table is attached to a linear
spring. A viscous damper (dashpot) is also attached to the block. Assume that the sys-
tem is free to oscillate horizontally under the influence of a forcing function F(t). The
origin of the coordinate system is taken as the right edge of the block when the spring is
in the relaxed or unstretched condition. At time zero, the block is assumed to be at rest
at this origin. In effect, this assumption makes the displacement variable Y(t) a devia-
tion variable. Also, the assumption that the block is initially at rest permits derivation of
the second-order transfer function in its standard form. An initial velocity has the same
effect as a forcing function. Hence, this assumption is in no way restrictive.
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 539
Spring
F(t)
K
W
C
Dashpot
Y
0
FIGURE 24–6
The damped oscillator.
Positive directions for force and displacement are indicated by the arrows in
Fig. 24–6.
Consider the block at some instant when it is to the right of Y ⫽ 0 and when it is
moving toward the right (positive direction). Under these conditions, the position Y and
the velocity dY/dt are both positive. At this particular instant, the following forces are
acting on the block:
1. The force exerted by the spring (toward the left) of ⫺KY where K is a positive con-
stant, called Hooke’s constant
2. The viscous friction force (acting to the left) of ⫺C dY/dt, where C is a positive
constant called the damping coefficient
3. The external force F(t) (acting toward the right)
Newton’s law of motion, which states that the sum of all forces acting on the mass is
equal to the rate of change of momentum (mass ⫻ acceleration), takes the form
W d 2Y dY
2 ⫽ ⫺KY ⫺ C ⫹ F (t ) (24.9)
gc dt dt
Rearrangement gives
W d 2Y dY
⫹C ⫹ KY ⫽ F ( t ) (24.10)
gc dt 2 dt
where W ⫽ mass of block, lbm
gc ⫽ 32.2 lbm · ft/(lbf · s2)
C ⫽ viscous damping coefficient, lbf/(ft/s)
K ⫽ Hooke⬘s constant, lbf/ft
F(t) ⫽ driving force, a function of time, lbf
Dividing Eq. (24.10) by K gives
W d 2Y C dY F (t )
2 ⫹ ⫹Y ⫽ (24.11)
gc K dt K dt K
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540 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
For convenience, this is written as
d 2Y dY
t2 2
⫹ 2zt ⫹ Y ⫽ X (t ) (24.12)
dt dt
W
where t2 ⫽ (24.13)
gc K
C
2zt ⫽ (24.14)
K
F (t )
X (t ) ⫽ (24.15)
K
Solving for t and z from Eqs. (24.13) and (24.14) gives
W
t ⫽ s (24.16)
gc K
gcC 2
z ⫽ dimensionless (24.17)
4WK
If the block is motionless (dY/dt ⫽ 0) and located at its rest position (Y ⫽ 0) before the
forcing function is applied, the Laplace transform of Eq. (24.12) becomes
t 2 s 2Y ( s ) ⫹ 2zt sY ( s ) ⫹ Y ( s ) ⫽ X ( s ) (24.18)
Example 24.1. Consider the motion of the damped oscillator in Fig. 24–6.
Write the matrix differential equations that characterize the system. The follow-
ing constants apply, and Y(0) ⫽ 0 and Y ( 0 ) ⫽ 0 .
W lbf lbf
⫽1 C ⫽ 2
gc ft / s2 ft / s
lbf
K ⫽5 F ( t ) ⫽ 10 lbf
ft
From Eqs. (24.15) through Eq. (24.17), we can calculate
10
X (t ) ⫽ ⫽ 2 ft
5
1
t ⫽ s
5
22 1
z ⫽ ⫽
( 4 ) ( 5) 5
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 541
The governing differential equation Eq. (24.12) can now be written as
1 d 2Y 2 dY
⫹ ⫹ Y ⫽ X (t )
5 dt 2 5 dt
Defining the following phase variables
Y ⫽ Y1
dy
⫽ Y1 ⫽ Y2
dt
the differential equation becomes
⫺1 2zt 1
Y2 ⫽ 2 Y1 ⫺ 2 Y2 ⫹ 2 X
t t t
Summarizing these equations in matrix form yields
0 1 0
Y1 ⫺1 Y1 ⫹ 1 X ( t ) ⫽ 0 1 Y1 0
⫽ − 2z ⫹ X ( t ) (24.19)
Y2 ⫺ Y2 ⫺5 ⫺2 Y2 5
t 2 t 2
t
Example 24.2. Use MATLAB to solve the matrix differential equations devel-
oped in Example 24.1 for the damped oscillator, and plot the phase plane.
We can use the MATLAB differential equation-solving routine ODE23 to
solve the system of first-order differential equations represented by Eq. (24.19).
The following m-file represents the model.
function ydot⫽ex24_2(t,y)
%function file for damped oscillator
%position is the first variable and velocity is the second
A=[0,1; −5, −2];
B=[0;5];
x=2;
ydot=A*y+B*x;
The corresponding MATLAB commands to solve the model are
>> [t,y] = ode45(@ex24_2,[0,5],[0,0]);
>> plot(t,y)
>> figure
>> plot(y(:,1),y(:,2))
The solution is returned in the y matrix. The first column is the displacement Y1,
and the second column is the velocity Y2. Thus, a plot of y versus t yields the
typical time plots, while the plot of the first column, y(:,1), versus the second
column, y(:,2), is the phase-plane plot, with time as a parameter along the
curve. (See Fig. 24–7)
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542 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
3
2.5
Displacement (Y1)
2
1.5
1
0.5
Velocity (Y2)
0
−0.5
−1
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time
(a) Velocity and displacement for the damped oscillator in Example 24.2.
Phase Plane for Damped Vibrator
3
2.5
2
1.5
Velocity (Y2)
1
0.5
0
−0.5
−1
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Displacement (Y1)
(b) Phase plane for the damped oscillator in Example 24.2.
FIGURE 24–7
Plot of Solution to Example 24.2.
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 543
Notice that the phase plane plot starts at (0,0) and spirals into the steady state
(2,0) at t ⫽ ⬁. It’s also clear from the original differential equation [Eq. (24.18)]
that Y ⫽ 2 at steady state.
24.4 MOTION OF A PENDULUM
Consider the pendulum of Fig. 24–8. As the pendulum is moving in the direction shown,
there are two forces acting to oppose its motion.
Pivot
R
Motion
BR d
dt
mg sin θ
mg
FIGURE 24–8
Forces acting on a pendulum.
These forces, which act tangentially to the circle of motion, are (1) the gravitational
force mg sin θ and (2) the friction in the pivot, which we suppose to be proportional to
the tangential velocity of the mass BR(dq /dt), where B is the proportionality constant.
We shall assume the air resistance to be negligible and the rod to be of negligible mass.
Application of Newton’s second law gives
d 2q dq
⫺mR 2
⫽ mg sin q ⫹ BR
dt dt
Rearrangement leads to
d 2q dq
2
+ D + w n2 sin q ⫽ 0 (24.20)
dt dt
B g
where D ⫽ w n2 ⫽
m R
This equation resembles the equation for the motion of the damped oscillator system.
However, the presence of the term involving sin q makes the equation nonlinear.
Equation (24.20) has the following form in phase coordinates:
dq
⫽ q
dt
(24.21)
d q
⫽ ⫺w n2 sin q ⫺ Dq
dt
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544 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
and a phase diagram would be a plot of angular velocity q versus position q. At this
point, we can gain some insight by simple analysis of Eq. (24.21) without actually
obtaining a solution.
Referring for the moment to the spring-mass-damper system of Fig. 24–3, we
saw that the system ceased to oscillate when the point dX / dt ⫽ dX / dt ⫽ 0 was
reached. That is, all curves stopped at the origin of Fig. 24–5. Since neither X nor X is
changing with time, the motion ceases. Further examination of Eqs. (24.3) shows that
X ⫽ X ⫽ 0 is the only point at which both dX/dt and dX / dt are zero. Thus, we see
that the mass will come to rest only when the situation of zero displacement (remember
that in this case X is a deviation variable defined relative to the final steady-state dis-
placement) and zero velocity is reached.
Now we can perform a similar analysis on Eqs. (24.21). We are asking the fol-
lowing question: At what point or points in the phase plane ( q versus q diagram) do
both dq /dt and d q /dt become zero? From the first of these equations, we see that this
can happen only when q ⫽ 0.
The reader should not be lulled into a false sense of security at this point. It would
be wise to disregard the fact that dq /dt and q are, in fact, the same quantity; q should
be thought of as a coordinate in the phase plane, and dq /dt as the rate of change with
time of the other coordinate. The virtue of making this distinction will become clear in
the next example, a chemical reactor.
Thus, the analysis leads to the conclusion that the motion will cease when the
pendulum comes to rest in either of the positions shown in Fig. 24–9. In addition, it is
clear from Eqs. (24.21) that if the pendulum stops at any other point, the motion con-
tinues. Of course, this analysis agrees with our physical intuition. However, we expect
to find a distinction between the stability characteristics of the two equilibrium points,
since the position at p is likely to be hard to attain and maintain. This distinction will be
explored in greater detail in Chap. 25.
=
Two possible equilibrium
positions for pendulum
Pivot
=0
FIGURE 24–9
Equilibrium positions for pendulum.
By using this result in the second equation, it can be seen that it is also necessary that
sinq ⫽ 0 (24.22)
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 545
Equation (24.22) is satisfied at any of the points
q ⫽ np
where n is a positive or negative integer or zero. However, from a physical standpoint,
we can really distinguish between only two of these points, which we take as q ⫽ 0 and
q ⫽ p. Thus, the positions q ⫽ 0, 2p, 4p, ⫺2p, etc., all look the same; i.e., the pendu-
lum is hanging straight down. Similarly, the points q ⫽ p, 3p, etc., all correspond to the
pendulum standing straight up.
Example 24.3. Use MATLAB to plot the displacement and velocity of a pen-
dulum as a function of time as well as the phase-plane plot, using the following
numerical values:
R ⫽1m m ⫽ 1 kg
kg m
B ⫽ 2 g ⫽ 9.8 2
s s
p dq
q (0) ⫽ ⫽ 0
4 dt
Using these values, Eq. (24.21) becomes
q ⫽ y1
dq dy1
⫽ ⫽ y2
dt dt
d 2 dy2
2
⫽ ⫽ ⫺9 . 8 sin y1 ⫺ 2 y2
dt dt
The MATLAB m-file for the model is
function ydot = ex24_3(t,y)
%function file for pendulum
%position is the first variable and velocity is the second
ydot(1,1) = y(2);
ydot(2,1) = −9.8*sin(y(1)) −2*y(2);
The MATLAB commands to execute the file and plot the necessary graphs are
>>[t,y] = ode45(@ex24_3,[0,10],[pi/4,0]);
>> plot(t,y)
>> figure
>> plot(y(:,1),y(:,2))
Note that the phase plane starts at the initial condition of q ⫽ p / 4, q ⫽ 0 and spi-
rals into the steady state of q ⫽ 0, q ⫽ 0 as we would expect (see Fig. 24–10).
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546 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
1
Displacement (rad)
0.5 Velocity (rad/s)
0
−0.5
−1
−1.5
−2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time (s)
(a) Displacement and velocity of the pendulum in Example 24.3.
1
0.5
0
Velocity (rad/s)
−0.5
−1
−1.5
−2
−0.4 −0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Displacement (rad)
(b) Phase plane for the pendulum in Example 24.3.
FIGURE 24–10
Plot of the solution for Example 24.3.
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 547
24.5 A CHEMICAL REACTOR*1
Feed: reactant
+
diluent
Reaction A B
Product
Cooling
water
FIGURE 24–11
Schematic of exothermic chemical reactor.
Consider the stirred-tank chemical reactor of Fig. 24–11. The contents of the reactor are
assumed to be perfectly mixed, and the reaction taking place is
A → B (24.23)
which occurs at a rate
RA ⫽ kC Ae⫺E / RT (24.24)
where RA ⫽ moles of A decomposing per hour per cubic foot of reacting mixture
k ⫽ reaction velocity constant, h⫺1
CA ⫽ concentration of A in reacting mixture, mol/ft3
E ⫽ activation energy, a constant, Btu/mol
R ⫽ universal gas law constant
T ⫽ absolute temperature of reacting mixture
The reaction is exothermic; ∆ H Btu of heat is generated for each mole of A that reacts.
Hence, to control the reactor, cooling water is supplied to a cooling coil. The actual
reactor temperature is compared with a set point, and the rate of cooling water flow
is adjusted accordingly. To indicate this control mathematically, we write that Q(T)
Btu/h of heat is removed through the cooling coil. In Chap. 25 we make a more detailed
analysis of the dynamic behavior of the reactor. For the present preliminary analysis, it
is not necessary to look carefully at Q(T), and hence it is merely assumed that as T rises,
more heat is removed in the coil. Let
x A0 ⫽ mole fraction of A in feed stream
x B0 ⫽ moll e fraction of B in feed stream
* This example is based on the work of R. Aris and N. R. Amundson (1958).
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548 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
Then 1 ⫺ x A0 ⫺ x B0 is the fraction of inerts in the feed stream. A mole balance on A
Molar flow rate Molar flow rate Molar rate of
of A in with feed ⫺ of A out with product ⫺ A reacting
Molar rate of accumulation
⫽
of A in reactor
takes the form
dx A
Frx A0 ⫺ Frx A ⫺ krVe⫺E / RT x A ⫽ rV (24.25)
dt
where F ⫽ feed rate, ft3/h
xA ⫽ mole fraction of A in reactor
r ⫽ molar density of reacting mixture, mol/ft3
V ⫽ volume of reacting mixture, ft3
To arrive at Eq. (24.25), we have used Eq. (24.24) and made the following
assumptions:
1. The density of the reacting mixture is constant, unaffected by the conversion
of A to B.
2. The feed and product rates F are equal and constant.
3. Together, 1 and 2 imply that V, the volume of reacting mixture, is constant.
4. Perfect mixing occurs, so that xA is the same in the reactor and product stream.
A similar mole balance may be derived for substance B. However, Eq. (24.23) shows
that 1 mol of B appears for every mole of A destroyed. Hence
x B ⫺ x B0 ⫽ x A0 ⫺ x A (24.26)
Equation (24.26) permits us to circumvent the mass balance for xB, since knowing xA,
we can calculate xB directly.
The energy balance on the reactor
(Sensible heat in feed) ⫺ (Sensible heat in p roduct)
⫹ (Heat generated by reaction) ⫺ (Hea t removed in cooling coil )
= (Energy accumulating in reactor)
can be written as
dT
FrC p ( T0 ⫺ T ) ⫹ krV ( ∆H ) e⫺E / RT x A ⫺ Q ( T ) ⫽ rVC p (24.27)
dt
where T0 ⫽ temperature of feed stream
T ⫽ temperature in reactor (and product, since reactor is well mixed)
Cp ⫽ specific heat of reacting mixture
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 549
In writing Eq. (24.27), it is assumed that
1. The specific heat of the reacting mixture is constant, unaffected by the conversion
of A to B.
2. The perfect mixing means that the temperatures of the reacting mixture and prod-
uct stream are the same.
3. The heat of reaction ∆H is constant, independent of temperature and composition.
We remark here that these assumptions, as well as those made in Eq. (24.25), may be
relaxed without affecting the conceptual aspects of the phase analysis. They are made
only to keep the example as uncluttered as possible, without being trivial.
Equations (24.25) and (24.27) may be rearranged to the system
dx A F
⫽ ( x A0 ⫺ x A ) ⫺ ke⫺E / RT x A
dt V
(24.28)
dT F k ( ∆H ) ⫺E / RT Q (T )
⫽ ( T0 ⫺ T ) ⫹ e xA ⫺
dt V Cp rVC p
As a typical application of this system of equations, we might consider starting up the
reactor, initially filled with a mixture at composition xA(0) and temperature T(0). Sup-
pose the feed rate, feed composition, feed temperature, and flow rate of cooling water
are held constant and the reactor is operated in this manner until steady state is reached.
To describe the transient behavior of the chemical reactor, one can solve Eqs. (24.28)
by integrating them numerically, using a typical stepwise procedure such as the Euler
or Runge-Kutta method. In MATLAB, ODE45, a differential equation solver, could be
used. This will result in functions xA(t) and T(t) for values of t from zero to some value
(if one exists) at which, for practical purposes, xA(t) and T(t) cease to change with t.
Alternatively, we may consider a phase-plane analysis of Eqs. (24.28) and seek
solutions in the form of xA versus T curves. Note that division of the first of Eqs. (24.28)
by the second gives
dx A ( F / V ) ( x A0 ⫺ x A ) ⫺ ke⫺E / RT x A
⫽ (24.29)
dT ( F / V ) ( T0 ⫺ T ) ⫹ [ k ( ∆H H ) / C p ] e⫺E / RT x A ⫺ Q ( T ) / r VC p
The parameter t has been eliminated in Eq. (24.29), which is simply a differential equa-
tion relating xA and T. As we shall see in Chap. 25, this phase-plane analysis of the
chemical reactor offers significant advantages over the ordinary analysis.
In the chemical reactor, we no longer have the special relationship among the
phase variables that we had in both previous cases. For both the spring and pendulum
problems, we more or less artificially changed a second-order differential equation to
two first-order equations by introducing the phase variable X (or q ). This phase vari-
able was directly related to the other phase variable X (or q ) by the equation
dX
X ⫽
dt
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550 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
For the chemical reactor, there is no such simple relation between xA and T.
We can study the steady-state solutions to Eqs. (24.28) without solving the equations,
much as was done in the case of the damped pendulum of the previous example. As before,
we note that steady state requires that xA and T simultaneously cease to change with time,
dx A dT
⫽ ⫽ 0
dt dt
From Eqs. (24.28), this implies that
F
( x A0 ⫺ x As ) ⫺ ke⫺E / RTs x As ⫽ 0
V
(24.30)
F k ( ∆H ) ⫺E / RTs Q ( Ts )
( T0 ⫺ Ts ) ⫺ e x As ⫺ ⫽ 0
V Cp rVC p
where x As and Ts are the steady-state values of xA and T.
The first of Eqs. (24.19) can be solved for x As , yielding
1
x As ⫽ x A0 (24.31)
1 ⫹ ( kV / F ) e⫺E / RTs
Substitution of (24.31) into the second of Eqs. (24.30) yields
k ( ∆H ) x A0 / C p Q ( Ts ) F
⫽ ⫹ ( Ts ⫺ T0 ) (24.32)
e E / RTs ⫹ kV / F rVC p V
Equation (24.32) is implicit in Ts, the steady-state temperature. In physical terms, it
expresses an equality between the heat generated by the reaction and the heat removed
in the cooling coil and product stream. To emphasize this, we have arranged it so that
the left side is the heat generation and the right side is the heat removal.
Solution of Eq. (24.32) for Ts requires numerical values for the various param-
eters. Without going into this much detail at present, we may obtain some qualitative
information. To do this, we sketch the right and left sides of this equation as functions
of Ts. A typical shape for the left side is given by the sigmoidal curve of Fig. 24–12.
(See Aris and Amundsen, 1958, p.121.) The unusual curvature, of course, is caused by
E / RTs
the e term in the denominator. To plot the right side, we must know Q(T). While
we have avoided specifying the form of Q(T), we know it increases with T. If there
were no control action, i.e., if the flow rate of cooling water were maintained constant
regardless of T, then Q(T) would increase almost linearly with T. This is so because at
constant water rate, the heat transfer in the coil is approximately proportional to the dif-
ference between T and the mean temperature of the cooling water. This latter tempera-
ture would not vary as rapidly as T at practical flow rates. However, since we expect
to have control action, we know that the cooling water flow rate will be increased with
increasing T. Therefore, Q(T) may be expected to increase faster than linearly with T,
which means that the right side of Eq. (24.32) increases faster than linearly. Several
typical curves of this right side are shown in Fig. 24–12.
A solution of Eq. (24.32) requires that the graphs of the right and left sides intersect.
As shown in Fig. 24–12, there may be one, two, or three such intersections, depending on
the relative locations of the heat generation (left side) and heat removal (right side). This
means that there may be one, two, or three possible steady states for the reactor.
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CHAPTER 24 EXAMPLES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS 551
Different possible locations
of heat removal
(a) (b) (c) (d )
Heat generated or removed, Btu/h
Heat
generated
FIGURE 24–12
Steady-state generation and removal
functions for exothermic chemical
Ts reactor
As we shall see in Chap. 25, the steady state actually attained by the reactor
depends on initial conditions xA(0) and T(0). The steady-state temperature Ts is then the
temperature at the pertinent intersection, and the steady-state composition can be deter-
mined from Eq. (24.31). We shall also see that some of the steady states are unstable.
In fact, the low-temperature steady state for curve (c) of Fig. 24.12, occurring as a point
of tangency, is to be regarded with suspicion. Practically speaking, a perfect tangency
would not occur. Minor variations in operating conditions (i.e., noise), which occur
continually in actual process operation, may shift the curve (c) slightly to the left or
right, resulting in two or zero low-temperature intersections, respectively.
SUMMARY
In this chapter, we have introduced the concept of a phase analysis and some of its basic
elements. We have seen how physical situations give rise naturally to phase solutions.
Furthermore, we have had our first look at true nonlinear behavior. In so doing, we have
come to at least one interesting conclusion: a nonlinear motion or control system response
may have more than one steady-state solution. This was true for the chemical reactor and
for the pendulum. In contrast, the linear motions and control system responses we studied
in previous chapters had only one steady-state solution. In Chap. 25, we shall discover
still more differences that render nonlinear analysis more difficult than linear analysis.
PROBLEMS
24.1 Use MATLAB to analyze the damped oscillator shown in Fig. 24–6, using the following
numerical values. Plot the displacement and velocity as a function of time as well as the
phase plane for the sytem.
W lbf lbf lbf
⫽1 2
C ⫽ 2 K ⫽ 2
gc ft / s ft / s ft
(a) F(t) ⫽ 6 lbf, Y(0) ⫽ 0, and Y ( 0 ) ⫽ 0
(b) F(t) ⫽ 6 lbf, Y(0) ⫽ 2, and Y ( 0 ) ⫽ 0
(c) F(t) ⫽ 6 lbf, Y(0) ⫽ 0, and Y ( 0 ) ⫽ 2
24.2. Plot the phase planes for Prob. 24.1, parts (a) to (c), on the same set of axes.
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CHAPTER
24
CAPSULE SUMMARY
In this chapter, we have introduced the concept of a phase analysis and some of its basic
elements. We have seen how physical situations give rise naturally to phase solutions.
Furthermore, we have had our first look at true nonlinear behavior. In so doing, we
have come to at least one interesting conclusion: a nonlinear motion or control system
response may have more than one steady-state solution. This was true for the chemical
reactor and for the pendulum. In contrast, the linear motions and control system
responses we studied in previous chapters had only one steady-state solution. In Chap.
25, we shall discover still more differences that render nonlinear analysis more difficult
than linear analysis.
X
t
Typical displacement versus time plot
.
X
t
Typical velocity versus time plot
.
X
t
t=0
−1 X
t=∞
at origin
Phase-plane plot with time as a parameter along the
length of the curve
552
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CHAPTER
25
EXAMPLES
OF PHASE-PLANE
ANALYSIS
T he advantages of the phase analysis introduced in Chap. 24 can be more fully appre-
ciated after some acquaintance with the tools available for such analysis. To give
a detailed exposition of all, or even most, of the aspects of this subject is not intended.
Instead, this chapter strives to indicate its flavor and to stimulate further study.
25.1 PHASE SPACE
In Chap. 24, we considered three examples for which the dynamic response can be
described by two state variables. For the cases of the damped oscillator and the pen-
dulum, the state variables were phase variables in which the dependent variable and
its derivative (X, X or q , q ) were chosen as the state variables. For the exother-
mic chemical reactor, the state variables selected were temperature and composition
(T, xA); these variables, which arose naturally in the analysis of the chemical reactor,
were called physical variables in Chap. 21.
In general, an nth-order dynamic system can be described by n state variables.
The state variables (x1, x2, . . ., xn) can be located in a coordinate system called phase
space. Each value of t, say t1, defines a point in this space: x1(t1), x2(t1), . . . , xn(t1).
The solution curve is a locus of these points for all values of t. It is called a trajectory
and connects successive states of the system. For the damped oscillator presented in
Chap. 24, the coordinate system was a plane with an axis for each state variable; we
shall refer to this coordinate system as a phase plane. Figure 24–5 is a typical phase-
plane representation of a dynamic system. When the physical system is third-order, the
coordinate system consists of three axes, one for each state variable. Of course, systems
of fourth or higher order require treatment in space that is of too many dimensions to
be visualized. The graphic aspects of phase-space representation are advantageous pri-
marily in the case of two dimensions (the phase plane) and to a limited extent for three
553
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554 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
dimensions. The bulk of practical use of phase-space analysis has been made in the
two-dimensional autonomous (time-invariant) case:
dx1
⫽ f1 ( x1 , x2 )
dt (25.1)
dx2
⫽ f2 ( x1 , x2 )
dt
For this reason, we largely confine our attention in the remainder of this study to
systems that may be written in the form of Eqs. (25.1). As we have seen, there is no loss
in conceptual generality, but we cannot expect the graphical aspects of the material we
shall develop to generalize to higher-dimension phase space. The solution of the system
(25.1) may be presented as a family of trajectories in the x2x1 plane. If we are given the
initial conditions
x1 ( t0 ) ⫽ x10
x2 ( t0 ) ⫽ x20
the initial state of the system is the point (x10, x20) in the x2x1 plane, and the trajectory
may be traced from this point.
By dividing the second of Eqs. (25.1) by the first, we obtain
dx2 f2 ( x1 , x2 ) (25.2)
⫽
dx1 f1 ( x1 , x2 )
Now dx2/dx1 is merely the slope of a trajectory, since a trajectory is a plot of x2 versus
x1 for the system. Hence, at each point in the phase plane (x1, x2), Eq. (25.2) yields a
unique value for the slope of a trajectory through the point, namely, f2 (x1, x2) / f1(x1, x2).
This last statement should be amended to exclude any point (x1, x2) at which f1(x1, x2)
and f2 (x1, x2) are both zero. These important points are called critical points and will
be examined in greater detail below. Since the slope of the trajectory at a point, say
(x1, x2), is unique by Eq. (25.2), it is clear that trajectories cannot intersect except at a
critical point, where the slope is indeterminate.
Using Simulink/MATLAB to Plot a Phase Plane
Let us illustrate the use of Simulink/MATLAB in phase-plane analysis with an example.
Example 25.1. Find the trajectory of the system
dx1
⫽ x2
dt (25.3)
dx2
⫽ ⫺5 x1 ⫺ 2 x2
dt
which passes through the point
x1 ⫽ 1 x2 ⫽ 0
The Simulink diagram for simulating this system is shown in Fig. 25–1a.
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 555
x2 = dx1/dt 1 ++ −5 ++
s x1 −5x1
Integrator Gain
1 x1
x1(0) To Workspace1
XY Graph −2x2
x2
To Workspace
dx2/dt 1
s ++ −2
x2 = dx1/dt
Integrator1 Gain1
0
x2(0)
(a) Simulink diagram for Example 25.1.
1
(x1(0) = 1, x2(0) = 1)
0.5
(x1(0) = −0.6, x2(0) = 0) (x10 = 0.6, x20 = 0) (x10 = 1, x20 = 0)
0
x2
−0.5
−1
−1.5
−0.6 −0.4 −0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
x1
(b) Phase plane for Example 25.1 from Simulink.
FIGURE 25–1
Simulink solution for Example 25.1.
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556 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
Another trajectory, starting from the point (⫺0.6, 0), is shown on Fig. 25–1b.
This serves to emphasize that interpolation is possible on the phase plane, and many
trajectories representing various initial conditions are easily visualized or sketched.
Analysis of Critical Points
In the situations of most interest to us, Eq. (25.2) will represent the behavior of a (non-
linear) control system, as in Eq. (24.29). Therefore, we shall be interested in maintain-
ing the system at or near a steady state. Since, from Eq. (25.1), a steady-state point is
defined by
f1 ( x1 , x2 ) ⫽ f2 ( x1 , x2 ) ⫽ 0
it is clear that the steady states are critical points. At the critical points, the slope of
the trajectory is undefined; hence, many trajectories may intersect at these points. In
Fig. 25–1 the origin is a critical point. It can be seen from the figure that, in this case,
all trajectories spiral into the origin. Hence, this particular system is such that, no matter
what the initial state (i.e., for any disturbance which is applied), the system returns to
steady state at the critical point.
The critical point of Fig. 25–1 is called a focus, because the trajectories spiral into
it. This spiral motion of the trajectories corresponds to the oscillatory approach of the
system to steady state. The oscillatory motion occurs because the system of Eqs. (25.3)
is underdamped, as indicated by the characteristic equation
sI ⫺ A ⫽ 0
s 0 0 1 s ⫺1 2 1 2
or 0 s ⫺ ⫺5 ⫺2 ⫽ 5 s ⫹ 2 ⫽ s ⫹ 2s ⫹ 5 ⫽ 0 ⫽ 5s ⫹ 25 s ⫹ 1
sI A
When put into standard form, this characteristic equation has parameters
t2 ⫽ 1 2zt ⫽ 2
5
5
t ⫽ 1 z ⫽ 1
5 5
Since z < 1, the system is underdamped.
An overdamped system, such as that generated by the system
dx1 dx2
⫽ x2 ⫽ ⫺5 x1 ⫺ 6 x2
dt dt
having characteristic equation
s 2 ⫹ 6s ⫹ 5 ⫽ 0
so that
1 3
t ⫽ z ⫽
5 5
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 557
TABLE 25.1
Classification of critical points
Type of Characteristic Pertinent Nature of Sign of
critical point equation values of z roots roots
Stable node t2 s2 ⫹ 2zts ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0 z>1 Real Both ⫺
Stable focus t2 s2 ⫹ 2zts ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0 0<z<1 Complex Real parts both ⫺
Unstable focus t2s2 ⫹ 2zts ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0 ⫺1 < z < 0 Complex Real parts both ⫹
Unstable node t2s2 ⫹ 2zts ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0 z < ⫺1 Real Both ⫹
2 2
Saddle point t s ⫹ 2zts ⫺ 1 ⫽ 0 All Real One ⫹, one ⫺
has a critical point such as that of Fig. 25–2a. Here the trajectories enter the critical point
directly, without oscillation. This type of critical point is called a node. For comparison,
a typical focus is sketched in Fig. 25–2b. In fact, other types of behavior may be exhib-
ited by critical points of a second-order system, depending on the nature of the roots
of the characteristic equation. These are summarized for linear systems in Table 25.1
and sketched in Fig. 25–2. The distinction between stable and unstable nodes or foci is
(a) (b)
(d) (c)
FIGURE 25–2
Second-order critical points: (a) stable node,
(b) stable focus, (c) unstable focus, (d) unstable
(e) node, (e) saddle point.
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558 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
made to indicate that the trajectories move toward the stable type of critical point and
away from the unstable point. The saddle point arises when the roots of the characteris-
tic equation are real and have opposite sign. In this case there are only two trajectories
that enter the critical point, and after entering, the trajectories may leave the critical
point (permanently) on either of two other trajectories. No other trajectory can enter the
critical point, although some approach it very closely.
This categorization of critical points according to the particular linear system is
often of value in the analysis of nonlinear systems. The reason for this is that, in a suf-
ficiently small vicinity of a critical point, a nonlinear system behaves approximately
linearly. Thus, the system of Eq. (24.21) for the pendulum is nonlinear. It has two
physically distinguishable steady states, corresponding to the pendulum pointing up or
down. The nonlinear term sin q may be linearized around each steady state. Near the
steady state at q ⫽ 0,
d ( sinq )
sinq 艐 sinq q ⫽0 ⫹ (q ⫺ 0 ) ⫹ higher-order term
d q q ⫽0
sinq 艐 0 ⫹ cosq q ⫽0 (q ⫺ 0 ) ⫹ higher-order te rms
1
sinq 艐 θ
and near the steady state at q ⫽ p, a Taylor series yields
sinq ⫽ ⫺(q ⫺ p )
Therefore, near q ⫽ 0, Eqs. (24.21) are closely approximated by the linear equations
dq
⫽ q
dt (25.4)
d q
⫽ ⫺w n2q ⫺ Dq
dt
and near q ⫽ p, by
dx
⫽ x
dt (25.5)
dx
⫽ w n2 x ⫺ Dx
dt
where x ⫽ q ⫺ p. These linearized versions of Eqs. (24.10) can be easily solved to
determine the nature of the linear approximations to the critical points. Thus, the char-
acteristic equation for Eqs. (25.4) is
s 2 ⫹ Ds ⫹ w n2 ⫽ 0 (25.6)
while that for Eqs. (25.5) is
s 2 ⫹ Ds ⫺ w n2 ⫽ 0 (25.7)
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 559
As shown in Table 25.1, Eq. (25.6) yields a stable critical point, which may be a node
or focus depending on the degree of damping. (Note that as the damping is increased,
the behavior changes from focus to node, or from oscillatory to nonoscillatory.) On the
other hand, Eq. (25.7) indicates a saddle point for the motion near q ⫽ p.
These conclusions apply strictly only to the linearized phase equations, Eqs. (25.4)
and (25.5). To compare them with the behavior of the true system of Eqs. (24.10), the
actual phase diagram is sketched for a lightly damped case in Fig. 25–3. For simplic-
ity, this diagram is extended beyond the range 0 ⱕ q ⱕ 2p even though this is the only
region of physical significance. Actually, the section for 0 ⱕ q ⱕ 2p should be cut out
and rolled into a cylinder so that the lines corresponding to q ⫽ 0 and q ⫽ 2p coincide.
This phase cylinder would more realistically represent the motion of the pendulum. As
seen from Fig. 25–3, the point at q ⫽ p is, indeed, a saddle point and the point q ⫽ 0
(or 2p) is a stable focus. If the system were more heavily damped, this latter point
would be a stable node.
=0
=2
=−
=
FIGURE 25–3
Phase portrait of lightly damped pendulum.
A greater understanding of the saddle point may now be obtained by analyzing
the q ⫽ p point in terms of what we know to be the physical behavior of the pendulum
at this point. That is, the point may be approached from either of two directions. When
the pendulum is at the point, an infinitesimal disturbance will cause it to fall in either of
two directions. Other trajectories narrowly miss this point, indicating that just the right
initial velocity must be imparted to the pendulum at a given initial point to cause it to
stop in the q ⫽ p position.
In summary, it can be concluded that in this case the linearized equations give
valuable, accurate information about the behavior of the nonlinear system in the vicin-
ity of the critical points. Because the linearized equations are more easily solved, it is
always desirable to be able to relate the behavior of the actual system to the behavior
of the linearized solutions in the vicinity of the operating point. In fact, in our previ-
ous work on control systems, we have assumed for nonlinear systems that design of a
stable control system based on the linearized equations was adequate to ensure stable
operation of the actual system. The basis for this assumption is given by the following
theorem of Liapunov (see Letov, 1961).
Let the nonlinear equations of a motion be linearized by expansion in devia-
tion variables around a particular critical point. If the linearized solution for the
deviation variables is stable, the actual motion will be stable in some vicinity of
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560 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
the critical point. If the linearized solution is neutrally stable (i.e., its characteris-
tic equation has roots on the imaginary axis), no statement can be made about the
actual motion. If the linearized solution is unstable, then the actual motion will be
unstable.
It is necessary to define what is meant by stability and instability of the actual
nonlinear motion in the vicinity of the critical point. Although stability in nonlinear sys-
tems is a complex subject, for our purposes it will suffice to state that a stable nonlinear
motion in the vicinity of a critical point is one for which all phase-plane trajectories in
this vicinity travel toward and end at the critical point. An unstable motion is one for
which trajectories move away from the critical point. This would mean that while theo-
retically the state of the system may remain at the critical point indefinitely, any slight
disturbance causes the unstable system to move away from the critical point. These
conclusions agree with our physical understanding of the pendulum motion, since the
steady condition at q ⫽ p is easily destroyed.
It is because of Liapunov’s theorem that linear control theory is so successful in
control system design. One really hopes to control the system so that it remains perma-
nently in the vicinity of a particular point (i.e., a steady state). However, when serious
upsets occur in an automatically controlled plant, moving it far from steady state, it is
often necessary to return the plant to manual control until conditions are again close to
steady state. This is so because the controllers are designed for satisfactory operation
in the linear range only. One of the great drawbacks of linear control theory is the fact
that stability of the linearized equations guarantees stability of the nonlinear system
only in some vicinity of the particular critical point. No information about the size of
this vicinity or about the behavior outside this vicinity is obtained. If the linear vicinity
is extremely small, then unknown to the designer who has used linear methods, almost
any plant disturbance of practical size may result in control system failure. An example
of this behavior will be given later.
Limit Cycles
The first major difference between linear and nonlinear motions is the possible exis-
tence of more than one critical point in the latter type. The second is the possible exis-
tence of limit cycles.
A limit cycle is defined as a periodic oscillation whose amplitude and frequency
depend only on the properties of the system and not on the initial state of the system
(provided the initial state lies in a certain nontrivial region of the phase space). In the
phase plane, stable limit cycles are recognized as closed curves which are approached
asymptotically by all nearby trajectories. Unstable limit cycles are closed curves from
which all nearby trajectories diverge. An example of a stable limit cycle is the “steady-
state” behavior of a home heating system when controlled by a thermostat. A periodic
oscillation in house temperature is always reached, and the amplitude and frequency
of the oscillation are independent of the temperature that existed in the house at the
time that the furnace was started. Unstable limit cycles can never be realized physi-
cally for any system by definition. However, as will be seen later, they divide the phase
plane into regions of totally different dynamic behavior and hence are of considerable
importance.
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 561
It is important to distinguish between limit cycles and other closed curves that
may occur. The linear system
d2x
t2 ⫹x ⫽ 0
dt 2
has phase-space solution
x 2 ⫹ t 2 ( x ) ⫽ C 2
2
(25.8)
where x ⫽ dx /dt and the constant C depends on initial conditions. Equation (25.8)
defines a family of concentric ellipses in the phase plane. However, these are not limit
cycles, because the closed curve which is followed by the system depends on the initial
state of the system through the constant C. In the next section, we study some limit
cycles occurring in typical control systems.
OTHER ASPECTS. We have presented only those aspects of phase-plane analysis that
will be of use in the examples to follow. This can be considered only as a brief introduc-
tion to the subject, and the interested reader is referred to the references already cited
for more information. Among the important subjects that have been omitted are graphi-
cal methods for determination of time along a trajectory, various aspects of phase-plane
topology, and the mathematical aspects of stability.
25.2 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE
ANALYSIS
In this section, we consider two different examples of the use of the phase plane to
analyze nonlinear control systems. The first is a simple on/off control system for a
stirred-tank heater. The second is the chemical reactor of Chap. 24. In both cases, the
systems are second-order and autonomous, so that they are ideal situations for use of
the phase plane.
On/Off Control of Stirred-tank Heater
The use of on/off control offers significant economic advantages over proportional control
or other more sophisticated modes of control. The control mechanism is simply a relay
that turns on or off depending on the value of the measured variable. The disadvantage is
usually that the quality of control is inferior to that realized with proportional control.
Consider the stirred-tank heater of Fig. 25–4. Water is being heated to a con-
trolled temperature by mixing with steam. It is assumed for the analysis that the cold
water input rate is constant. Heated water overflows into an outlet pipe at the top of the
tank, so that no accumulation of mass occurs in the tank. Most of the steam is added,
at a fixed flow rate, from the main steam supply. However, this amount of steam is
set at a value somewhat less than the amount required to heat the cold water to the
desired temperature. An additional amount of steam may be added whenever the sole-
noid valve is opened. When this additional steam is admitted, the sum of the two steam
inputs is enough to heat the water to a temperature somewhat in excess of the desired
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562 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
Main steam
supply Temperature sensing
Set point
Relay
Heated
water
Voltage
source
Solenoid
Cold Control
water steam
FIGURE 25–4
On/off control of a stirred-tank heater.
temperature. A temperature-measuring device such as a thermocouple or RTD trans-
mits the tank temperature to the relay. When this temperature is below the set point, the
relay closes, which opens the solenoid valve, thus admitting more steam. Eventually,
the additional steam will result in the temperature exceeding the set point, the relay
will open, the valve will close, cutting off the additional steam, and the temperature
will fall again.
It is apparent that an oscillating control will be achieved. In fact, from the discus-
sion in the previous section, we recognize that a limit cycle will occur. We consider
now a numerical example of this type of control system.
Water at 40⬚ F, at a rate of 100 lb/min, is to be heated to 150⬚ F. The main steam
supply is to be set so that it will heat this much water to 125⬚ F, while additional steam,
through the controlled solenoid valve, is available to heat the water another 50⬚ F. This
means that the steady-state temperatures with the solenoid closed and open, 125 to
175⬚ F, are equally spaced about the set point. Heat losses to the surroundings are negli-
gible. The volume of the tank is 1.6 ft3. The relay control system has a thermocouple for
measurement of temperature. This measuring system has a time constant of 30 s. The
solenoid valve is very rapid in response.
We first analyze this system considering the relay to behave ideally. This means
that it opens precisely at the instant the temperature exceeds the set point and closes
similarly. Later, we shall correct this to conform more closely to the behavior of
actual relays.
If the tank is perfectly stirred, it is a first-order system with a time constant of
t ⫽
rV
⫽
(62) (1.6) ⫽ 1.0 min
w 100
and its transfer function relating changes in the steam input rate to temperature is
10
Gp (s) ⫽
s ⫹1
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 563
where 10⬚F/lb/min of steam flow is the change in steady-state temperature per unit
change in steady-state steam flow. The necessary main and controlled steam rates are
(using 1000 Btu/lb for latent heat)
Qmain ⫽
(125 ⫺ 40 ) (100 )
⫽ 8 . 5 lb/min
1000
Qcontrolled ⫽
(175 ⫺ 125) (100 ) ⫽ 5.0 lb/min
1000
The amount of steam that would be necessary to maintain the water at a steady-state
temperature of 150⬚F is
(150 ⫺ 40 ) (100 )
Qs ⫽ ⫽ 11 . 0 lb/min
1000
Hence, in terms of deviation variables, the controller output may be taken as ⫾ 2.5 lb/min
of steam.
A block diagram may now be constructed for this system, as shown in Fig. 25–5.
This diagram uses deviations from 150⬚F as temperature variables, so the set point is
taken as zero. The action of the relay is symbolized by the input-output relations, indi-
cating that ⫹2.5 lb/min of steam is admitted when the error is positive and ⫺2.5 lb/min
when the error is negative, again in deviation variables.
0 + 2.5
M 10 C
s+1
− −2.5
B
1 FIGURE 25–5
Block diagram for system of Fig. 25–4.
0.5 s + 1
It is convenient to use a dimensionless version of Fig. 25–5. This is provided in Fig. 25–6,
where the changes
M e C B
M⬘ ⫽ e⬘ ⫽ C⬘ ⫽ B⬘ ⫽
2.5 25 25 25
have been made.
1
0 + '= M' = M/2.5 1 C' = C/25
/25 −1 s+1
−
B' = B/25 1
0.5s + 1
FIGURE 25–6
Dimensionless block diagram for system of Fig. 25–4.
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564 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
The usual methods of linear control theory are not applicable to the block diagram of
Fig. 25.6. The relay does not obey the principle of superposition in its input-output
relation. It is necessary to revert to the differential equations describing the control
loop. These are
dC⬘
M⬘ ⫽ ⫹ C⬘ (25.9)
dt
1 dB⬘
C⬘ ⫽ ⫹ B⬘ (25.10)
2 dt
e⬘ ⫽ ⫺B⬘ (25.11)
In addition we have
1 e⬘ ⬎ 0
M⬘ ⫽ (25.12)
⫺1 e⬘ ⬍ 0
Combination of Eqs. (25.9) to (25.12) yields
1 d 2e ⬘ 3 de ⬘ ⫺1 e⬘ ⬎ 0
⫹ ⫹ e⬘ ⫽ (25.13)
2 dt 2 2 dt 1 e⬘ ⬍ 0
Equation (25.13) can be rewritten in phase notation as
de ⬘
⫽ e⬘
dt
d e⬘ ⫺( 3e⬘ ⫹ 2e ⬘ ⫹ 2 ) e⬘ ⬎ 0
(25.14)
⫽
dt ⫺( 3e⬘ ⫹ 2e ⬘ ⫺ 2 ) e⬘ ⬍ 0
Figure 25–7 is a plot of the phase plane for this system. Note that, in this figure, the e⬘
scale has been expanded by a factor of 10 to magnify the behavior near the origin.
It can be seen from Fig. 25–7 that the trajectory approaches the origin. The final
state is a limit cycle of zero amplitude and infinite frequency about the origin. In other
words, the relay alternately opens and closes at very high frequency, a condition known
as chattering.
Physically, this condition will never be realized because the dynamics of the sole-
noid valve and the relay itself would become important. Instead, the final condition
will be a limit cycle of high, rather than infinite, frequency and low, rather than zero,
amplitude.
However, the basic idealization which has led us to this suspect conclusion
is in the behavior of the relay. True relays have input-output characteristics more
similar to those shown in Fig. 25–8. There is a dead band around the set point, of
width 2e⬘0, over which the relay is insensitive to changes in the error signal. Anyone
who has made fine adjustments in the setting of a home thermostat has observed this
behavior.
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 565
0.6
Solenoid valve Solenoid valve
closed 0.4 open
0.2
−0.04 −0.02 0.02 0.04 0.06
−0.2
−0.4
−0.6
FIGURE 25–7
Phase-plane trajectory for on-off control system of Fig. 25–4.
Output
1
− '0 '0
0
−1 FIGURE 25–8
Characteristics of true relay with dead zone.
Consider as an example the case for ε⬘0 ⫽ 0.01. The effect of this dead zone is to
change the dividing line between on and off to that shown in Fig. 25–9. The new divid-
ing line has the equation
0 . 01 e⬘ ⬎ 0
e⬘ ⫽
⫺0 . 01 e⬘ ⬍ 0
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566 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
0.6
0.4
0.2
− o o
−0.06 −0.04 −0.02 0 0.02 0.04 0.06
e
cl
y
it c
Li m
−0.4
−0.6
FIGURE 25–9
Phase plane for system of Fig. 25–4 using relay with characteristics of Fig. 25–8.
Now, as shown in Fig. 25–9, all trajectories approach a limit cycle, for which the error
amplitude is approximately 0.03. The frequency is finite and is obtained by computing
the time around the limit cycle. Although we have not presented here the graphical
methods for determining this time, it can always be calculated by noting from the first
of Eqs. (25.14) that
de ⬘ (25.15)
t ⫽ ∫ dt ⫽ ∫ e⬘
Thus, time around the limit cycle can be computed by graphical evaluation of the inte-
goes to zero. To
gral in Eq. (25.15). The only difficulty is near the e⬘ axis, where e⬘
circumvent this, we may use the second of Eqs. (25.14)
d e⬘
t ⫽ ⫺∫
3e⬘ ⫹ 2e ⬘ ⫾ 2
over a small segment of the trajectory as it crosses the e⬘ axis. The result of this graphi-
cal calculation is w ⫽ 9.2 rad/min.
The frequency thus computed for the error signal is, for obvious physical reasons,
the same as the frequency of the controlled signal C⬘. However, the amplitude of C⬘,
which is of more direct interest, is not the same as the amplitude of e⬘. It may be found
in this case by noting from Eqs. (25.10) and (25.11) that
C⬘ ⬇ ⫺ 12 e⬘ ⫺ e ⬘
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 567
It is therefore clear from Fig. 25–9 that C⬘ attains a maximum value near the switching
points where
C⬘ ⬇ ⫾0 . 17
Reverting to the original variables, it follows that the water temperature will oscillate
with an amplitude of
( 0 . 17 ) ( 25) ⫽ 4 . 25 ⬚F
The effect of a small dead zone, 2e0 ⫽ 2(0.01)(25) ⫽ 0.5⬚F, is thus quite significant.
In practice, the width of this dead zone is usually an adjustable design param-
eter. This width is always chosen as a compromise. The wider it is made, the lower
will be the limit-cycle frequency, thus saving excessive switching or chatter. How-
ever, the limit-cycle amplitude increases with dead-zone width, decreasing the quality
of control.
Example 25.2. Use of Simulink to generate a phase-plane diagram for a
relay with dead zone. Use MATLAB and Simulink to simulate the control
system shown in Fig. 25–6 containing a relay with characteristics shown in
Fig. 25–8.
The Simulink block diagram for the system is shown in Fig. 25–10.
Error
Error to workspace
du/dt
Derivative of error Phase-plane trajectory
de/dt
Derivative to workspace
1 Relay output
+−
s+1
Step Relay Process
Process output
1
0.5 s + 1
Measurement
FIGURE 25–10
Simulink block diagram for process in Fig. 25–6.
The phase-plane trajectory for Example 25.2 is shown in Fig. 25–11.
We can also determine the cycle time by looking at the relay output as
shown in Fig. 25–12.
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568 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
d /dt
0
−0.1
−0.2
Limit Cycle
SOLENOID SOLENOID
−0.3 VALVE VALVE
CLOSED OPEN
−0.4
−0.03 −0.02 −0.01 0 0.01 0.02 0.03
FIGURE 25–11
Phase plane generated using Simulink for Example 25.2.
Expanding
FIGURE 25–12
Relay ouput from Simulink model.
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 569
The relay cycle time from the graph is 0.7 min/cycle. The frequency is
2p rad 1 cycle rad
w ⫽ ⫽ 9.0
cycle 0 . 7 min min
This is the same result that we found earlier. We can also determine the maxi-
mum and minimum values of C⬘ from the Simulink process output, as shown in
Fig. 25–3.
Expanding
FIGURE 25–13
Minimum and maximum values of C⬘ from Simulink.
From the output, we can see that C⬘ 艐 ⫾ 0.173, which is also the same as our
earlier result. Simulink provides us with an easy way to study the behavior of
these types of systems.
Exothermic Chemical Reactor
We now wish to consider the phase-plane behavior of the chemical reactor of Chap. 24.
This study is based on the paper by Aris and Amundson (1958). For convenience, the
dynamic equations are reproduced here:
⫽ ( x A0 ⫺ x A ) ⫺ ke⫺E /RT x A
dx A F
dt V
k ( ∆H ) e⫺E /RT Q (T )
⫽ ( T0 ⫺ T ) ⫹
dT F
xA ⫺
dt V Cp rVC p (24.28)
Defining the dimensionless variables
Ft xA CP T CP T0
t ⫽ y ⫽ q ⫽ q0 ⫽
V x A0 x A0 ( ∆H ) x A0 ( ∆H )
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570 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
these equations become
⫽ 1 ⫺ y ⫺ r ( y, q )
dy
dt (25.16)
dq
⫽ q 0 ⫺ q ⫹ r ( y,q ) ⫺ q (q )
dt
where
kVy [⫺ECP /Rx A0 ( ∆H )θ]
r ( y,θ ) ⫽ e
F
Q (T )
q (θ) ⫽
Frx A0 ( ∆H )
As a control heat removal function q (q), Aris and Amundson chose the form
q (q ) ⫽ U (q ⫺ q c ) 1 ⫹ K c (q ⫺ q s ) (25.17)
where qc is the dimensionless mean temperature of water in the cooling coil. This indi-
cates that the heat removal is always proportional to the difference between the reac-
tor temperature and mean cooling water temperature. In addition, the term in brackets
indicates that proportional control on the cooling water flow rate is present. The flow
rate is increased by an amount proportional to the difference between the actual reac-
tor temperature q and the desired steady-state temperature qs. This increase in cooling
water flow rate is assumed for convenience to cause an approximately proportional
increase in heat removal. The constant U is a dimensionless analog of U0A, the overall
heat-transfer rate.
As a specific numerical example, Aris and Amundson selected the following val-
ues for constants:
kV
⫽ e 25
F
EC p
⫽ 50
Rx A0 ( ∆H )
qs ⫽ 2
q 0 ⫽ q c ⫽ 1 . 75
U ⫽1
Under these conditions, Eqs. (25.16) become
50 1/ 2 ⫺1/q )
⫽ 1 ⫺ y ⫺ ye (
dy
dt (25.18)
50 1/ 2 ⫺1/q )
⫽ 1 . 75 ⫺ q ⫹ ye (
dq
⫺ (q ⫺ 1 . 75) 1 ⫹ K c (q ⫺ 2 )
dt
It can be seen that there is a critical point of Eqs. (25.18) at
y ⫽ 1
2
⫽ ys q ⫽ 2 ⫽ qs
and this is the location at which control is desired. This point has the correct steady-
state temperature and a 50 percent conversion of reactant. In addition, there may be two
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 571
more critical points of Eq. (25.18) depending on the proportional control constant Kc,
as will be discussed below.
Since we are primarily interested in control about qs, we make use of Liapunov’s
theorem on local stability, presented earlier. Linearizing Eq. (25.18) in deviation vari-
ables q ⫺ qs and y ⫺ ys by using Taylor’s series yields
d ( y ⫺ ys )
⫽ ⫺2 ( y ⫺ ys ) ⫺ 6 . 25 (q ⫺ q s )
dt (25.19)
d (q ⫺ q s ) K
⫽ y ⫺ ys ⫹ 4 . 25 ⫺ c (q ⫺ q s )
dt 4
where ys ⫽ 2 . As we have seen before, the solution to this linear system is
1
y ⫺ ys ⫽ c1e s1 t ⫹ c2e s2 t
q ⫺ q s ⫽ c3e s1 t ⫹ c4 e s2 t
where, in this case, s1 and s2 are the roots of [see Eq. (24.6) and the steps following this
equation]
Kc ⫺ 9 2Kc ⫺ 9 (25.20)
s2 ⫹ s⫹ ⫽ 0
4 4
According to the Routh criteria, all coefficients in this characteristic equation must be posi-
tive in order that the real parts of the roots s1 and s2 be negative. Hence, we can see imme-
diately from Eq. (25.20) that to achieve a stable node or focus, it is necessary that Kc > 9.
Kc = 9+
y
Unstable
limit
cycle
0.5
Stable limit
cycle
FIGURE 25–14
Stable and unstable limit cycles in
2 an exothermic chemical reactor.
However, Aris and Amundson obtained the phase plane for (among other values)
a value of Kc slightly greater than 9. This was accomplished by numerical solution of
Eqs. (25.18). It was found that in the vicinity of the steady-state point, the situation is as
depicted in Fig. 25–14. There are two limit cycles surrounding the stable focus critical
point. The inner limit cycle is unstable, and the outer limit cycle is stable, according to the
definitions given earlier. It may be seen that any disturbance (or initial condition) which
moves the system no further from the critical point than the unstable limit cycle can be
controlled. That is, the control system will eventually bring the system back to steady
state. However, once the system is forced outside this limit cycle, it will eventually spiral
out to the stable limit cycle. Control cannot be restored, and the reactor temperature and
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572 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
concentration oscillate continuously. This example illustrates very well the limitations
of linear control theory. All that the linear investigation could reveal is that, for Kc > 9,
the system will be stable in some vicinity of the control point. The phase-plane analysis
shows that for Kc slightly greater than 9, this vicinity is inside the unstable limit cycle of
Fig. 25–14. If Kc is increased further, the two limit cycles disappear and good control can
be achieved. This example points out the importance of unstable limit cycles. Although
a physical system can never follow an unstable limit cycle, the limit cycle divides the
phase plane into distinct dynamic regions for the physical system.
Other values of Kc were analyzed by Aris and Amundson. For low values of Kc,
there are two other critical points besides the control point. For example, for Kc ⫽ 0.8,
there are critical points at
y ⫽ 0 . 95 q ⫽ 1 . 77
and
y ⫽ 0 . 15 q ⫽ 2 . 15
Linear analysis shows that both these are stable, but for Kc < 9 the control point
(y ⫽ 0.5, q ⫽ 2) is not. Phase-plane analysis shows that if the reactor is started at high
temperatures, it will come to steady state at the high-temperature critical point, and
vice versa. Starting the reactor at the desired control point will be of no avail, as it will
leave and go to one of the other steady-state points, depending on the direction of the
initial disturbance. For high values of Kc, there is only one critical point, which is at the
control point. Phase-plane analysis shows that Kc must exceed approximately 30 before
rapid return to steady state at the desired control point, following all disturbances, is
achieved. Some phase-plane portraits for this system that were obtained by means of a
computer are shown in Figs. 25–15 to 25–17.
1.0
0.8
Kc = 8
0.6
y
0.4
0.2
FIGURE 25–15
0 Phase-plane portrait of the control of a
1.75 2.0 2.25
chemical reactor (limit cycle forms).
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 573
1.0
0.8
Kc = 10
0.6
y
0.4
0.2
FIGURE 25–16
0
1.75 2.0 2.25 Phase-plane portrait of the control of a
chemical reactor (no limit cycle forms).
1.0
0.8
Kc = 20
0.6
y
0.4
0.2
0
1.75 2.0 2.25
FIGURE 25–17
Phase-plane portrait of the control of a chemical reactor (no limit cycle forms).
This discussion is only a rather brief introduction to the extensive work by Aris
and Amundson. The reader is strongly urged to consult the original paper for a more
comprehensive treatment of the problem.
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574 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
SUMMARY
We have seen that phase-plane analysis can be used for two typical nonlinear control
problems. The results of this analysis give extensive information about the control system
behavior.
PROBLEMS
25.1. For the system shown in Fig. P25–1, use Simulink to plot the trajectory from the initial
point e ⫽ 2 and e ⫽ 0.
M
1
+ e −1 M 10
R C
1 e (s + 1)2
− −1
FIGURE P25–1
25.2. For the system shown in Fig. P25–2, plot the phase-plane trajectory. Use t ⫽ 1, z ⫽
1
2
,
K ⫽ 1, b ⫽ 0 . 25 . Let R ⫽ 0.
1
+ e −b M K
R C
b 2s 2 +2 s+1
− −1
FIGURE P25–2
25.3. Consider the phase-plane equations
x1 ⫽ x 2
x 2 ⫽ ⫺x1 ⫹ 1
x
10 2
⫺ x12 ⫺ 10
3
x ( 32 )
(a) Determine the type of critical point at x1 ⫽ ⫺1, x2 ⫽ 0.
(b) If there are any other critical points, find them.
25.4. The system shown in Fig. P25–4 is to be controlled by an ideal on/off relay.
(a) From the block diagram, write the differential equations for phase-plane description of
the physical system in the form
x1 ⫽ f ( x1 , x 2 ) x 2 ⫽ f ( x1 , x 2 )
where x1 ⫽ c and x 2 ⫽ c.
(b) Plot the trajectory that starts at x1 ⫽ 2, x2 ⫽ 0.
(c) Determine the values of x1 and x2 where the first switch occurs.
1
+ e M 1 1
R=0 C
s+1 s
− −1
FIGURE P25–4
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CHAPTER 25 EXAMPLES OF PHASE-PLANE ANALYSIS 575
25.5. For the control system shown in Fig. P25–5 determine the frequency and amplitude of the
limit cycle if one exists.
m
2
+ e m e−0.5s
R=0 N C
s+1
− e
−2
N
FIGURE P25–5
25.6. For the system shown in Fig. P25–6, t ⫽ 1, z ⫽ 1
, K ⫽ 1, M ⫽ 1, b ⫽ 0 . 25, and
2
R ⫽ 0.
M
+ e −b m K
R C
b
2s 2 +2 s+1
− −M
FIGURE P25–6
(a) For K ⫽ 2, does a limit cycle exist? If so, describe it.
(b) If a transport lag e⫺s is introduced in the feedback loop, determine if a limit cycle
exists for K ⫽ 2.
25.7. The stirred-tank system shown in Fig. P25–7 produces an aqueous solution of salt by use
of a solenoid valve that switches from one reagent tank to the other as described below.
The reagent tanks contain concentrated solutions of salt. When the measured concentration
is above the set point, the control reagent of lower concentration enters the mixing tank at
a constant flow rate of 0.01 L/min. When the measured concentration is less than the set
point, the control reagent of higher concentration enters the mixing tank at a constant rate
of 0.01 L/min. The holdup volume of the tank is 2 L, the transport lag between the tank and
measuring element is 1.2 min, and the set point is 2 g salt/L.
Control reagent
100 g salt/ 300 g salt/
L L
Solenoid valve
Relay Set point
0.01 L /min
water
1 L /min
ci = 0
Concentration-measuring
element
FIGURE P25–7
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576 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
(a) Obtain a block diagram, in terms of deviation variables, for this control system.
(b) Determine the characteristics of the limit cycle (frequency and amplitude), if one exists.
25.8. For the control system shown in Fig. P25–8, determine if a limit cycle exists for K ⫽ 1, 2,
and 3. If a limit cycle exists, describe it in terms of amplitude and frequency.
1
+ e −1 K
R C
1 s(s + 1)2
− −1
FIGURE P25–8
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CHAPTER
25
CAPSULE SUMMARY
MATLAB and Simulink can be used to plot phase planes:
1
(x1(0) = 1, x2(0) = 1)
x2 = dx1/dt 1
s ++ −5 ++
x1 −5x1 0.5
Integrator Gain
1 x1
x1(0) To Workspace1
(x1(0) = −0.6, x2(0) = 0) (x10 = 0.6, x20 = 0) (x10 = 1, x20 = 0)
0
XY Graph −2x2
x2
x2
−0.5
To Workspace
dx2/dt 1
s ++ −2
x2 = dx1/dt
Integrator1 Gain1 −1
0
x2(0)
−1.5
−0.6 −0.4 −0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
x1
Limit cycle. A limit cycle is defined as a periodic oscillation whose amplitude and fre-
quency depend only on the properties of the system and not on the initial state of the
system (provided the initial state lies in a certain nontrivial region of the phase space). In
the phase plane, stable limit cycles are recognized as closed curves that are approached
asymptotically by all nearby trajectories. Unstable limit cycles are closed curves from
which all nearby trajectories diverge. An example of a stable limit cycle is the “steady-
state” behavior of a home heating system when controlled by a thermostat, an on/off
controller.
577
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578 PART 7 NONLINEAR CONTROL
Phase-Plane Trajectory for On/Off Phase-Plane Trajectory for Relay
Control System True Relay with Dead Zone Control System
0.6 0.6
Solenoid valve Solenoid valve
closed 0.4 open 0.4
Output
1
0.2 0.2
− '0 '0 − '0 '0 '
−0.04 −0.02 0.02 0.04 0.06 0 −0.06 −0.04 −0.02 0 0.02 0.04 0.06
'
le
yc
it c
Li m
−0.2
−1
−0.4
−0.4
−0.6
−0.6
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PART
VIII
COMPUTERS IN
PROCESS CONTROL
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CHAPTER
26
MICROPROCESSOR-BASED
CONTROLLERS AND
DISTRIBUTED
CONTROL
I n this chapter, some of the highlights of modern industrial microprocessor-based
controllers and distributed control systems are presented. A microprocessor-based
controller is essentially a computer programmed to perform the function of a process
controller. For our purpose, the term microprocessor is synonymous with computer,
and we could refer to a microprocessor-based controller as a computer-based controller.
The number of features of these modern controllers is far too great to cover in one chap-
ter. The best way for the reader to acquire some experience with modern controllers is
through laboratory and plant use and by attending some of the short courses offered by
the major suppliers of the equipment.
26.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
During the past fifty years, tremendous development has occurred in process control
hardware. The three phases of development are pneumatic control, electronic control,
and microprocessor-based control. During the 1940s, the predominant controller was
pneumatic, meaning that signals to and from the controller and within the controller
mechanism were air-pressure signals that usually varied from 3 to 15 psig. The devel-
opment of the high-gain operational electronic amplifier during World War II led to the
development of the electronic controller and also the analog computer. The electronic
controller mimicked the control functions of the pneumatic controller. It also provided
some improvements, such as accurate and reproducible control parameter settings and
reduction in size of the instruments. In contrast, the pneumatic controller required fre-
quent calibration of the knobs used to set the various controller parameters (Kc,tI,tD).
The pneumatic controller had interaction among the control modes and had inherent
581
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582 PART 8 COMPUTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL
lags that became significant at high-frequency operation. There were frequent debates
over the pros and cons of pneumatic and electronic controllers. For example, the pneu-
matic controller was rugged, simple to install, and required little maintenance. Only a
source of air pressure was needed to operate the controller. There was initially great
concern about the possibility of explosions with the use of electronic controllers, so the
instrument cases for these controllers were purged with steady streams of air when used
in plants producing flammable substances. The maintenance of electronic controllers
also required highly trained technicians.
In the 1960s, the chemical industry made its first attempt at computer process
control. These control systems used large mainframe computers, for which the control
programs had to be written from scratch. The first attempts at computer control were
met with mixed reactions. In the 1970s, there appeared on the market the first genera-
tion of digital control hardware, which was based on the advances in microprocessor-
based technology. This equipment was user-friendly, and all the software accompanied
the hardware. The operator did not face the problem of writing computer code to imple-
ment the control functions; it was only necessary to learn the instructions needed to
configure (set up) the controllers.
26.2 HARDWARE COMPONENTS
The hardware requirements for pneumatic, electronic, and microprocessor-based con-
trols are shown in Fig. 26–1. In this figure, all the components are obtained from a
manufacturer of control equipment; several of the components are common to the three
systems. In Fig. 26–1a, all the signals are pneumatic (3 to 15 psig). The energy needed
to operate these pneumatic components is a source of clean, dry air at a pressure of about
20 psig. The pressure can vary from 20 psig by about ⫾ 10 percent without adversely
affecting the operation of the instruments.
The electronic system shown in Fig. 26–1b requires both electrical and pneumatic
power to operate the components. A transducer or converter is needed between the con-
troller and the valve to convert current (4 to 20 mA) to pressure (3 to 15 psig). This is
often referred to as an I/P (I ⫽ current, P ⫽ pressure) converter.
The components for a microprocessor-based system are shown in Fig. 26–1c. In
this case, the control algorithm is software on the computer. The operator interacts with
the control system using the computer. The computer can perform many more functions
than just the implementation of the control algorithm, as will be discussed later. The
chart recorder used on the older pneumatic and electronic systems has been replaced by
a monitor on which the transients are shown.
Typical controllers are now capable of processing both analog and digital signals.
An analog signal is the type that represents a continuous variable that varies over a
range of values. A digital signal is a binary signal that can be represented by two states
(on, off, or logic 1, logic 0, etc.). Examples of analog signals are the measurement
from a temperature transmitter or the signal sent to a valve. Examples of digital signals
are the output to a motor, which causes it to be on or off, or the output to an alarm
light causing it to be on or off. The focus of this book has been on analog signals that
are applicable to continuous control systems. However, there is an important area of
control called batch control which frequently must deal with digital (on/off) signals.
Batch control, as the name suggests, is the control of processes that are done in a batch
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CHAPTER 26 MICROPROCESSOR-BASED CONTROLLERS AND DISTRIBUTED CONTROL 583
Measured 3–15 3–15 To
Transducer Controller psig Valve
variable psig process
Recorder
(a)
4–20 4–20 3–15
Measured Transducer Controller Transducer Valve To
variable mA mA psig process
Recorder
(b)
Measured 4–20 4–20 3–15
Transducer Microprocessor- Transducer Valve To
variable mA based mA psig process
controller
Printer Monitor Keyboard
(c)
FIGURE 26–1
Controller components for (a) pneumatic control, (b) electronic control, (c) computer or
microprocessor-based control.
operation. Many examples of batch processing occur in the pharmaceutical industry
where small amounts of products of high unit cost are produced.
26.3 TASKS OF A MICROPROCESSOR-BASED
CONTROLLER
The primary task of a microprocessor-based controller is implementation of a control
algorithm; however, the presence of a computer makes it possible to perform a number
of other peripheral tasks that are useful in process control and monitoring. Some of
these tasks provided in a modern control system are to
Implement classical and advanced control algorithms
Provide static and dynamic displays on the monitor
Provide process and diagnostic alarms
Provide mathematical functions
Provide data acquisition and storage (archiving)
The software to support all these tasks is supplied by the manufacturer of the control
equipment. We now look briefly at the nature of each task.
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584 PART 8 COMPUTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL
Implementation of Control Algorithms
The portion of the software that covers this task is organized into large numbers of
blocks that can be connected to solve a specific control problem. A partial listing of the
blocks typically provided is as follows:
Analog input
Analog output
Conventional control algorithms (P, PI, PD, PID)
Linearization
Lead-lag
Dead time
Self-tuning
There are many other blocks that have been omitted from this list because of the limita-
tion of space in this chapter. Also a number of blocks process digital (or logic) signals
(on/off) such as comparators, selectors, or timers, which are needed in batch control and
automatic plant start-up and shutdown.
ANALOG INPUT BLOCK. The analog input block is an analog-to-digital device that
converts a continuous signal from a transducer, which is in the form of a current or volt-
age, to a digital signal that can be used in the microprocessor.
ANALOG OUTPUT BLOCK. The analog output block reverses the operation of the
analog input block by converting a digital signal, which has been computed in the
microprocessor, to a voltage or a current that can be sent out to a transducer in the pro-
cess in the field. Sometimes this block is called a field output block.
CONTROL BLOCK. The control block is a block for which many parameters can be
specified. The manufacturer does not give any information on the method of imple-
menting the control algorithms. The computer does not “watch” the process continu-
ously, but rather it “samples” the necessary process signals at discrete time intervals.
The sampling period T is one parameter that generally cannot be adjusted in a com-
mercial controller; it is fixed by the developer of the software. Typical values of T in
commercial controllers vary from 0.1 to 0.25 s. A controller operating with such a small
T can be considered as a continuous controller for many chemical processes with large
time constants. Parameters that can be selected are the controller parameters (Kc,tI,tD),
limits on set point and controller output, and others. The familiar PID control algorithm
from Chap. 9 is a continuous form of the equation
de Kc t
p ⫽ K ce ⫹ K ct D
dt
⫹
tI ∫0 e dt ⫹ ps (9.11)
To implement the PID algorithm in the computer (digital) control system, we must
discretize the equation, realizing that we are sampling the signals at fixed instants in
time. The discrete version of Eq. (9.11) is
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CHAPTER 26 MICROPROCESSOR-BASED CONTROLLERS AND DISTRIBUTED CONTROL 585
T n
tD
pn ⫽ K c e n ⫹
t I
∑ ei ⫹ T
(e n ⫺ e n ⫺1 ) ⫹ ps
(26.1)
i ⫽1
Equation (26.1) can be interpreted as describing the output from the controller at the nth
time interval (at t ⫽ nT). This form of the PID equation is called the position form of the
equation. It specifies the exact value of the controller output at any time t (for example,
the exact valve position if we are controlling a valve). Another form of this equation is
called the velocity form of the equation. It specifies the change in the controller output
from one time interval to the next. The velocity form of the PID equation is
(e n ⫺ 2e n ⫺1 ⫹ e n ⫺ 2 )
T tD
∆pn ⫽ K c (e n ⫺ e n ⫺1 ) ⫹ e n ⫹
tI T (26.2)
pn ⫽ pn ⫺1 ⫹ ∆pn
Either the form of Eq. (26.1) or that of (26.2) can be used for the PID controller. Each
is used in commercially available control systems.
LINEARIZATION BLOCK. The linearization block is used to “straighten out” a non-
linear relation. The most common example of the need for this block is in processing a
signal from an orifice plate used to measure flow. The signal (pressure) across an ori-
fice plate is proportional to the square of the flow. To obtain a linear relation between
flow rate and signal, the signal is sent through a linearization block, which has been
configured to extract the square root of the input signal. The linearization block can also
be configured to linearize any nonlinear relation that can be plotted on a coordinate sys-
tem. This aspect of the linearization block can be useful for linearizing the input-output
relation to a valve that is nonlinear in behavior. In Chap. 19, an equal-percentage valve
was proposed as a device to linearize the relation between flow and valve-top pressure
when line loss was large.
LEAD-LAG BLOCK. The lead-lag block simulates the lead-lag transfer function
K(T1s ⫹ 1)/(T2s ⫹ 1). The parameters K, T1, and T2 can be selected over a wide range
of values. If one needs a first-order lag, T1 can be set to zero. We have seen the need for
the lead-lag block in feedforward control in Chap. 17.
DEAD-TIME BLOCK. The dead-time block simulates dead time (or transport lag)
e⫺t d s . For this block, td can be selected over a wide range of values. We have seen the
need for this block in the Smith predictor control algorithm of Chap. 17.
Figure 26–2 shows a simple flow example using some of the blocks just
described. The blocks are connected by computer code at a keyboard during the con-
figuration of the control system. This connection of blocks is called softwiring since
it is done through the software. The actual connection between the flow transmit-
ter and the analog input block in the controller, which is made with wires, is called
hardwiring.
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586 PART 8 COMPUTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL
Linear- Control
ization
(√ ) (PID)
Analog Analog
input output
Controller
Current- Process
pressure
Pressure- transducer
current
transducer
Supply Delivery
Orifice meter
FIGURE 26–2
Example of the use of control blocks to control a flow process.
SELF-TUNE BLOCK. For years, one of the goals of control engineers has been to
develop a device that would automatically tune a controller, online, while the process
is operating. Until recently, this goal was reached for some special cases by the applica-
tion of adaptive control theory, a branch of control that is beyond the scope of this book.
In the mid-1980s a commercial device became available that uses the normal transients
occurring in a controlled process (caused by set point and load upsets) to update the
control parameters of a PID controller. This device is called a self-tuner and is one of the
blocks available in the microprocessor-based controller of several hardware manufactur-
ers. When the self-tuner is first applied to a process for which no process identification
has been performed, the self-tuner is placed in the pretune phase, during which time the
process is subjected to a pulse while it is operated open-loop. The introduction of the
pulse and the analysis of the transient are done automatically by the self-tuner. The out-
come of the pretune phase of operation is the selection of controller parameters. A con-
ceivable approach to the development of the pretune phase of a self-tuner is to monitor
an open-loop step response and apply a tuning method similar to the Cohen-Coon tuning
method of Chap. 18. After the pretune phase, the control system is returned to closed-
loop and the self-tuner continues to monitor the transients and make changes in control-
ler parameters when needed. The self-tuning that occurs during closed-loop operation is
based on the characteristics of the transients, such as decay ratio, overshoot, and period
of oscillation. The self-tuning algorithm, being proprietary information, is described in
only a general manner in the reference manual that accompanies the control equipment.
Since many industrial processes are poorly tuned, the general-purpose self-tuner repre-
sents an impressive achievement in the application for computer control technology.
Displays
Software has made the strip chart recorder almost unnecessary. Transients (or trends)
produced in a control system can now be displayed on a monitor screen dynamically.
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CHAPTER 26 MICROPROCESSOR-BASED CONTROLLERS AND DISTRIBUTED CONTROL 587
As time progresses, the values of selected variables are displayed as a function of time.
The segment of time shown on the screen can be selected to be a few minutes to a few
hours to show dynamic detail or long-term trends. Transients that occurred in the past
can be stored and displayed again.
Many process operators are more comfortable with control instruments that have
a faceplate which shows bar graphs or pointers indicating set point, control variable,
and output to the valve. In the older instruments, those indicators were obtained by use
of mechanical motion or other means. The software for computer-based control can be
used to obtain a dynamic display on the screen that mimics the faceplates of older, more
traditional instruments.
Alarms
A part of the control software is devoted to detecting and reporting a problem in the
form of an alarm. The alarm takes the form of a visual signal (flashing light), an audi-
ble signal (beeping horn), or the actuation of a switch. Examples of the use of switch
closures include turning on or off a pump motor or opening or shutting a valve. The
alarms are classified as process alarms and diagnostic alarms. The diagnostic alarm
detects a malfunction in the control equipment or the loss of communication. For exam-
ple, if a wire connecting the output of a temperature transmitter to an analog input block
breaks, a diagnostic alarm will go off, indicating that the signal to the analog input
block is out of range. The manufacturer of the control equipment provides all the soft-
ware for detecting the problems that trigger diagnostic alarms.
The engineer who configures the control blocks selects the variables that are
to trigger process alarms and specifies the alarm limits and the type of annunciation
(flashing light, beeping horn, etc.) The alarms can be assigned a priority rating. Those
variables in a process that are most critical are given the highest priority; less critical
variables are given a lower priority.
Mathematical Functions
Control software provides basic mathematical functions such as summation, subtrac-
tion, multiplication, and accumulation (i.e., integration). These functions can be used
along with other blocks in the design of a control system. A simple example of these
functions is the calculation of mass flow rate of a gas from measurements of velocity,
pressure, and temperature. These three measurements are combined according to the
following relationship, which is based on the ideal gas law:
vAPM
w ⫽
RT
where w ⫽ mass flow rate, mass/time
v ⫽ velocity
P ⫽ pressure
T ⫽ absolute temperature
M ⫽ molecular weight of gas
R ⫽ gas constant
A ⫽ cross-sectional area for flow
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588 PART 8 COMPUTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL
The signal from the math block that represents w can then be sent as the control variable
to a control block that controls the mass flow of gas.
Data Acquisition and Storage
Long-term storage of the transients can be obtained easily with a computer. This
task is referred to as archiving. The automatic storage of critical process-control
variables on disk or tape can be retrieved later to explain process operating diffi-
culties. The computer can also be used to automatically record or log the type and
location of an alarm, the time of a process alarm, the time of acknowledgment of an
alarm, and the time it was cleared by operator intervention. This information is use-
ful to supervisors in detecting violation of safety regulations or diagnosing process
malfunctions.
26.4 SPECIAL FEATURES OF
MICROPROCESSOR-BASED
CONTROLLERS
In addition to the tasks just described, there are three special features available in mod-
ern microprocessor-based controllers that deserve attention. These are limiting, track-
ing, and anti-reset windup. Each will be discussed separately.
Limiting
In configuring a control system from basic control blocks, one can select lower and
upper limits on controller output and set point. These limits are narrower than the limits
inherently present in the hardware. Limits are often placed on a controller output for
safety reasons or to protect equipment. For example, if one knows the flow rate of a
liquid that causes a tank to overflow, one can set the limit on the output of a controller at
a value less than the value that causes overflow. The limits on the controller output are
active when the controller is in either automatic or manual mode. An example of a limit
on set point is the selection of an upper limit on pressure for a steam-heated sterilizer to
prevent damage to the equipment.
Tracking
A very useful feature of a microprocessor-based controller is tracking. Although track-
ing is not needed to successfully control a system, its presence is of great convenience
to the process operator. Two examples of tracking are set point tracking and controller
output tracking.
Set point tracking is useful when a controller is transferred from manual to auto-
matic. When a process is started up for the first time, a common procedure is to bring
the process on-stream in manual mode. In this case the operator adjusts the output of the
controller (which goes to the valve) until the process variable comes to a desired steady
state. When the tracking feature is not present in the controller, the set point must be man-
ually adjusted until it equals the process variable before the controller is transferred to
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CHAPTER 26 MICROPROCESSOR-BASED CONTROLLERS AND DISTRIBUTED CONTROL 589
automatic; the process then continues running in a smooth manner. If the operator adjusts
the set point to the process variable after switching to automatic, there may be a tempo-
rary disturbance in the process variable. The expression for the disturbance is called a
bump. With set point tracking, the operator does not need to think about adjusting the set
point to the process variable, because it is done automatically. In other words, set point
tracking provides “bumpless” transfer when switching from manual to automatic.
A second example of tracking can be seen in its use for transferring a cascade
system from manual to automatic. (The reader should be familiar with the information
on cascade control provided in Chap. 17 to understand this example.) To explain the
use of tracking in cascade control, reference to Figs. 17–1b and 17–2b will be made. In
starting up this system, the primary controller is placed in a standby condition, and the
secondary controller is placed in manual mode. The means for accomplishing this is
built into the software of the controller. With the secondary controller in manual mode,
its output is adjusted until the temperature of the tank contents T0 is at the desired value.
Then, with the control system at steady state and T0 at the desired value, the system is
transferred to cascade mode by placing both controllers in automatic. Since the output
of the primary controller adjusts the set point of the secondary controller, it is neces-
sary to have the output of the primary controller equal to the jacket temperature Tj
when the system is transferred to cascade mode. This goal can be achieved by having
the output of the primary controller track the jacket temperature while the secondary
controller is used in manual mode to adjust the tank temperature to the desired value.
For this example, the set point of the primary controller can also automatically track the
tank temperature T0 before the transfer to cascade mode occurs. In this cascade control
example, we have seen tracking used for both the set point and the controller output.
Anti-Reset Windup
A troublesome problem with a controller having integral action (PI or PID) is the possible
occurrence of reset windup. When the error to a controller remains large for a long time, the
integral action of the controller builds up a large value of output which often approaches
the saturation value of the controller output. This accumulation of output is called reset
windup. When the process variable returns to the set point, the output of the controller does
not immediately return to a value that will hold the process variable at the set point because
the controller output has built up (or has been wound up) and must be reduced by the pres-
ence of error of opposite sign over some duration of time. Thus the transient for the control
variable exhibits a large overshoot that can persist while the output signal is being reduced
through integral action being applied to the error of reversed sign.
Reset windup typically occurs during the start-up of a process. To gain some
insight into the cause of reset windup, consider the start-up of the liquid-level process
shown in Fig. 26–3 in which the level in the third tank is to be controlled by a PI con-
troller. The valve is linear and saturates at 0 and at 0.5, as shown in Fig. 26–3b. Upon
start-up with the PI controller in automatic mode, the tanks are empty, and the error
R ⫺ C is large and positive. The action of the controller on this error will result in a
large output M due to proportional action and a rising contribution to M due to the inte-
gral action. The output of the controller will be at its saturation value, which is typically
about 10 percent above the top of the 4- to 20-mA scale (i.e., 22 mA).
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590 PART 8 COMPUTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL
Set point
Supply
c
(a)
0.5
Flow
0
0 4 20
Input to value, mA
(b)
Valve Process
+ M 1
R PI C
(s + 1)3
−
(c)
FIGURE 26–3
Plant start-up illustrating reset windup (tanks are initially empty): (a) process, (b) linear valve
with saturation limits, and (c) block diagram of process.
The large saturated value of M will in turn cause the valve to reach its saturation
value, which has been taken as 0.5. During the initial phase of the operation, the tanks are
being filled at the maximum rate of flow provided by the upper limit of the control valve.
During this filling stage of operation, the controller is not exercising any control since
the valve is at its limit. As the level rises toward the set point, the large error that existed
at start-up gradually diminishes toward zero. If only proportional action were present
in the controller, the output of the controller would return quickly to a mid-scale value;
however, because of the integral action, the controller output remains high, at its satura-
tion value, long after the process variable first reaches the set point. To reduce the output
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CHAPTER 26 MICROPROCESSOR-BASED CONTROLLERS AND DISTRIBUTED CONTROL 591
M, the integral action must be applied to negative error so that the integration can lower
the output to mid-scale. This negative error occurs as a result of the tank level remaining
above the set point for some time after the tank level reaches the set point. Other causes
of reset windup and some methods to prevent it are discussed by Shinskey (1979).
The control system shown in Fig. 26–3c was simulated for a start-up transient
with the tanks initially empty; the transient is shown as curve I in Fig. 26–4. The large
overshoot in tank level after the level reaches the set point is clearly illustrated. Now
that the problem of reset windup has been described, we focus our attention on how to
reduce or eliminate it. The development that follows on the use of external feedback to
eliminate reset windup is based on the work of Shunta and Klein (1979).
c
I No external feedback
Set
point
1.0
II External feedback
0
0 10 t
FIGURE 26–4
Start-up transients for system in Fig. 26–3 with and without external feedback.
A feature of microprocessor-based controllers is the availability of external feed-
back in the configuration of a PI or PID controller. The block diagram of a PI controller
with external feedback is shown in Fig. 26–5.
Controller
Set point M
Control variable
+ −
M
F
FIGURE 26–5
Controller with external feedback for use in anti-reset windup.
The output of this controller is given by
Kc 1
∫0 e ( t ) dt ⫹ t I ∫0 [ F ( t ) ⫺ M ( t )] dt
t t
M ( t ) ⫽ Kce ( t ) ⫹ (26.3)
tI
where
M(t) ⫽ controller output
e(t) ⫽ error ⫽ set point ⫺ control variable
F(t) ⫽ external feedback signal
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592 PART 8 COMPUTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL
If the Laplace transform of both sides of Eq. (26.1) is taken, the result is
Kce ( s ) 1
M ( s ) ⫽ Kce ( s ) ⫹
st I
⫹
st I
[ F ( s ) ⫺ M ( s )] (26.4)
If the feedback signal is the controller output F(s) ⫽ M(s), Eq. (26.4) becomes the usual
transfer function for a PI controller:
1
M ( s ) ⫽ Kc 1 ⫹ e (s) (26.5)
t Is
The feedback signal F(t) can be any signal available to the microprocessor-based con-
troller. When F(t) is not equal to M(t), Eq. (26.4) can be solved for M(s) to give
F (s)
M ( s ) ⫽ Kce ( s ) ⫹ (26.6)
tIs ⫹ 1
A controller following this equation provides a signal consisting of proportional
action plus first-order tracking of F(t). If F(t) in Eq. (26.3) is taken as the output of the
valve (or the output signal of the current-to-pressure transducer that goes to the valve)
in our example in Fig. 26–3c, we have the basis for eliminating reset windup. During
the filling stage of the tank, the feedback signal F(t) will be constant at the saturation
value of the valve output. When the tank level reaches the set point, the error will be
zero and the only contribution from the controller output will be the tracked signal rep-
resented by the second term on the right side of Eq. (26.6). This value will be less than
would be the case if external feedback were not employed. The overall result is that the
controller output is less with the external feedback at the time the level first equals the
set point, and the overshoot is reduced. The transient using external feedback is also
shown in Fig. 26–4 as curve II. Notice that the overshoot is less when external feedback
is used. To emphasize the benefit of external feedback for eliminating reset windup,
no limits were placed on the output of the controller in the simulation of Fig. 26–3. In
practice, there are physical limits on the controller output, and when this is the case, the
reduction of overshoot with the use of external feedback may not be so pronounced as
shown in Fig. 26–4.
26.5 DISTRIBUTED CONTROL
So far we have been concerned in this chapter with the operation of a single control-
ler. Such a controller is referred to as a stand-alone controller because it is not com-
municating with other controllers, but only with the one control loop of which it is a
part. Present-day microcomputer-based control systems have the capability of commu-
nicating with other controllers through a network, which is called distributed control.
Figure 26–6 shows one version of the communication linkages that are usually present
in a distributed control system. Each manufacturer of distributed control systems has a
different way of organizing them.
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CHAPTER 26 MICROPROCESSOR-BASED CONTROLLERS AND DISTRIBUTED CONTROL 593
A distributed control system is intended to be used for a large processing facility
that involves as many as 50 to 100 loops. Some examples of these types of installations
are a refinery, a brewery, and a power plant. In Fig. 26–6, the modules of control equip-
ment that communicate with each other are
Control processor (CP)
Applications processor (AP)
Workstation (WS)
Field bus module (FBM)
The first three of these modules communicate with one another through a nodebus or
“data highway,” as it has been called. The field bus modules serve as devices that inter-
face with transducers and valves in the process. Distributed control systems thus involve
small modular controllers mounted in the field, process operator PC workstations in the
control room or distributed throughout the plant, and a data highway (perhaps an Ether-
net network) connecting the components.
The control processor contains the blocks described earlier (analog input, analog
output, control, linearization, etc.) that are connected by softwiring to provide the con-
trol algorithm required for each loop. Communication between the control processor
and the process (a distance away) in the field takes place in the field bus module.
Node bus
CP CP CP AP WS
FBM FBM FBM
Printer Monitor Keyboard
Process
FIGURE 26–6
Typical connections in a distributed control system: CP: central processor,
AP: applications processor, WS: workstation, FBM: field bus module.
One type of field bus module provides a set of analog inputs and a set of analog
outputs that send to and receive from the field continuous signals (4 to 20 mA). Another
type of module sends to and receives from the field digital signals that often take the
form of switch-contact closures.
The application processor is a computer (which runs software) for performing the
many tasks described earlier and for managing the communication among modules.
The workstation module is connected to a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, and a
printer for use by process operators to interact with the system. At the workstation, the
process operator can call up on the screen various displays, change set points and con-
troller parameters, switch from automatic to manual, acknowledge alarms, and perform
other tasks needed to operate a control system consisting of many loops.
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594 PART 8 COMPUTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL
There are currently a number of types of digital networks (or buses) for plant
control systems. In order of increasing complexity, they are sensor buses (used for
simple devices and manufacturing control), device buses (which include Profibus and
DeviceNet), and field buses (which include Profibus and Foundation Fieldbus) which
are used for process control and diagnostics. These types of buses or networks are sup-
ported by numerous hardware vendors. “Smart” instrumentation is becoming more and
more popular as equipment and control systems are replaced. Smart instrumentation
has the capability to provide the control system with additional information and func-
tion that “nonsmart” devices do not, such as device ID verification, device diagnostics
and status information, secondary process and device variables, remote device configu-
ration and setup. According to the ARC Advisory Group of Dedham, Massachusetts
(Fig. 26–7), worldwide about 40 percent of the installed devices are now smart devices
D’Aquino and Greene, (May 2003). The rest are pneumatic and electronic.
40–45 million Devices Installed
39%
48%
13%
Electronic (4–20 mA)
Pneumatic (3–15 psig)
Smart
FIGURE 26–7
Nature of installed process instrumentation worldwide according to the ARC Advisory Group of
Dedham, Massachusetts.
The trend is certainly moving toward the installation of computer control systems
and smart instrumentation devices. Some of the challenges to be overcome include lack
of compatibility with existing plant control systems and wiring, lack of a standard digi-
tal protocol, and initial cost. As these systems mature and the obstacles are overcome,
we can look forward to exciting advances in process monitoring and control systems’
hardware and software. The net result will be better controlled processes, and better
access to process data for monitoring, diagnostics, and reporting capabilities.
SUMMARY
The computer has greatly changed the nature of industrial process control equipment.
The microprocessor has become the heart of control instruments, and software has pro-
vided many functions besides the basic control algorithm. When the pneumatic controller
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CHAPTER 26 MICROPROCESSOR-BASED CONTROLLERS AND DISTRIBUTED CONTROL 595
was the predominant type, one purchased a controller with very specific attributes (e.g.,
mode of control, type of measured variable, chart speed). The smart instruments and
controllers available today contain not only the conventional control algorithms, but
also many other functions such as simulation of basic transfer functions (e.g., lead-
lag and transport lag), display building, mathematical functions, process and diagnostic
alarms, and data acquisition. They also provide logic functions (comparators, timers,
counters, etc.) for use in batch control and plant start-up and shutdown, as well as self-
tuning algorithms.
In this chapter, some of the features of modern controllers were discussed (e.g.,
limiting, tracking, and anti-reset windup). Any controller having integral action can
cause reset windup under certain conditions when the error persists for a long time. The
result of such a phenomenon is a transient that has large overshoot. Manufacturers of
control instruments now offer several methods for reducing reset windup; the one pre-
sented in this chapter was use of external feedback.
Before computer control appeared, most process loops were served by individual
controllers with signals to and from these controllers being collected on a large panel
board in a special control room. To obtain communication between the control room
and the controllers required much wiring and piping (for pneumatic systems). Today,
microprocessor-based control systems have the capability of communicating with other
control instruments through networks, called distributed control. A distributed control
system can control an entire plant and involve as many as one hundred or more control
loops. Since each manufacturer has a different way of organizing a distributed control
system, the practicing engineer must obtain the details of a particular system from the
manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer a variety of short courses for technicians and
engineers on the installation and use of their hardware and software.
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CHAPTER
26
CAPSULE SUMMARY
DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEM
SCHEMATIC
Node bus
CP CP CP AP WS
FIGURE 26-6
FBM FBM FBM
Typical connections in a distributed
control system: CP: central processor,
Printer Monitor Keyboard
AP: applications processor,
Process WS: workstation, FBM: field bus module.
SMART INSTRUMENTS
Smart instruments have the capability to provide the control system with additional
information and function that “nonsmart” devices do not, such as device ID verifica-
tion, device diagnostics and status information, secondary process and device variables,
remote device configuration and setup.
FORMS OF PID ALGORITHM FOR DIGITAL
IMPLEMENTATION
Standard continuous form
de Kc t
p ⫽ K c e ⫹ K ct D
dt
⫹
tI ∫0 e dt ⫹ ps (9.11)
Position form of PID algorithm
T n
tD
pn ⫽ K c e n ⫹
tI
∑ ei ⫹
T
(e n ⫺ e n⫺1 ) ⫹ ps
(26.1)
i ⫽1
Velocity form of PID algorithm
(e n ⫺ 2e n⫺1 ⫹ e n⫺2 )
T tD
∆pn ⫽ K c (e n ⫺ e n ⫺1 ) ⫹ e n ⫹
tI T (26.2)
pn ⫽ pn ⫺1 ⫹ ∆pn
Either the form of Eq. (26.1) or that of Eq. (26.2) can be used for the PID controller.
Each is used in commercially available control systems..
596
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INDEX
A Cohen-Coon process reaction curve, 397–401
Absorption, dynamics of, 453–57 comparison of methods, 401–10
Adjoint of matrix, 492 Cohen-Coon tuning, 397–401
Alarm, process and diagnostic, 587 Comparator, 166–67
Amplitude ratio, 289 Computer control, 581–94
Analog-to-digital converter, 584 Control Station, 401–19. See also LOOP PRO
Attenuation, 89, 290 Control system response, 228–46
Autonomous system, definition, 554 Controller, 192–98
calibration of, 196
cascade, 353–60
B digital, 582
Batch control, 584 feedforward, 361–70
Block diagram, 77, 166–67 internal model, 378–85
chemical reactor, 212–13 microprocessor-based, 581–94
standard symbols, 218–19 pneumatic versus electronic, 581–82
Bode diagram ratio, 370–73
asymptotic approximations, 302–4 Smith Predictor, 373–78
controllers, 311–13 Controller mechanism, 190
definition, 300 Controller modes, choice of, 391–93
first-order system, 302–5 motivation for, 197–98
graphical rules, 307–8 Controller tuning, 391–410
second-order system, 308–11 Corner frequency, 302
systems in series, 305–7 Criteria of control quality, 393–94
transportation lag, 311 Critical damping, 142
Bode stability criterion, 326–27 Critical points, analysis of, 556–60
Bumpless transfer, 398, 589 definition of, 554
Cross-controller, 515
C Crossover frequency, 326
Custom inputs, 57–58
Cascade control, 353–60
Cv for valve, 425
in valve positioner, 439
Characteristic equation, 255
roots of, 43–44 D
Chattering, in on-off control, 564 Damping, viscous, 539
Chemical reactor, 205–8 Dead zone, in on-off control, 565–69
phase plane of, 569–73 Decay ratio, 148
Closed-loop system, 167 Decibel, 303
Closed-loop transfer functions, 220–23 Derivative action in control, 196
Cofactor matrix, 492 Derivatives, Laplace transform of, 23–25
599
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600 INDEX
Determinant of matrix, 491 of systems, 302–11
Deviation variables, 74 in series, 305–7
in distributed parameter systems, 458 Ziegler-Nichols settings, 335–37, 394–97
Differential equations, 26 Frequency testing, 418–19
MATLAB solution, 27, 38
Displays, 587 G
Distributed control, 592
Gain margin, 328–30
Distributed-parameter systems, 458–71
design specifications, 328
Gas absorber, dynamics of, 453–57
E Goal Seek Excel, 333
Error, 2–3
External feedback for anti-reset windup, H
589–92
Heat conduction, dynamics of, 458–63
dynamics, of counterflow, 464–71
F steam-jacketed kettle, 443–53
Feedback Hysteresis in valves, 438–39
negative, 167
positive, 167 I
Feedforward control, 361–70
Impulse function, 22, 54
Foxboro tuning rules, 367
Initial-value theorem, 51
Fieldbus module, 592–95
Instrumentation symbols for P&IDs, 204
Figure of merit, 393–404
Integral action in control, 194–96
Filter in internal model control, 381
Integral of error criteria
Final-value theorem, 49
absolute value of error (IAE), 394
First order plus dead time model, 408–18
square of error (ISE), 393
First-order lag, 75
time-weighted absolute error (ITAE), 394
First-order system, 71–77
Integral, Laplace transform of, 55
MATLAB/Simulink simulation, 81–84
Interacting systems, 128–30
impulse response, 85–87
in control system, 514–24
in series arrangement, 123–30
in mercury thermometer, 131
interacting, 128–30
Internal model control, 378–85
noninteracting, 123–27
Inverse of matrix, 491
sinusoidal response, 87–92
Inversion of Laplace transforms, 26, 32–42
step response, 79–84
transfer function, 75
Flow control, 585–86 L
Focus, 556–57 Laplace transform, 18–42
FOPDT, 408–18 of integral, 55
Forcing function, 32 inversion of, 26, 32–42
Frequency response, 287–350 table, 21–22
Bode diagram, 300–17 use in partial differential equations, 459–61
Bode stability criterion, 326–27 Lead-lag transfer function, 585
in control system design, 323–43 Liapunov, Theorem of, 559–60
of controllers, 311–14 Limit cycle, 560–73
of distributed-parameter systems, 462–63 in exothermic chemical reactor, 569–73
definition, 300–301 in on-off control, 560–69
from elliptical phase diagram, 319 Limiting in controller and valve, 588–92
experimental determination of, 418–19 Linearization, 109–14, 446
gain and phase margins, 327–29 in analysis of critical points, 558
heuristic stability arguments, 299–300, Liquid level, 99–105
326–28 LOOP PRO simulation, 412–15
Nyquist stability criterion, 326 Load change, 222, 234–40
from pulse test, 415–18 Loading, in liquid-level process, 129
substitution rule, 287–89, 316–17 LOOP PRO, 401–19
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Confirming Pages
INDEX 601
Lumped-parameter model, of distance-velocity lag, Period
463–64 of oscillation, 149
for mercury thermometer, 80 ultimate, 336
Phase angle, 89, 152, 289
M Phase lag, 89
Phase lead, 89
Manometer, 137–47
Phase margin, 327–29
MATLAB m-file for varying controller gain in
design specification, 329
Simulink, 232
Phase plane, 534–46
MATLAB symbolic processing, 23, 26–27
Phase space, 534–46
Matrix, 490–95
PID equation position form, 585
Matrix differential equation, 479–80
PID equation velocity form, 585
Minor of matrix, 492
Poles and zeros, 270, 275
Mixing process, 11–12, 14–18, 34–35, 96, 105–06,
Positive feedback, 167
117–19, 200, 370–71
overall transfer function, 223
Multiloop system, block diagram reduction, 219,
Process dynamics, experimental, 410–19
224, 514
theoretical, 443–71
Multiple input-multiple output system
Process identification, 410–19
(MIMO), 512
Process reaction curve, 398–99
Multivariable control, 512–29
Proportional control, 192
decoupling, 523
Proportional controller, ideal transfer
interaction, 512–14
function, 193
stability, 525–26
Proportional-derivative control, ideal transfer
Mybode m-file for MATLAB, 304
function, 196–97
Proportional-integral control, ideal transfer
N function, 194–96
Natural frequency, 149 Proportional-integral-derivative control, ideal
Natural period, 149 transfer function, 197
Negative feedback, 167 Pulse and doublet testing, 415–18
overall transfer function, 222 Pulse function
Node, 557 as approximation to unit impulse, 54
Nodebus in distributed control, 593 response of liquid-level system to, 102–3
Noninteracting control, 517–24 Pulse transfer function, 54
Nonlinear systems, 533–52
definition of, 533 Q
Nonminimum phase characteristics, 381
Qualitative nature of solutions, 43–44
Nonminimum phase lag, 463
Nyquist stability criterion, 326
R
O Ramp function, 78
Ratio control, 370–73
Offset, definition, 4, 198
Regulator problem, 167–68
On-off control, 3, 192, 194
Relay in on-off control, 561–62
of stirred-tank heater, 561–69
Reset windup, 589–92
Open-loop transfer function, 219
Resistance, 99
Overall transfer function, from block diagram, 219–24
linear, 99
for positive feedback system, 223
Resonance, 311
Overdamped response, 141
Resonant peak, 310–12
Overshoot, 147
Response time, 148–49
Rise time, 148–49
P RLOCUS tool MATLAB, 276
Padè approximation to transport lag, 154–55 Root locus, 269–284
Partial fractions, 32–42 comparison with frequency response, 264
Pendulum, 543–46 concept, 269
phase plane of, 546 plotting of diagrams with MATLAB, 273
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Confirming Pages
602 INDEX
Roots of equation, MATLAB, 261, 271 T
Routh test for stability, 258–60 Taylor-series expansion, 110, 122, 154–55, 446
Thermometer dynamics, 71–74
S Time constant, 74, 80
Saddle point, 557–58 Tracking in controller and valve, 588–89
Second order plus dead time model, 408–18 Trajectory, definition of, 553
Second-order system, 137–53 Transducer, 188
simulation with Simulink, 144–47 Transfer function, 71, 74–77
dynamic parameters τ and ζ, 140–41 for distributed-parameter systems, 461, 468
impulse response, 150–51 simulation using MATLAB and Simulink,
sinusoidal response, 151–53 81–84
step response, 141–47 Transfer function matrix, 502–3
transfer function, 140 Transfer lag, 126
Self-tuner, 586 Transition matrix, 499–500
Sensitivity, controller, 179 Translation
Servomechanism problem, 167–68 of function, 52–54
Set point, definition, 1–2 of transform, 52
Simulink model of first order system, 83–84 Transportation lag
Single input-single output system (SISO), simulation with MATLAB and Simulink,
274, 512 332, 395
Sinusoidal response with MATLAB, 90–91 as a distributed parameter system, 463–64
SISO tool MATLAB, 274 Padè approximation, 154–5
SOPDT, 408–18 transfer function, 154
Spring-mass-damper system, 538–43 Tuning rules, 391–410
phase plane of, 541–42
Stability, 252–68 U
Bode criterion, 326–27 Ultimate periodic response, 89
definition, 254–56 Underdamped response, 141–42
in multivariable systems, 525 Unity feedback, 229
in nonlinear systems, 560
Routh test, 258–59
Stability of typical roots in characteristic V
equation, 257 Valve, control, 423–42
State of system, definition, 553 Cv, 425
State variable, 477–78 characteristics, 427–38
selection and types, 482–83 construction, 424–25
State-space methods, 477–529 equal percentage, 428–30
transfer function matrix, 502–3 hysteresis, 438
transition matrix, 499–500 linear, 428
Steady-state gain, 76 positioner, 438–39
Step function, 19, 78 sizing, 425–26
Step testing, 411–15 transfer function, 209–10
Stirred Tank Heater Vector, column and row, 490
examples, 11–17, 106–9, 231, 235, 238, 242,
243, 245, 296–301, 324 29, 561–69 W
block diagram for control of, 165–182
Weir, 99
closed-loop response of, 235–46
on-off control, 561–69
Substitution rule in frequency response, 287–89 Z
Superposition, 77 Zeros and poles, 270, 275
Sutro weir, 99 Ziegler-Nichols settings, 394–97
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Revised Pages
Useful Functions and Laplace Transforms
TABLE 2.1
Function Graph Transform
1
1
u(t)
s
1
tu(t)
s2
n!
tnu(t)
s n 1
1
at 1
e u(t)
s a
n!
tneatu(t)
s a n 1
k
sin kt u(t)
s2 k 2
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Revised Pages
TABLE 2.1 (Continued)
Function Graph Transform
s
cos kt u(t)
s2 k 2
k
sinh kt u(t)
s2 k 2
s
cosh kt u(t) 1 s2 k 2
k
eat sin kt u(t)
(s a)2 k 2
s a
eat cos kt u(t)
(s a)2 k 2
Area = 1
(t), unit impulse 1
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Revised Pages
Key Features of Standard Responses of First Order Systems
to Common Inputs
Step Response of First Order System
Ultimate Value Impulse Response of a First Order System
1 1
0.9 0.9
0.8 0.8
Initial “Jump” is to Kp/τ
0.7 Response is 63.2% complete at t=τ 0.7
0.6 0.6
Y*τ/Kp
Y/Kp
0.5 0.5
0.4 Response is 63.2% complete at t=τ
0.4
0.3 (Initial “Jump” has decayed to 36.8%)
0.3
0.2 0.2
Initial Slope intersects Ultimate Value at t=τ
0.1 0.1
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4
t/τ t/τ
Sinusoidal Response of a First Order System Response of First Order System to Ramp Input
1.5 5
phase lag = arctan(−wτ) After an initial transient period,
4.5
the response is parallel with input.
1
ratio=1/√1+(wτ)2
4 Steady state difference between
3.5 input and output (after transient)
0.5 is bτ
3
Y/AKp
Y/bKp
0 2.5
2
−0.5 bτ
1.5 output lags
input by τ
1
−1 input
After an initial transient period,
the response is periodic with 0.5 output
the same frequency
−1.5 0
5 10 15 20 0 1 2 3 4 5
t/τ t/τ
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Revised Pages
d 2Y dY
Standard Form for a Second Order System: 2 2 Y X (t )
dt 2 dt
Time Constant
Damping Coefficient, the magnitude of this parameter determines the nature of the
response
Sample Second Order System Response Sample Second Order System Response
to a Unit Step Input to a Unit Impulse Input
1.4 0.7
underdamped ζ<1 0.6 underdamped ζ<1
1.2
Input Step 0.5
1
critically damped ζ=1
0.4 critically damped ζ=1
0.8
Output
0.3
Output
0.6 0.2
overdamped ζ>1
0.1 overdamped ζ>1
0.4
0
0.2
−0.1
0 −0.2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Time Time
Terms to Describe an Underdamped (Oscillatory) Second Order Response
Overshoot exp / 1 2 ( ) A
B
(
Decay ratio exp 2 / 1 2 (overshoot )2 ) C
A
1 2
, radian frequency
1
n natural frequency
Period, T
Response time
limit
A C
1.0
T
Y (t )
B
0
0 tr Response
Rise time time
t
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McGraw-HillÕs
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES
Process Systems Analysis and Control, Third Edition retains the clarity of presentation for which
this book is well known. It is an ideal teaching and learning tool for a semester-long undergraduate
chemical engineering course in process dynamics and control. It avoids the encyclopedic approach
of many other texts on this topic. Computer examples using MATLAB¨ and Simulink¨ have been
introduced throughout the book to supplement and enhance standard hand-solved examples. These
Coughanowr
LeBlanc Process Systems
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the student to explore Òwhat-ifÓ type problems that would be much more difficult and time consuming
by hand. New homework problems have been added to each chapter. The new problems are a mixture
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Analysis and Control
Analysis and Control
end of each chapter to help students review and study the most important concepts in each chapter.
Key Features: Third Edition
Process Systems
control classesÉthat this is just another mathematics course disguised as an engineering course
¨ ¨ and Excel¨ have been introduced throughout the
book.
dynamics and control and not get bogged down in the mathematical complexities of each problem
available for the course material
MD DALIM 976649 7/29/08 CYAN MAG YELO BLACK
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Third Donald R. Coughanowr
ISBN 978-0-07-339789-4
Edition
Steven E. LeBlanc
MHID 0-07-339789-X
www.mhhe.com