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2: P, I, D, PI, PD, and PID control - Engineering LibreTexts

9.2: P, I, D, PI, PD, AND PID CONTROL

9.2.1: INTRODUCTION
Process controls are necessary for designing safe and productive plants. A variety of process controls are used to manipulate processes,
however the most simple and often most effective is the PID controller. The controller attempts to correct the error between a
measured process variable and desired setpoint by calculating the difference and then performing a corrective action to adjust the
process accordingly. A PID controller controls a process through three parameters: Proportional (P), Integral (I), and Derivative (D).
These parameters can be weighted, or tuned, to adjust their effect on the process.
Much more practical than the typical on/off controller, PID controllers allow for much better adjustments to be made in the system.
While this is true, there are some advantages to using an on/off controller including that they are (1) relatively simple to design and
execute and (2) binary sensors and actuators (such as an on/off controller) are generally more reliable and less expensive.
Although there are some advantages, there are large disadvantages to using an on/off controller scheme. They are (1) inefficient (using
this control is like driving with full gas and full breaks), (2) can generate noise when seeking stability (can dramatically overshoot or
undershoot a set-point), and (3) physically wearing on valves and switches (continuously turning valves/switches fully on and fully
off causes them to become worn out much quicker).
To allow for much better control and fine-tuning adjustments, most industrial processes use a PID controller scheme. This section will
provide a brief introduction on PID controllers as well as methods to model a controlled system in Excel.
The Process Gain (K ) is the ratio of change of the output variable (responding variable) to the change of the input variable (forcing
function). It specifically defines the sensitivity of the output variable to a given change in the input variable.
Δ Output 
K =
Δinput

Gain can only be described as a steady state parameter and give no knowledge about the dynamics of the process and is independent
of the design and operating variables. A gain has three components that include the sign, the value, the units. The sign indicates how
the output responds to the process input. A positive sign shows that the output variable increases with an increase in the input variable
and a negative sign shows that the output variable decreases with an increase in the input variable. The units depend on the process
considered that depend on the variables mentioned.
For example, the pressure was increased from 21 psi to 29 psi. This change increased the valve position from 30% vp to 22% vp.
(29 − 21) psi
K = = −1.0 psi/(%vp)
(22 − 30)%vp

Dead Time (t ) is the between the change in an input variable and when the output variable begins. Dead time is important because it
0

effects the controllability of the control system. A change in set point is not immediate because of this parameter. Dead time must be
considered in tuning and modeling processes.

9.2.2: TYPES OF CONTROL

Process controls are instruments used to control a parameter, such as temperature, level, and pressure. PID controllers are a type of
continuous controller because they continually adjust the output vs. an on/off controller, when looking at feed forward or feed
backward conditions. An example of a temperature controller is shown in Figure 9.2.1 .

Figure 9.2.1: Temperature controller in a CSTR

As shown in Figure 1, the temperature controller controls the temperature of a fluid within a CSTR (Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor).
A temperature sensor first measures the temperature of the fluid. This measurement produces a measurement signal. The

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measurement signal is then compared to the set point, or desired temperature setting, of the controller. The difference between the
measured signal and set point is the error. Based on this error, the controller sends an actuating signal to the heating coil, which adjusts
the temperature accordingly. This type of process control is known as error-based control because the actuating signal is determined
from the error between the actual and desired setting. The different types of error-based controls vary in the mathematical way they
translate the error into an actuating signal, the most common of which are the PID controllers. Additionally, it is critical to understand
feed-forward and feed-back control before exploring P, I, and D controls. Feed Forward Control Feedback Control

9.2.3: I, D, PI, PD, PID CONTROL

As previously mentioned, controllers vary in the way they correlate the controller input (error) to the controller output (actuating
signal). The most commonly used controllers are the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers. PID controllers relate the error
to the actuating signal either in a proportional (P), integral (I), or derivative (D) manner. PID controllers can also relate the error to the
actuating signal using a combination of these controls.

9.2.3.1: PROPORTIONAL (P) CONTROL

One type of action used in PID controllers is the proportional control. Proportional control is a form of feedback control. It is the
simplest form of continuous control that can be used in a closed-looped system. P-only control minimizes the fluctuation in the process
variable, but it does not always bring the system to the desired set point. It provides a faster response than most other controllers,
initially allowing the P-only controller to respond a few seconds faster. However, as the system becomes more complex (i.e. more
complex algorithm) the response time difference could accumulate, allowing the P-controller to possibly respond even a few minutes
faster. Although the P-only controller does offer the advantage of faster response time, it produces deviation from the set point. This
deviation is known as the offset, and it is usually not desired in a process. The existence of an offset implies that the system could not
be maintained at the desired set point at steady state. It is analogous to the systematic error in a calibration curve, where there is always
a set, constant error that prevents the line from crossing the origin. The offset can be minimized by combining P-only control with
another form of control, such as I- or D- control. It is important to note, however, that it is impossible to completely eliminate the offset,
which is implicitly included within each equation.
P-control linearly correlates the controller output (actuating signal) to the error (diference between measured signal and set point). This
P-control behavior is mathematically illustrated in Equation 9.2.1 (Scrcek, et. al).

c(t) = Kc e(t) + b (9.2.1)

where
c(t) = controller output
Kc = controller gain
e(t) = error

b = bias

In this equation, the bias and controller gain are constants specific to each controller. The bias is simply the controller output when the
error is zero. The controller gain is the change in the output of the controller per change in the input to the controller. In PID
controllers, where signals are usually electronically transmitted, controller gain relates the change in output voltage to the change in
input voltage. These voltage changes are then directly related to the property being changed (i.e. temperature, pressure, level, etc.).
Therefore, the gain ultimately relates the change in the input and output properties. If the output changes more than the input, Kc will
be greater than 1. If the change in the input is greater than the change in the output, Kc will be less than 1. Ideally, if Kc is equal to
infinity, the error can be reduced to zero. However, this infinitesimal nature of Kc increases the instability of the loop because zero error
would imply that the the measured signal is exactly equal to the set point. As mentioned in lecture, exact equality is never achieved in
control logic; instead, in control logic, error is allowed to vary within a certain range. Therefore, there are limits to the size of Kc, and
these limits are defined by the system. Graphical representations of the effects of these variables on the system is shown in PID Tuning
via Classical Methods.
As can be seen from the above equation, P-only control provides a linear relationship between the error of a system and the controller
output of the system. This type of control provides a response, based on the signal that adjusts the system so that any oscillations are
removed, and the system returns to steady-state. The inputs to the controller are the set point, the signal, and the bias. The controller
calculates the difference between the set point and the signal, which is the error, and sends this value to an algorithm. Combined with
the bias, this algorithm determines the action that the controller should take. A graphical representation of the P-controller output for a
step increase in input at time t0 is shown below in Figure 2. This graph is exactly similar to the step input graph itself.

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Figure 2. P-controller output for step input.

To illustrate this linear P-control relationship, consider the P-only control that controls the level of a fluid in a tank. Initially, the flow
into the tank is equal to the flow out of the tank. However, if the flow out of the tank decreases, the level in the tank will increase
because more fluid is entering than is leaving. The P-only control system will adjust the flow out of the tank so that it is again equal to
the flow into the tank, and the level will once again be constant. However, this level is no longer equal to the initial level in the tank.
The system is at steady-state, but there is a difference between the initial set point and the current position in the tank. This difference is
the P-control offset.

9.2.3.2: INTEGRAL (I) CONTROL

Another type of action used in PID controllers is the integral control. Integral control is a second form of feedback control. It is often
used because it is able to remove any deviations that may exist. Thus, the system returns to both steady state and its original setting. A
negative error will cause the signal to the system to decrease, while a positive error will cause the signal to increase. However, I-only
controllers are much slower in their response time than P-only controllers because they are dependent on more parameters. If it is
essential to have no offset in the system, then an I-only controller should be used, but it will require a slower response time. This slower
response time can be reduced by combining I-only control with another form, such as P or PD control. I-only controls are often used
when measured variables need to remain within a very narrow range and require fine-tuning control. I controls affect the system by
responding to accumulated past error. The philosophy behind the integral control is that deviations will be affected in proportion to the
cumulative sum of their magnitude. The key advantage of adding a I-control to your controller is that it will eliminate the offset. The
disadvantages are that it can destabilize the controller, and there is an integrator windup, which increases the time it takes for the
controller to make changes.
I-control correlates the controller output to the integral of the error. The integral of the error is taken with respect to time. It is the total
error associated over a specified amount of time. This I-control behavior is mathematically illustrated in Equation 9.2.2 (Scrcek, et. al).
1
c(t) = ∫ e(t)dt + c (t0 ) (9.2.2)
Ti

where
c(t) is the controller output
Ti is the integral time
e(t) is the error

c(t ) is the controller output before integration

0

In Equation 9.2.2 , the integral time is the amount of time that it takes for the controller to change its output by a value equal to the
error. The controller output before integration is equal to either the initial output at time t=0, or the controller output at the time one
step before the measurement. Graphical representations of the effects of these variables on the system is shown in PID Tuning via
Classical Methods.
The rate of change in controller output for I-only control is determined by a number of parameters. While the P-only controller was
determined by e, the rate of change for I-only depends on both e and Ti. Because of the inverse relationship between c(t) and Ti, this
decreases the rate of change for an I-only controller.
The I-only controller operates in essentially the same way as a P-only controller. The inputs are again the set point, the signal, and the
bias. Once again, the error is calculated, and this value is sent to the algorithm. However, instead of just using a linear relationship to
calculate the response, the algorithm now uses an integral to determine the response that should be taken. Once the integral is
evaluated, the response is sent and the system adjusts accordingly. Because of the dependence on Ti, it takes longer for the algorithm to
determine the proper response. A graphical representation of the I-controller output for a step increase in input at time t0 is shown
below in Figure 3. As expected, this graph represents the area under the step input graph.

Figure 3. I-controller output for step input.

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9.2.3.3: DERIVATIVE (D) CONTROL

Another type of action used in PID controllers is the derivative control. Unlike P-only and I-only controls, D-control is a form of feed
forward control. D-control anticipates the process conditions by analyzing the change in error. It functions to minimize the change of
error, thus keeping the system at a consistent setting. The primary benefit of D controllers is to resist change in the system, the most
important of these being oscillations. The control output is calculated based on the rate of change of the error with time. The larger the
rate of the change in error, the more pronounced the controller response will be.
Unlike proportional and integral controllers, derivative controllers do not guide the system to a steady state. Because of this property,
D controllers must be coupled with P, I or PI controllers to properly control the system.
D-control correlates the controller output to the derivative of the error. The derivative of the error is taken with respect to time. It is the
change in error associated with change in time. This D-control behavior is mathematically illustrated in Equation 9.2.3 (Scrcek, et. al).
de
c(t) = Td (9.2.3)
dt

where
c(t) is the controller output
Td is the derivative time constant
de is the differential change in error

dt is the differential change in time

Graphical representations of the effects of these variables on the system is shown in PID Tuning via Classical Methods.
Mathematically, derivative control is the opposite of integral control. Although I-only controls exist, D-only controls do not exist. D-
controls measure only the change in error. D-controls do not know where the setpoint is, so it is usually used in conjunction with
another method of control, such as P-only or a PI combination control. D-control is usually used for processes with rapidly changing
process outputs. However, like the I-control, the D control is mathematically more complex than the P-control. Since it will take a
computer algorithm longer to calculate a derivative or an integral than to simply linearly relate the input and output variables, adding
a D-control slows down the controller’s response time. A graphical representation of the D-controller output for a step increase in input
at time t is shown below in Figure 4. As expected, this graph represents the derivative of the step input graph.
0

Figure 4. D-controller output for step input.

9.2.4: CONTROLLER EFFECTS ON A SYSTEM

The following images are intended to give a visual representation of how P, I, and D controllers will affect a system.

Description
Figure 5. Stable data sample.

Figure 6. Data disturbance.

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Figure 7. P-controller effect on data.

Figure 8. I-controller effect on data.

Figure 9. D-controller effect on data.

Continue reading to see the results of combining controllers.

9.2.4.1: PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL (PI) CONTROL

One combination is the PI-control, which lacks the D-control of the PID system. PI control is a form of feedback control. It provides a
faster response time than I-only control due to the addition of the proportional action. PI control stops the system from fluctuating, and
it is also able to return the system to its set point. Although the response time for PI-control is faster than I-only control, it is still up to
50% slower than P-only control. Therefore, in order to increase response time, PI control is often combined with D-only control.
PI-control correlates the controller output to the error and the integral of the error. This PI-control behavior is mathematically
illustrated in Equation 9.2.4 (Scrcek, et. al).
1
c(t) = Kc (e(t) + ∫ e(t)dt) + C (9.2.4)
Ti

where
c(t) is the controller output,
Kc is the controller gain,
T is the integral time,
i

e(t) is the error, and

C is the initial value of controller

In this equation, the integral time is the time required for the I-only portion of the controller to match the control provided by the P-
only part of the controller.
The equation indicates that the PI-controller operates like a simplified PID-controller with a zero derivative term. Alternatively, the PI-
controller can also be seen as a combination of the P-only and I-only control equations. The bias term in the P-only control is equal to
the integral action of the I-only control. The P-only control is only in action when the system is not at the set point. When the system is
at the set point, the error is equal to zero, and the first term drops out of the equation. The system is then being controlled only by the I-
only portion of the controller. Should the system deviate from the set point again, P-only control will be enacted. A graphical
representation of the PI-controller output for a step increase in input at time t0 is shown below in Figure 5. As expected, this graph
resembles the qualitative combination of the P-only and I-only graphs.

Figure 10. PI-controller output for step input.

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9.2.4.2: EFFECTS OF KC AND TI

With a PI control system, controller activity (aggressiveness) increases as Kc and Ti decreases, however they can act individually on the
aggressiveness of a controller’s response. Consider Figure 11 below with the center graph being a linear second order system base case.

Figure 11. Effects of Kc and Ti [2]

The plot depicts how Ti and Kc both affect the performance of a system, whether they are both affecting it or each one is independently
doing so. Regardless of integral time, increasing controller gain (moving form bottom to top on the plot) will increase controller
activity. Similarly, decreasing integral time (moving right to left on the plot) will increase controller activity independent of controller
gain. As expected, increasing Kc and decreasing Ti would compound sensitivity and create the most aggressive controller scenario.
With only two interacting parameters in PI control systems, similar performance plots can still cause confusion. For example, plots A
and B from the figure both look very similar despite different parameters being affected in each of them. This could cause further
problems and create a wildly aggressive system if the wrong parameter is being corrected. While trial and error may be feasible for a PI
system, it becomes cumbersome in PID where a third parameter is introduced and plots become increasingly similar.
Another noteworthy observation is the plot with a normal Kc and double Ti. The plot depicts how the proportional term is practical but
the integral is not receiving enough weight initially, causing the slight oscillation before the integral term can finally catch up and help
the system towards the set point.

9.2.4.3: PROPORTIONAL-DERIVATIVE (PD) CONTROL

Another combination of controls is the PD-control, which lacks the I-control of the PID system. PD-control is combination of
feedforward and feedback control, because it operates on both the current process conditions and predicted process conditions. In PD-
control, the control output is a linear combination of the error signal and its derivative. PD-control contains the proportional control’s
damping of the fluctuation and the derivative control’s prediction of process error.
As mentioned, PD-control correlates the controller output to the error and the derivative of the error. This PD-control behavior is
mathematically illustrated in Equation 5 (Scrcek, et. al).
de
c(t) = Kc (e(t) + Td )+C (9.2.5)
dt

where
c(t) = controller output
Kc = proportional gain
e = error
C = initial value of controller
The equation indicates that the PD-controller operates like a simplified PID-controller with a zero integral term. Alternatively, the PD-
controller can also be seen as a combination of the P-only and D-only control equations. In this control, the purpose of the D-only
control is to predict the error in order to increase stability of the closed loop system. P-D control is not commonly used because of the
lack of the integral term. Without the integral term, the error in steady state operation is not minimized. P-D control is usually used in
batch pH control loops, where error in steady state operation does not need to be minimized. In this application, the error is related to
the actuating signal both through the proportional and derivative term. A graphical representation of the PD-controller output for a
step increase in input at time t0 is shown below in Figure 6. Again, this graph is a combination of the P-only and D-only graphs, as
expected.

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Figure 12. PD-controller output for step input.

9.2.4.4: PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL-DERIVATIVE (PID) CONTROL

Proportional-integral-derivative control is a combination of all three types of control methods. PID-control is most commonly used
because it combines the advantages of each type of control. This includes a quicker response time because of the P-only control, along
with the decreased/zero offset from the combined derivative and integral controllers. This offset was removed by additionally using
the I-control. The addition of D-control greatly increases the controller's response when used in combination because it predicts
disturbances to the system by measuring the change in error. On the contrary, as mentioned previously, when used individually, it has
a slower response time compared to the quicker P-only control. However, although the PID controller seems to be the most adequate
controller, it is also the most expensive controller. Therefore, it is not used unless the process requires the accuracy and stability
provided by the PID controller.
PID-control correlates the controller output to the error, integral of the error, and derivative of the error. This PID-control behavior is
mathematically illustrated in Equation 6 (Scrcek, et. al).

1 de
c(t) = Kc (e(t) + ∫ e(t)dt + Td )+C (9.2.6)
Ti dt

where
c(t) = controller output
Kc = controller gain
e(t) = error
Ti = integral time
Td = derivative time constant
C = intitial value of controller
As shown in the above equation, PID control is the combination of all three types of control. In this equation, the gain is multiplied
with the integral and derivative terms, along with the proportional term, because in PID combination control, the gain affects the I and
D actions as well. Because of the use of derivative control, PID control cannot be used in processes where there is a lot of noise, since
the noise would interfere with the predictive, feedforward aspect. However, PID control is used when the process requires no offset
and a fast response time. A graphical representation of the PID-controller output for a step increase in input at time t0 is shown below
in Figure 7. This graph resembles the qualitative combination of the P-only, I-only, and D-only graphs.

Figure 7. PID-controller output for step input.

In addition to PID-control, the P-, I-, and D- controls can be combined in other ways. These alternative combinations are simplifications
of the PID-control.

 NOTE: ORDER OF E(T)

The order of the elements in the e(t) can vary depending on the situation. It could be the fixed element minus the varying element
or the other way around. To better illustrate the concept let's go to an example. Let's say you are creating a PID control to control
the fluid level in a tank by manipulating the outlet valve. When the fluid level in the tank exceeds your set value, you will want the
valve to open up more to allow more flow out of the tank. You are looking for a positive response. Therefore your e(t) should give
a positive value when the fluid level is higher than the set. In this case your e(t) will be (V-Vset). The same logic can be used for
other systems to determine what the e(t) should be in the PID controls.

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9.2.5: MODELING PID CONTROLLERS WITH EULER IN EXCEL

As with many engineering systems, PID controllers can be modeled in Excel via numerical methods such as Euler's Method. First begin
with the initial value for a given parameter. Determine the change in that parameter at a certain time-step by summing the three
controllers P, I, and D at that step, which are found using the equations listed in the P, I, D, PI, PD, PID Control section above. Take this
change, multiply it by the chosen time-step and add that to the previous value of the parameter of interest. For more detailed
information see Numerical ODE Solving in Excel. An example of a chemical engineering problem that uses this method can be seen in
Example 4 below.

9.2.5.1: TROUBLESHOOTING PID MODELING IN EXCEL

When setting up an Excel spreadsheet to model a PID controller, you may receive an error message saying that you have created a
circular reference. Say you are controlling the flow rate of one reactant (B) to a reactor which is dependent upon the concentration of
another reactant (A) already inside the reactor. Your PID equations look as follows:

1 d (A − Aset )
F B = 1 + Kc [(A − Aset ) + ∫ (A − Aset ) dt + τd ]
τi dt

and
d (A − Aset )
xi =
dt

After you have set up your columns for A − A , d(A − A )/dt , x , and the cells for your parameters like K , τ and τ , you will
set set i c i d

need to set up your PID column with your PID equation in it. After entering your equation into the first cell of the PID column, you
may receive the Circular Reference error message when trying to drag the equation down to the other cells in your column.
There are two things you can do:
1. It is likely that you need to start your PID equation in the second or third cell of your PID column. Enter reasonable values into the
first couple of cells before you start the PID equation, and you will find that these values shouldn’t affect the end result of your
controller.
2. You can also try decreasing the step size (Δt ).

9.2.5.2: SUMMARY TABLES

A summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the three controls is shown below is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of controls

A guide for the typical uses of the various controllers is shown below in Table 2.
Table 2. Typical uses of P, I, D, PI, and PID controllers

A summary of definitions of the terms and symbols are shown below in Table 3.
Table 3. Definitions of terms and symbols.

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 EXAMPLE 9.2.1

Hypothetical Industries has just put you in charge of one of their batch reactors. Your task is to figure out a way to maintain a
setpoint level inside of the reactor. Your boss wants to use some type regulator controller, but he is not quite sure which to use.
Help your boss find the right type of controller. It is extremely important that the level inside the reactor is at the setpoint. Large
fluctuation and error cannot be tolerated.
Solution
You would want to use a PID controller. Because of the action of P control, the system will respond to a change very quickly. Due
to the action of I control, the system is able to be returned to the setpoint value. Finally, because it is so critical for the system to
remain at a constant setpoint, D control will measure the change in the error, and help to adjust the system accordingly.

 EXAMPLE 9.2.2

You go back to your high school and you notice an oven in your old chemistry class. The oven is used to remove water from
solutions. Using your knowledge from ChE 466, you begin to wonder what type of controller the oven uses to maintain its set
temperature. You notice some high school students eager to learn, and you decide to share your knowledge with them in hopes of
inspiring them to become Chemical Engineers. Explain to them the type of controller that is most likely located within the oven,
and how that controller works.
Solution
Since the oven is only used to remove water from a solution, fluctuation, error, and lag between the set point and the actual
temperature are all acceptable. Therefore, the easiest and simplest controller to use would be the On-Off controller. The On-Off
controller turns on the heating mechanism when the temperature in the oven is below the setpoint temperature. If the temperature
of the oven increases above the set temperature, the controller will turn the heating mechanism off.

 EXAMPLE 9.2.3

Having taken your advice, your boss at Hypothetical Industries decides to install a PID controller to control the level in the batch
reactor. When you first start up the reactor, the controller initially received a step input. As the reactor achieves steady state, the
level in the reactor tends to fluctuate, sending pulse inputs into the controller. For a pulse input, provide a grahical representation
of the PID controller output.

Figure 8. Pulse input.

Solution

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The PID-controller output will be a combination of the P-only, I-only and D-only controller outputs. Analogous to the P-controller
output for the step input, the P-controller output for the pulse input will exactly resemble the input.

Figure 9. P-controller output for pulse input.

The I-controller output represents the area under the input graph. Unlike the step input, the area under the pulse input graph
dropped back down to zero once the pulse has passed. Therefore, rather than continually increase, the I-controller output graph
will level off in the end.

Figure 10. I-controller output for pulse input.

The D-controller output represents the derivative of the input graph. The derivative at the first discontinuity of the graph would be
positive infinity. The derivative of the second downward discontinuity is negative infinity.

Figure 11. D-controller output for pulse input.

Combining the qualitative characteristics of all three graphs we can determine the PID-controller output for a pulse input.

Figure 12. PID-controller output for pulse input.

 EXAMPLE 9.2.3

Different kinds of disturbances are possible when determining the PID controller robustness. These different disturbances are used
to simulate changes that might occur within your system. For a CSTR reactor, you decide to heat up your system to account for the
cold outside weather. The disturbance in the input temperature is a ramp disturbance, as shown in figure #. If the controller
responds to the input temperature, what will be the PID controller output?

Figure 13. Ramp input.

Solution
Using a controller with a p-only controller only, we will see a proportional change in the controller output corresponding to the
input variable change. See figure 14 below

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Figure 14. P-controller output for ramp input.

Using an I-only controller, we will see the controller corresponding to the area under the graph, which in this case, seem to increase
exponentially with the ramp geometry.

Figure 15. I-controller output for ramp input.

Using a D-only controller, we will see a step response to the ramp disturbance. This is because the D-component corresponds to the
derivative, and a ramp input shows a constant slope (positive in this case) which is different than the starting condition slope (zero
usually). See figure 16.

Figure 16. D-controller output for ramp input.

Using a PID controller, the three components all come to play in the controller output. As we would expect, the result will be just a
simple addition of the three separate component graphs.

Figure 17. D-controller output for ramp input.

 EXAMPLE 9.2.6

Following is a P&ID of the process A+B-->C.

Figure 18. P&ID for a reaction process.

What is the PID controller expression on V3 controlling the volume in TK001 to a setpoint of 50 liters? Note: The PID controller
uses LC1 to measure the volume.

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Solution
The general equation for a PID controller is:

1 de
c(t) = Kc [e(t) + ∫ e(t)dt + Td ]+C
Ti dt

where
c(t) = controller output
Kc = controller gain
e(t) = error

T = integral time
i

T = derivative time constant

d

C = initial value of controller

Therefore, for this example, the solution is:

1 d (V1 − Vvet )
Fout = of f set + Kc [(V1 − Vset ) + ∫ (V1 − Vset ) dt + Td ].
Ti dt

 EXAMPLE 9.2.6

In this problem, the differential equations describing a particular first-order system with a PID controller will be determined. This
is designed to show how well-defined systems can be modeled or explained mathematically. As a supplement to this problem, visit
Constructing Block Diagrams. Note that this is an example of solution using integro-differential operators rather than Laplace
transforms. Here we have set K = 1 .
p

Consider a general first-order process:

′
τpY (t) + Y (t) = X(t)

Where Y(t) is the output of the system and X(t) is the input. Add a PID controller to the system and solve for a single, simple
differential equation. The operator or equation for a PID controller is below. Assume there is no dead time in the measurement.
t
1 d
G = Kc [1 + ∫ dτ + τD ]
τI 0 dt

Solution: Use Constructing Block Diagrams as a reference when solving this problem.

Equations defining system,

Process: τpY'(t) + Y(t) = X(t)
Controller: X(t) = Gε(t)
Comparator: ε(t) = R(t) − M(t)
Measurement: M(t) = Y(t)
When these equations are combined into one equation, the following equation results. This is achieved by adding the measurement
to the comparator to the controller to the process equation.
′
τp Y (t) + Y (t) = G(R(t) − Y (t))

Substituting the controller operator and then evaluating yields:

t
′
1 d
τp Y (t) + Y (t) = Kc [1 + ∫ dτ + τD (R(t) − Y (t))]
τI 0
dt

Because there is an integral in the differential equation, it is necessary to take the derivative with respect to time.

To put this in standard notation for solving a second order differential equation, the Y (t) need to be on one side, and the R(t)

terms need to be on the opposite side. Also, the coefficient of the Y (t) term needs to be one.

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τI (τp − Kc τD ) τI (1 + Kc )
′′ ′ ′′ ′
Y (t) + Y (t) − Y (t) = τI τD R (t) + τI R (t) + R(t)
Kc Kc

The above equation can then be solved by hand or using a program such as Mathematica. If using a computer program, different
values for the control parameters Kc, τI, τD can be chosen, and the response to a change in the system can be evaluated graphically.

Exercise 9.2.1

What type of controller is displayed by the equation below?

1
c(t) = Kc [e(t) + ∫ e(t)dt]
Ti

a. Feedforward
b. PID
c. Derivative
d. Proportional Integral

Answer
d

Exercise 9.2.2

Which type of controller increases the stability of the system by keeping it at a consistent setting?
a. Derivative
b. Proportional
c. On-Off
d. Integral

Answer
a

Exercise 9.2.3

Which type of controller increases the speed of response to reach the desired set point the fastest while eliminating offset?
a. On-Off
b. Proportional
c. Integral
d. Proportional-Integral

Answer
d

A microbiology laboratory discovered a deadly new strain of bacteria, named P. Woolfi, in the city's water supply. In order to sterilize
the water, the bacteria has to be heat killed at a temperature of 105 degrees Celsius. However, this is above the boiling point of water at
1 atm and the bacteria is only susceptible to heat when in liquid due to spore formation when in gas or vapor. To accomplish this
sterilization it was suggested that an auto-clave be used to keep the water in the liquid state by keeping it at a pressure of 5 atm while
heated for 30 seconds. The auto-clave can only handle up to 7 atm of pressure before exploding, so to ensure that the process is running
at the desired specifications, a PID Controller Model must be created in Excel. See figure 18 for a visual of the system.

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Figure 18.Auto-clave with PID Controls for Temperature and Pressure

Click on this link for the worked out Excel Solution
Explanation:
To simulate the real situation of pressure varying in the system, column B calls an equation to generate a random fluctuation in
pressure. Pset is simply the desired specification. Error is the difference between the set pressure and measured signal. du/dt is the
sum of the P, I, and D terms. The equations used to calculate each of these can be found in the article, these take into account the error
associated with each time-step. dU/dt is the parameter that is varied in order to correct for the difference between the measured
pressure and desired pressure.

9.2.6: REFERENCES
Astrom, Karl J., Hagglund, Tore., "Advanced PID Control", The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society.
Cooper, Douglas J. "Practical Process Control E-Textbook " http://www.controlguru.com
Scrcek, William Y., Mahoney, Donald P., Young, Brent R. "A Real Time Approach to Process Control", 2nd Edition. John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd.

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