Modern Control and Automation Engineering, FHNW School of Engineering and Environment

Flow control is often required as a cascade control in various applications, such as temperature or energy regulation.

The optimal tuning of the controller parameters depends on a variable, unknown supply pressure and the constant resistance coefficient of the pipeline. To allow automatic optimization of the controller parameters, these quantities must be known. A new identification method has been developed that can identify both quantities online.

Energy-optimal control is a key factor in reducing energy consumption.

Building control can be greatly simplified by using locally intelligent devices. For this purpose, methods for controlling the energy flow in Belimo’s Energy Valve were developed. It was demonstrated that the energy flow in sluggish HVAC systems with dead time can be optimally controlled using the proposed observer structures and feedforward control.

The chosen observer structure of the energy flow estimator allows the energy flow to be determined and controlled without delay. The observer structure is also used in the feedforward control, thereby improving the overall performance of the control loop.

The company NTI AG sells electric, direct-drive linear motors in tubular design. Unlike rotary motors, which often operate at a constant speed, the motion of the linear motor’s mover is characterized by frequent changes in direction. At the reversal point between forward and backward motion, static friction creates a breakaway torque that is difficult to control.

Within the framework of an Innosuisse project, it was demonstrated how this torque can be electronically compensated.