Advanced controller auto-tuning and its application in HVAC systems

In this paper, an advanced PID auto-tuner for both single- and multi-variab le processes is described and its application to HVAC systems is presented. The auto-tuner exploits two different process identification methods to su it a wide range of processes. It incorporates two recent PID design rules t o achieve high control performances for processes with different dynamic ch aracteristics. Decoupling control is used for multivariable processes. The auto-tuner was implemented on a distributed control system and applied in i ndustry. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superior pe rformance of the implemented auto-tuner over the manually tuned PID control ler and the standard relay auto-tuner. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.