Principle and debugging of PID loop control using GForce-200PLCCPU222

In this chapter, we will explore how to implement PID loop control using the GForce-200PLCCPU222. This powerful PLC is designed for industrial automation and offers advanced control capabilities, including support for up to eight PID loops. PID control, which stands for Proportional-Integral-Derivative, is a widely used method in closed-loop systems to regulate process variables such as temperature, pressure, or speed. It works by continuously calculating the difference between a desired setpoint and the actual measured value, then adjusting the output accordingly to minimize the error.

The core of PID control lies in its three components: the proportional term, which reacts to the current error; the integral term, which accounts for past errors over time; and the derivative term, which predicts future errors based on the rate of change. These elements are combined to produce a control signal that adjusts the system in real-time, ensuring stability and accuracy.

On the GForce-200 series, PID functionality is implemented through a dedicated function block. This block uses input data and configuration parameters from a loop table to perform calculations and manage data exchange. The programming is straightforward, but it’s important to note that the instruction affects the special memory flag SM1.1 (overflow). The PID operation can only be executed when the top of the logical stack has a value of 1. The instruction requires two operands: TBL, which is the starting address of the loop table (limited to the VB area and of type BYTE), and LOOP, which is an integer between 0 and 7 representing the loop number. Up to eight PID instructions can be used in a single program, but care must be taken to avoid conflicts if multiple instructions use the same loop number.

Before using the PID function block, it's essential to convert real-world values like gain (Kc), sampling time (Ts), integral time (Ti), and derivative time (Td) into normalized floating-point values between 0.0 and 1.0. This ensures compatibility with the PID instruction. Additionally, proper scaling and normalization of input and output signals are crucial to ensure accurate control. For example, in a boiler steam pressure control system, the pressure transmitter outputs a 4–20 mA signal corresponding to a 0–2.5 MPa range. To maintain the steam pressure between 0.85 and 1.0 MPa, the system needs to adjust the blower speed accordingly, using the PID algorithm to keep the pressure stable.

When setting up the PID parameters, initial values such as Kc = 0.06, Ts = 0.2, and Ti = 10.0 may be used as a starting point. These values can be fine-tuned during the debugging phase to achieve optimal performance. The program structure typically includes the main program, subroutines, and interrupt routines, which help reduce scan time and improve efficiency.

During the debugging process, it's important to carefully select and adjust the PID parameters. Too short a sampling time might miss changes in the process variable, while too long a sampling time could lead to poor control response. Similarly, an excessively high gain can cause oscillations, making the system unstable. Therefore, a gradual and systematic approach is recommended to fine-tune the parameters and achieve stable and accurate control.

In conclusion, PID control is a vital technique in industrial automation, particularly for maintaining stable process conditions. In this example, it was used to regulate the steam pressure in a boiler by controlling the blower speed. Similar methods can be applied to other processes, such as maintaining consistent negative pressure in a furnace. With careful setup and tuning, PID control can significantly enhance the performance and reliability of automated systems.

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