Dynamic control of a Petlyuk column via proportional-integral action with dynamic estimation of uncertainties

Abstract A three point control configuration based on a proportional-integral controller with dynamic estimation of unknown disturbances was implemented in a Petlyuk column. The proposed controller comprises three feedback terms: proportional, integral and quadratic actions. The first two terms act in a similar manner as the classical PI control law, while the quadratic term (double integral action) accounts for the dynamic estimation of unknown disturbances. Comparison with the classical PI control law was carried out to analyze the performance of the proposed controller in face to unknown feed disturbances and set point changes. The results show that the closed-loop response of the Petlyuk column is significantly improved with the proposed controller.