Adaptive flow control in industrial pneumatics

This article describes an online optimization method of an air flow control system realized in pneumatic industrial applications. With respect to the limited computational power of industrial hardware the presented algorithm is optimally designed for a low execution time and source consumption. Based on a least square optimization method the presented algorithm leads to an effective and robust control of the nonlinear plant. Special learning cycles known from other industrial applications are not required. By the use of an adaptive feedforward control and a closed loop controller for the compensation of static inaccuracy, a high dynamic response to setpoint changes with stationary accuracy could be reached.