Computer Control of Temperature

Abstract

New temperature-control techniques become available with the introduction of a computer. These are outlined with emphasis upon established thermal processes that embody considerable empirical experience so that the change from classical control practice must be gradual. It is assumed that time-shared control is a first objective so control loops will incorporate sample and hold elements. This necessitates new stability evaluation techniques which are presented as displays for evaluating stability in common thermal processes. Strategies are developed whereby the computer can compensate for offset and disturbance errors without affecting process stability. The presentation is for plant engineers and control designers concerned with the control of temperature in industrial processes; and familiar with transform techniques.