Utilization of heat accumulation in control of cyclic systems

Abstract

Heat exchangers often have a form of systems with heat-transporting medium circulating in enclosed loop. Imperfect heat transfer leads to its return back to the heating unit in the form of disturbance. Such an input can negatively impact the precise temperature control. This chapter is dedicated to study problematic and possibilities of integrating this phenomenon to a more effective temperature regulation. From the viewpoint of process control we do not only address the way how the input signal affects the system, but also how the system itself affects input signals. The study of the issue consequently offers a mathematical description of a system extended with elements representing the returning heat. Based on descriptions, control modifications are suggested with an approach of adapting to an additional source of heat. Practical consequences of both disturbance and control are demonstrated in simulation environment of the Matlab program, as well as in a laboratory model. © 2016 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.