Operating point shift induced by relay asymmetry: An iterative solution proposal

Abstract

This contribution focuses on a problem that appears when using a relay with non-symmetric output in the closed loop. Such a scheme is usually used for process model parameters identification, possibly followed by automatic controller tuning. Whenever static or dynamic properties of the process reveal asymmetry when the sign of the input changes, the setpoint (reference) becomes different from the operating point value of the process output. As a class of relay-based identification methods utilize calculations in the frequency domain that are based on integral computation around the operating point, the discrepancy between the setpoint and the operating point can lead to incorrect results. The aim of the paper is mainly to provide the reader with problem formulation and step-by-step proposition of how it can be solved. Concise numerical examples are also given. The concluding remarks suggest possible further ways of research.