Estimation of variance reduction opportunities through cascade control

Abstract

We describe an approach that is useful in deciding if significant benefits, in terms of control loop performance index (through variability reduction), will be achieved by a change in control loop configuration from simple feedback (SFB) to cascade control. The problem is considered in a stochastic setting and solved using the variance decomposition technique. The proposed methodology requires only routine operating data from an existing simple feedback control loop and knowledge of the process delays. Several simulation examples and one experimental case study exemplify the utility of this approach.