Self learning control system and method for optimizing a consumable input variable
AssigneeS.A. Armstrong Limited
InventorMarcelo Javier Acosta Gonzalez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A control system for an operable system such as a flow control system or temperature control system. The system operates in a control loop to regularly update a model with respect at least one optimizable input variable based on the detected variables. The model provides prediction of use of the input variables in all possible operation points or paths of the system variables which achieve an output setpoint. In some example embodiments, the control loop is performed during initial setup and subsequent operation of the one or more operable elements in the operable system. The control system is self-learning in that at least some of the initial and subsequent parameters of the system are determined automatically during runtime.
Claims23
A control system, comprising:
- one or more operable elements resulting in output variables, at least one of the operable elements including a respective variably controllable motor, wherein there is more than one operation point or path of system variables that can provide a given output setpoint, wherein at least one system variable at an operation point or path restricts operation of another system variable at the operation point or path;
- a plurality of valves;
- and
- one or more controllers configured to operate in a control loop to:
- detect input variables, the input variables including non-controllable variables and system controllable variables, the non-controllable variables including output demand, the system controllable variables include a speed of at least one of the variably controllable motors and at least one optimizable input variable, the at least one optimizable input variable including power consumed,
- detect the system variables,
- update a model with respect to the at least one optimizable input variable, comprising calculating the updated model using established relationships between variables, the detected input variables and the detected system variables, the updated model providing, based on established relationships between variables, prediction of use of the input variables in all possible operation points or paths of the system variables which achieve an output setpoint and causes the valves to have a set amount of opening, and
- operate, based on one or more of the detected input variables and the detected system variables, the one or more operable elements in accordance with the updated model to provide an optimal operation path of the system variables which achieves the output setpoint and which optimizes consumption of the at least one optimizable input variable and causes the valves to have the set amount of opening;
- wherein for iterations of the control loop said updating of the model is based on said operating of the one or more operable elements during the control loop.
A method for controlling one or more operable elements resulting in output variables, at least one of the operable elements including a respective variably controllable motor, wherein there is more than one operation point or path of system variables that can provide a given output setpoint, wherein at least one system variable at an operation point or path restricts operation of another system variable at the operation point or path, the method being performed as a control loop and comprising:
- detecting input variables, the input variables including non-controllable variables and system controllable variables, the non-controllable variables including output demand, the system controllable variables include a speed of at least one of the variably controllable motors and at least one optimizable input variable, the at least one optimizable input variable including power consumed;
- detecting the system variables;
- updating a model with respect to the at least one optimizable input variable, comprising calculating the updated model using established relationships between variables, the detected input variables and the detected system variables, the updated model providing, based on established relationships between variables, prediction of use of the input variables in all possible operation points or paths of the system variables which achieve an output setpoint and causes valves to have a set amount of opening;
- and
- operating, based on one or more of the detected input variables and the detected system variables, the one or more operable elements in accordance with the updated model to provide an optimal operation path of the system variables which achieves the output setpoint and which optimizes consumption of the at least optimizable one input variable and causes the valves to have the set amount of opening;
- wherein for iterations of the control loop said updating of the model is based on said operating of the one or more operable elements during the control loop.
A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more controllers, cause the controllers to control one or more operable elements in a control loop resulting in output variables, at least one of the operable elements including a respective variably controllable motor, wherein there is more than one operation point or path of system variables that can provide a given output setpoint, wherein at least one system variable at an operation point or path restricts operation of another system variable at the operation point or path, the instructions comprising:
- instructions for detecting input variables, the input variables including non-controllable variables and system controllable variables, the non-controllable variables including output demand, the system controllable variables include a speed of at least one of the variably controllable motors and at least one optimizable input variable, the at least one optimizable input variable including power consumed;
- instructions for detecting the system variables;
- instructions for updating a model with respect to the at least one optimizable input variable, comprising calculating the updated model using established relationships between variables, the detected input variables and the detected system variables, the updated model providing, based on established relationships between variables, prediction of use of the input variables in all possible operation points or paths of the system variables which achieve an output setpoint and causes valves to have a set amount of opening;
- and
- instructions for operating, based on one or more of the detected input variables and the detected system variables, the one or more operable elements in accordance with the updated model to provide an optimal operation path of the system variables which achieves the output setpoint and which optimizes consumption of the at least one optimizable input variable and causes the valves to have the set amount of opening;
- wherein for iterations of the control loop said updating of the model is based on said operating of the one or more operable elements during the control loop.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.