PID loop Simulator, Download PID loop simulator

What is PID loop simulator?

The PID Loop Simulator is a very powerful tool that can replicate and assist any control system with tuning a loop and is intended for process industry professionals. Using this device, tuning loops reduce the risks and problems arising from the tuning process of trial and error.

The simulator mimics various processes control options, disruptions, and problems with the valve function. This real-time simulator shows the essentials of process dynamics, PID controllers, control loop tuning, and more clearly and effectively.

Thus the PID loop simulator guide through the many aspects of controller tuning and loop performance while gaining the first-hand experience on life-like loop control simulations.

The simulation results are very accurate when the process model is known with a high degree of accuracy, making this a great tool for learning PID control; either for self-learning or as an aid for plant staff training.

Features of PID Loop Simulation:

  • The real-time chart shows controller and process responses with process variable trends, controller output, and set point.

  • Run the simulation to get the plant-like experience in real-time, or to reduce simulation time in fast-forward mode.

  • Pause the simulation to take measurements from static trends.

  • Choose different time periods of the X-axis to narrow down on areas of interest, or scroll back in time, or display past test data.

  • Scale the Y-axis to narrow in on trends and see subtle response details.

  • To easily take measurements from your test data, use the vertical cursor-line.

  • Reset the simulation of the system (PV, SP, CO) or reset all settings to restore the simulation to different starting conditions.

How to use PID controller with the help of PID simulator spreadsheet?

Step 1. Do a step test in manual mode and collect test data.

Step 2. Identify process model parameter

Step 3. Do offline tuning

Step 4. Implement in controller and fine tune if required.

Process simulation:

  • Choose from flow, temperature, tank level, conveyor, or steam drum level processes to gain experience with distinctly different types of dynamic process behavior.

  • To see how loop output is influenced by control hardware, simulate valve dead band (hysteresis), pin, positioner overflow and nonlinear flow characteristics.

  • To check how your tuning settings hold up under these adverse conditions, simulate different levels of measurement noise, and step-up, step-down, and random-walk disruptions.

  • Apply a process variable filter to deal with measurement noise and see its effects on control loop response.

Loop Simulator Response:

  • Enter different values and simulate the process variable and observe the PID controller response for the respective tunning parameters.

  • Since the above time scale has been produced for a limited range, there is a limited range of parameters to be entered.

Download PID loop simulator:

  1. PID loop simulatorPID loop simulator.xls (162 KB)

  2. PID Loop tuning SpreadSheet .xls (110 KB)

  3. Loop simulator App: https://www.opticontrols.com/files/downloads/loopsim21setup.exe

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