A Novel Data-Driven Method for Simultaneous Performance Assessment and Retuning of PID Controllers

Abstract

A novel data-driven method for simultaneous performance assessment and retuning PID controllers is presented in this study. The PID tuning problem is cast as a convex approximation problem of a reference model, which makes the resulting closed-loop step response resemble that of a predefined reference model. The proposed data-driven method only requires the current PID controller parameters and a set of closed-loop data with set point changes, while the process model is neither necessary to be known a priori nor to be identified directly. The controller effort limitation, which is closely related to variations of controller actions, is an important concern for controller design. To evaluate PID controller performance subject to control effort limitations, a trade-off curve displaying the integrated squared error against the total squared variation of controller actions is obtained, which can be calculated in a cost efficient way and serves as a useful tool for performance assessment and retuning of PID co...