The setpoint overshoot method: A simple and fast closed-loop approach for PID tuning

A simple method has been developed for PID controller tuning of an unidentified process using closed-loop experiments. The proposed method requires one closed-loop step setpoint response experiment using a proportional only controller, and it mainly uses information about the first peak (overshoot) which is very easy to identify. The setpoint experiment is similar to the classical Ziegler–Nichols (1942) experiment, but the controller gain is typically about one half, so the system is not at the stability limit with sustained oscillations. Based on simulations for a range of first-order with delay processes, simple correlations have been derived to give PI controller settings similar to those of the SIMC tuning rules (Skogestad (2003) [6]). The recommended controller gain change is a function of the height of the first peak (overshoot), whereas the controller integral time is mainly a function of the time to reach the peak. The method includes a detuning factor that allows the user to adjust the final closed-loop response time and robustness. The proposed tuning method, originally derived for first-order with delay processes, has been tested on a wide range of other processes typical for process control applications and the results are comparable with the SIMC tunings using the open-loop model.