Local balance-based adaptive control in the heat distribution system – Practical validation

This paper presents the experiences from the practical implementation and the results of the experimental validation of the balance-based adaptive control (B-BAC) methodology in the application to two local control problems in the simple heat distribution system: the control of the outlet temperature for the electric flow heater and the control of a fluid flow process through the equal percentage valve. Evaluation criteria include measure of the control variable performance as well as the manipulated variable action. The results illustrate both the possibility of the practical implementation of the B-BAC methodology and the fact that in some cases this methodology ensures better disturbance rejection with the tracking properties comparable to the conventional PI controller.