Integral control and anti-windup experiments

Abstract

Integral control is one of the methods for reducing steady-state error in a feedback control system. This method is frequently used in manufacturing and industrial control processes. It is an important topic in the control engineering curriculum. In this paper, a learning-by-doing approach for teaching integral control is introduced by means of a set of laboratory experiments. These experiments are designed to elucidate the operation of integral control and to reveal its associated windup problems. Solutions to the windup problems are introduced also. Such hands-on activities offer practical experience to the students and enhance their understanding of integral control. A laboratory station and the microcontroller tools for supporting the activities are also described. These experiments can be included in controls or microcontroller laboratory courses.