A PD Controller for an Electro-Mechanical Friction Clutch System

摘要

Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is a common method for controlling various machinery that is electro-mechanical based due to its robust performance controller, simple design and straightforward parameters tuning. One of the proven parameters tuning method that is widely used nowadays is the Astrom and Hagglund tuning method with Ziegler-Nichols formula. The aim of this paper is to determine the possibility of using this method to continuously and variably control a newly developed electro-mechanical friction clutch (EMFC) engagement and disengagement process. Initially, a simulation study was carried out to determine the PID preliminary parameters values derived using this method; then, they are manually being fine-tuned experimentally to improve the clutch engagement and disengagement control performance until satisfying engagement and disengagement process are achieved. The results of this work show that the application of Astrom-Hagglund method and Ziegler-Nichols formula is capable of providing a practical solution for obtaining initial parameters of the PD controllers and improvement of engagement and disengagement control of the EMFC system. The results show the possibility of using this method to control the EMFC engagement and disengagement process satisfactorily and effectively, even with variable operating dynamic behaviour.