RESET (INTEGRAL) CONTROL SYSTEMS
Process Controls
Properties of Integral Control
The major advantage of integral controllers is that they have the unique ability to return the
controlled variable back to the exact setpoint following a disturbance.
Disadvantages of the integral control mode are that it responds relatively slowly to an error signal
and that it can initially allow a large deviation at the instant the error is produced. This can lead
to system instability and cyclic operation. For this reason, the integral control mode is not
normally used alone, but is combined with another control mode.
Summary
Integral controllers are summarized below.
Integral Control Summary
An integral controller provides an output rate of change that is determined by the
magnitude of the error and the integral constant.
The controller has the unique ability to return the process back to the exact
setpoint.
The integral control mode is not normally used by itself because of its slow
response to an error signal.
IC-07
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