A FUZZY LOGIC APPROACH TO THE CONTROL OF THE DRYING PROCESS

Abstract

The paper presents the simulation results of an advanced control algorithm used for the control of the drying process of electric insulators. The industrial batch drier is modelled and three different approaches are taken for its control. In order to investigate its capabilities, Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) is used for controlling the air temperature in the drying chamber. The results describing the controlled variables behaviour under the influence of some typical disturbances are compared with data obtained using Model Predictive Control (MPC) and traditional PID control. The requested drying program consists of a ramp-constant profile, obtained by manipulating the air and natural gas flow rate. Moisture content control is actually achieved by controlling the air temperature inside the drying chamber. Simulation results reveal clear benefits of the FLC approach over the other control methods subjected to our investigation, and prove real incentives for industrial implementation.