Optimize Your PID Understanding: Interactive Simulator with PLC and HMI

 

This tutorial focuses on regulating a flow control system using a servomotor and a PID controller.

It allows users to explore the behavior of a PID control system by adjusting various parameters and observing the system’s reactions in real-time.

HMI screen:

ACE PLC program:

Main components:

ACE or eACE PLC

• Manage the PID
• Control of PWM output to servomotor
  • A 100 ohm 1/2W pull-up resistor may be required between the 12V and the PWM deactivation signal

HM-043AE HMI or any of our HMIs

• A slider simulates the flow measured downstream of the valve (Process variable)
• Option to modify certain PID parameters, especially the proportional gain
• A field to enter the setpoint value (“Ctrl Value”)

Flow valve (optional)

• Controlled by a servomotor

Servomotor (optional)

• Rotation range: 0° to 180°
• 0° corresponds to minimum flow, 180° to maximum flow
• Operates with a PWM signal at 50 Hz (20000 μs period)
• Extreme positions: 0° = 500 μs, 180° = 2500 μs

Usage recommendations:

Choose a setpoint value corresponding to a step on the slider scale (e.g., 40 or 60)

Use a nylon stylus for more precise slider manipulation

Additional features:

• A PWM deactivation calculator is included in the project (for illustrative purposes)
• A screenshot button is available in the top right corner of the interface

 

Program and Project

You can download both here