Adaptive control of furnace temperature by using a microcomputer

The adaptive temperature control of a furnace is considered based on the multivariable self-tuning control (STC) theory. The main reason for adopting the multivariable STC algorithm is that the measurement data look like a random signal and the control system can be regarded as minimum-phase. The control input has been determined by using the multi-variable STC method on a microcomputer. According to the control input, solid-state relays are controlled such that the desired power can be supplied. Experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness of the present algorithm compared with the results obtained using PID (proportional plus integral plus derivative) control methods by Ziegler-Nichols and the conventional PID controller