Computer-Aided Controller Setting Procedure for Paper Machine Drive Systems

This paper presents a comprehensive, three-stage computer-based methodology for the initial setting of the speed and torque controllers for the drives of a paper machine. First, the controller gains are selected based on the figures-of-merit for the frequency and time domain responses of each drive to commands and disturbances. After that, the effect of the elastic shafts is considered evaluating the resonant frequencies and 2M (two-mass) system responses. Finally, the responses of each group of drives to the process commands and/or disturbances of interest are evaluated. The use of the proposed methodology will assure fast and well-behaved responses of each group of drives of the different sections of a paper machine, with minimal field adjustments.