When managing an industrial facility, your time is valuable and you can’t be in more places than one. Facility temperature control requirements can exhaust valuable time and effort better spent elsewhere. The temperature controller is a perfect solution to make better use of resources and ease the burden of constant supervision.

As the name implies, a temperature controller is an instrument that controls temperatures. In addition to accurately regulating temperature, the machine also does this without constant operator assistance. The temperature controller receives an input from a temperature sensor like an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) or thermocouple. Then it compares the natural temperature to the set desired temperature and distributes an output signal to the control element (heater, fan, etc.) to adjust accordingly.

There are three types of temperature controllers available: On/Off, proportional and PID. Determining which works best for a facility is dependent upon the system needing to be controlled. Here are the need-to-knows about the different controller devices.

On/Off

As straightforward as it sounds, the On/Off temperature controller is the most elementary of the three. The output is simply on or off, with no middle status. The On/Off controller will change its state only when the temperature reaches the set temperature point. The module is designed to control the temperature below a set point, and disengages the output when the setpoint is exceeded.

Proportional

The technology behind a proportional controller diminishes the repeated cycling associated with On/Off controls. Proportional controllers lower the average power consumed by the heater as the temperature approaches the setpoint. The refined control ensures temperatures will not exceed the desired temperature and continually maintains them to avoid frequent monitoring or overheating. The technology uses proportioning to vary on and off statuses in short timed intervals.

PID

The PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller combines proportional control with two additional adjustments: integral and derivative. With the PID device, temperature regulating is described in time-based units and is labeled “Reset” and “Rate.” The adjustments are individually gauged and confirmed through a process of trial and error. PID controllers offer the most accurate and stable control of the three controller types and are best used in systems with small mass. This allows the device to react swiftly to changes in energy output quickly to changes in the energy added to the process.

Temperature control in a facility can be a fickle procedure. The automated control systems we can install allow you to feel assured your energy productivity and reliability are under control resulting in smooth business operations. If you’re interested in alleviating the stress of constant temperature, reach out to us for a solution you can rely on.