Hysteresis Control is a technique used in control systems to improve stability and reduce oscillations by introducing a defined threshold for switching states. This method is particularly effective in systems where small fluctuations around a setpoint can lead to frequent switching, which can cause wear and tear on mechanical components or lead to inefficiencies. By implementing hysteresis, the system only changes its state when the variable exceeds a certain upper threshold or falls below a lower threshold, thus creating a deadband around the setpoint.
For instance, if a thermostat is set to maintain a temperature of 20°C, it might only turn on the heating when the temperature drops to 19°C and turn it off again once it reaches 21°C. This approach not only minimizes unnecessary cycling but also enhances the responsiveness of the system. The general principle can be mathematically described as:
where and define the hysteresis bands around the desired setpoint.
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