System Identification and Feedback Control of Mold Surface Temperature Using Infrared Imaging Sensors

模具内表面温度的准确控制是生产高质量塑件的关键。目前，大多数注塑机都采用开环控制，没有对模具表面温度进行直接测量。控制变量是通过模具循环的冷却/加热水的水温和阀门设置。最近，带有热电偶测量的闭环系统已经变得可用，但提供的用处有限。该方案讨论了一种使用红外传感器的二维温度监测和调节的创新设计，图像处理和使用现代控制理论方法的鲁棒控制器设计。第一阶段将由领先的塑料制造商纳尔热公司收集实验数据，以验证红外相机估计温度的准确性，确定控制器设计的模型并验证闭环系统控制器的性能。第二阶段将包括在业务环境中对该系统进行实际的在线演示。

Accurate control of the mold interior surface temperature is critical for quality production of plastic parts. Currently, most of the injection molding machines use open loop control without any direct measurement of the mold surface temperature. The control variables are water temperature and valve settings for the cooling/heating water that is circulated through the mold. Recently closed loop systems with thermocouple measurements have become available, but provide only limited usefulness. This proposal discusses an innovative design for two dimensional temperature monitoring and regulation using an infrared sensor, image processing and robust controller design using modern control theory approaches. Experimental data will be collected during Phase I by Nalge Company, a leading plastics manufacturer, to validate the accuracy of temperature estimation using infrared camera, to identify models for controller design and to verify the performance of the closed loop controller. Phase II will consist of actual on-line demonstration of the system in an operational environment.