Enhanced Parameter Optimization for ELAU PacDrive

ELAU has claimed a significant feature enhancement to its PacDrive automation systems, without compromising stable servo feedback loops for fast commissioning, with its preset default parameters and AutoTune tool.

According to ELAU, it’s PacDrive controllers use default settings which have proven ideal for drive sizing in 95 percent of all applications. The only parameter required is the moment of inertia of the load. ELAU has also developed a solution for more challenging cases. For example, high inertial loads result in a complex moment of inertia calculation. The same applies to situations where the motor’s mechanical coupling stiffness is marginal. Belt drive mechanisms, for instance, virtually always require fine tuning. Calculating the ideal controller parameters in these situations will be quite challenging, even for experienced engineers.

AutoTune is an IEC 61131-compliant program that automatically calculates the moment of inertia for individual axes. A number of limit values are set manually, and then the optimization process can be launched. The tool will automatically and independently calculate the optimal parameters for stable feedback loops by measuring the feedback from preset signals. The optimization process may either be focused on minimizing the following error or maximizing attenuation of resonances.