feedforwardsignaal

A feedforward signal is a control system mechanism where the output of a system is influenced by a signal that precedes it in the process. This is in contrast to feedback, where the output is used to adjust the input. In a feedforward system, the control action is initiated based on a measurement of the disturbance or the input variable, rather than waiting for the effect of the disturbance on the output to become apparent.

The primary goal of feedforward control is to anticipate and counteract disturbances before they significantly impact the system's desired output. This is achieved by measuring the disturbance variable and using this measurement to adjust the manipulated variable. For example, in a heating system, if the outside temperature (a disturbance) drops, a feedforward controller would detect this change and increase the heat output to maintain the desired indoor temperature, without waiting for the indoor temperature to actually fall.

Feedforward control is often used in conjunction with feedback control. While feedback control is essential for eliminating steady-state errors and compensating for unmeasured disturbances or model inaccuracies, feedforward control can significantly improve the dynamic response of the system by reducing the initial deviation caused by known disturbances. This combination allows for more precise and rapid control of the system's output. Applications of feedforward control can be found in various fields, including process control, robotics, and automation, where proactive disturbance rejection is crucial for maintaining performance and stability.