Abstract
This paper proposes a new speed and tension control algorithm for multi-span continuous strip processing line. In this algorithm the speed reference of each roll is adjusted to make the output force follow the load balance reference using an outer loop controller in cascade. Using the information of the output force of the adjacent roll, it is shown that the strip tension between two rolls can be controlled as the desired value without tension sensor. An experimental set-up which consists of 4 driven and 3 measuring rolls is designed and built for the multi-span speed and tension control. The experimental result reveals conspicuous improvement of tension control performance by the proposed algorithm comparing to the conventional tension feedback controller.
