On transitioning from PID to ADRC in thermal power plants

This paper focuses on the recent progress in the adoption of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) in thermal processes as a viable alternative to proportional–integral–derivative (PID), especially in coal-fired power plants. The profound interpretation of this paradigm shift, with backward compatibility, is discussed in detail. A few fundamental issues associated with ADRC’s applications in thermal processes are discussed, such as implementation, tuning, and the structural changes. Examples and case studies are presented, encompassing coal-fired power plants, gas turbines and nuclear power plants, as well as highlighting results of field applications. Also discussed are future research opportunities brought by ADRC’s entry as the baseline control technology in thermal processes.