What is integral control primarily used for in control systems?

Integral control is primarily used to accumulate error over time in control systems, which helps eliminate steady-state errors. In a feedback control loop, there is often a difference between the desired setpoint and the actual output; this difference is referred to as the error. Integral control addresses this issue by integrating the error (calculating the cumulative sum over time), allowing the control system to adjust its output to correct for persistent discrepancies.

When a system is experiencing steady-state error, meaning that the output does not reach the desired setpoint even after prolonged operation, the integral component adjusts the control output based on the accumulated error, effectively pushing the system to the desired state. This is particularly important in applications where precision is crucial because it enhances the system's stability and accuracy over time by preventing small deviations from the setpoint from continuing indefinitely.

In contrast, while the other options might seem related to control principles, they do not specifically highlight the primary role of integral control in mitigating steady-state errors as effectively as the chosen answer. For instance, managing setpoint adjustments or reducing external disturbances pertains more to the broader scope of control strategies rather than the specific function of integrating past errors.