A flow control unit comprising: an actuator; a flow restricting element which is positioned by the actuator; and a device control unit for controlling actuation of the actuator, wherein the device control unit is configured for receiving over time a plurality of setpoint input values from an external unit and generating setpoint values responsive to an evaluation of the setpoint input values and/or stored parameters, characterized in that the device control unit is configured for setting a maximum setpoint value of an open position (Pos_max) of the flow restricting element and/or a maximum setpoint value of a flow rate (Vmax) flowing through the flow restricting element and/or a maximum setpoint value of a power flow rate (Pmax) flowing through the flow restricting element, and for adapting the maximum setpoint value of the open position (Pos_max) and/or the maximum setpoint value of the flow rate (Vmax) and/or the maximum setpoint value of the power flow rate (Pmax) of the flow restricting element according to a generic learning algorithm evaluating the setpoint input values, wherein the device control unit is configured for reducing the maximum setpoint value to a reduced maximum setpoint value when a maximum setpoint input value has not been reached or exceeded by the setpoint input values received by the device control unit over a period of time, or the device control unit is configured for reducing the maximum setpoint value to a reduced maximum setpoint value when a maximum setpoint input value has been exceeded by any of the setpoint input values received by the device control unit, and a plurality of setpoint input values received by the device control unit after the maximum setpoint input value has been exceeded is below the maximum setpoint input value. an actuator; a flow restricting element which is positioned by the actuator; and a device control unit for controlling actuation of the actuator, wherein the device control unit is configured for receiving over time a plurality of setpoint input values from an external unit and generating setpoint values responsive to an evaluation of the setpoint input values and/or stored parameters, characterized in that the device control unit is configured for setting a maximum setpoint value of an open position (Pos_max) of the flow restricting element and/or a maximum setpoint value of a flow rate (Vmax) flowing through the flow restricting element and/or a maximum setpoint value of a power flow rate (Pmax) flowing through the flow restricting element, and for adapting the maximum setpoint value of the open position (Pos_max) and/or the maximum setpoint value of the flow rate (Vmax) and/or the maximum setpoint value of the power flow rate (Pmax) of the flow restricting element according to a generic learning algorithm evaluating the setpoint input values, wherein the device control unit is configured for reducing the maximum setpoint value to a reduced maximum setpoint value when a maximum setpoint input value has not been reached or exceeded by the setpoint input values received by the device control unit over a period of time, or the device control unit is configured for reducing the maximum setpoint value to a reduced maximum setpoint value when a maximum setpoint input value has been exceeded by any of the setpoint input values received by the device control unit, and a plurality of setpoint input values received by the device control unit after the maximum setpoint input value has been exceeded is below the maximum setpoint input value.