Université Mohamed KHEIDER, Biskra Faculté des Sciences et de la Technologie

Département Génie Electrique Année : 2020/2021

Control system
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The words writing in red colors represent the keywords of the subject.

A control system manages commands, directs, or regulates the behavior of other devices or
systems using control loops. It can range from a single home heating controller using
a thermostat controlling a domestic boiler to large Industrial control systems which are used
for controlling processes or machines.
For continuously modulated control, a feedback controller is used to automatically control a
process or operation. The control system compares the value or status of the process
variable being controlled with the desired value or setpoint , and applies the difference as a
control signal to bring the process variable output of the plant to the same value as the
setpoint. For sequential and combinational logic, software logic, such as in a programmable
logic controller, is used.
There are two common classes of control action: open loop and closed loop. In an open-loop
control system, the control action from the controller is independent of the process variable.
An example of this is a central heating boiler controlled only by a timer. The control action is
the switching on or off of the boiler. The process variable is the building temperature. This
controller operates the heating system for a constant time regardless of the temperature of the
building.
In a closed-loop control system, the control action from the controller is dependent on the
desired and actual process variable. In the case of the boiler analogy, this would utilize a
thermostat to monitor the building temperature, and feedback a signal to ensure the controller
output maintains the building temperature close to that set on the thermostat. A closed loop
controller has a feedback loop which ensures the controller exerts a control action to control
a process variable at the same value as the setpoint. For this reason, closed-loop controllers
are also called feedback controllers.
In the case of linear feedback systems, a control loop including sensors, control algorithms,
and actuators is arranged in an attempt to regulate a variable at a setpoint . An everyday
example is the cruise control on a road vehicle; where external influences such as hills would
cause speed changes, and the driver has the ability to alter the desired set speed. The PID
algorithm in the controller restores the actual speed to the desired speed in the optimum way,
with minimal delay or overshoot, by controlling the power output of the vehicle's engine.
Control systems that include some sensing of the results which they are trying to achieve, are
making use of feedback and can adapt to varying circumstances to some extent. Open-loop
control systems do not make use of feedback, and run only in pre-arranged ways.
Logic control systems for industrial and commercial machinery were historically
implemented by interconnected electrical relays and cam timers using ladder logic. Today,
most such systems are constructed with microcontrollers or more specialized programmable
logic controllers (PLCs). The notation of ladder logic is still in use as a programming method
for PLCs.
Logic controllers may respond to switches and sensors, and can cause the machinery to start
and stop various operations through the use of actuators. Logic controllers are used to
sequence mechanical operations in many applications. Examples include elevators, washing
machines and other systems with interrelated operations. An automatic sequential control
system may trigger a series of mechanical actuators in the correct sequence to perform a task.
For example, various electric and pneumatic transducers may fold and glue a cardboard box,
fill it with product and then seal it in an automatic packaging machine. PLC software can be
written in many different ways – ladder diagrams, SFC (sequential function charts)
or statement lists
On–off control uses a feedback controller that switches abruptly between two states. A
simple bi-metallic domestic thermostat can be described as an on-off controller. When the
temperature in the room (PV=15) goes below the user setting (SP=25), the heater is switched
on. Another example is a pressure switch on an air compressor. When the pressure (PV=2bar)
drops below the setpoint (SP=5bar ) the compressor is powered. Refrigerators and vacuum
pumps contain similar mechanisms. Simple on–off control systems like these can be cheap
and effective.

Propose a title for this text. Control system

What’s the role of cruise control on vehicle and on which control action
classes should be taken into account?

The role of cruise control on a road vehicle; where external influences such as hills would
cause speed changes, is to replace the driver to alter the desired set speed. The PID
algorithm in the controller restores the actual speed to the desired speed in the optimum way,
with minimal delay or overshoot, by controlling the power output of the vehicle's engine. The
control action in this case is closed loop control class.

Which difference can be considered in the case of open loop control system
compared to a closed loop control system?

An open loop control system acts completely on the basis of input and the output has no
effect on the control action. – A closed loop control system considers the current output and
alters it to the desired condition. The use of feedback control is used in the closed loop case
rather than the open loop case.

Explain in not more than four sentences, why do we need process control?

An essay model

Process control enables automation commonly used for mass production. Due to its precise
nature, it enables the automation of industrial processes. With the proper information and
equipment, a small staff of operation personnel can operate even the most
complex processes from a central control room

Propose a title for this text. : Control system