Controls Lab

Lab Report Number: 9

“ON-OFF Control of Temperature and Effect of

Hysteresis on Temperature Control System”

Section: ME-14 (C)

Name CMS ID
Muhammad Ahmad Nadeem 416175
Table of Contents
Objectives ............................................................................................................... 2
Equipment............................................................................................................... 2
Theoretical Background............................................................................................ 2
Procedure ............................................................................................................... 4
Circuit Representation ............................................................................................. 4
Data Tabulation ....................................................................................................... 5
Graphical Representation ......................................................................................... 5
Discussion .............................................................................................................. 5
Conclusion ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Safety Precautions ................................................................................................... 6

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Objectives
• To understand the working of the ON-OFF controller to control the temperature.
• To understand the effect of hysteresis on controlling the temperature.
• To know about the hysteresis effect.

Equipment
• Temperature Control Training System

Figure 1: Apparatus

Theoretical Background
Reference Value r(t):
The reference value, also called the setpoint, is the desired value that a control system
aims to achieve. It serves as the target for the system's output and is typically provided
by the user or another subsystem. For example, in a temperature control system, r(t)
might represent the desired room temperature.

Input Value y(t):

The input value is the actual output of the system being controlled, as measured by
sensors or feedback mechanisms. The system continuously monitors y(t) to determine
its current state and adjust its operation to reduce the error between r(t) and y(t).

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Gain of Controller u(t):
The controller gain u(t) is the control action applied to the system based on the error
signal e(t)=r(t)−y(t). The gain determines the intensity of the system's response to the
error. Higher gain values typically result in faster corrections but may cause instability if
not tuned properly.

Comparator:
A comparator is a component of the control loop that calculates the error signal e(t) by
comparing the reference value r(t) with the input value y(t). The error signal guides the
controller to adjust the system's behaviour to minimize the difference between the
desired and actual outputs.

Hysteresis:
Hysteresis refers to a system's tendency to exhibit different behaviour depending on
whether a variable, such as the input value y(t), is increasing or decreasing. This feature
is often introduced intentionally to reduce system oscillations or noise, particularly in
switching controllers.

Hysteresis Knob:
The hysteresis knob allows for manual adjustment of the hysteresis range in a control
system. By widening or narrowing the range, users can control how sensitive the system
is to small changes in the error signal, which helps prevent frequent switching and
enhances system stability.

Dead Zones:
Dead zones are ranges within a control system where small changes in the input value
y(t) do not result in any changes in the controller output u(t). These zones are often
incorporated to filter out noise or insignificant variations, ensuring that the system only
responds to meaningful deviations.

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Procedure
• The apparatus was assembled, and the necessary connections were established.
• The control system was powered on, and the digital multimeter was activated.
• The desired setpoint was input, and the corresponding temperature displayed on
the interface, along with the voltage from the temperature sensor, was recorded.
• Three different setpoints were tested, and the respective temperatures were
measured without incorporating hysteresis.
• Hysteresis was then introduced, and previous two steps were repeated for the
same three setpoints.
• The readings were documented, and the control system was turned off.

Circuit Representation

Figure 2: Circuit

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Data Tabulation
Table 1: Data Table

Hysteresis No Hysteresis (0%) With Hysteresis (5%)

Setpoint 40°C 40°C

upRising Time 1020s 1575s

Upper limit - 42°C

Lowering time - 260s

Lower limit - 35°C

Initial Temperature (No Hysteresis): 23°C

Initial Temperature (With Hysteresis): 27°C1020

Graphical Representation

Setpoint VS Time
45

40

35

30
Set point

25

20 No Hysteresis
With Hysteresis
15

10

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000
Time

Figure 3: Graph

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Discussion:
In this lab, we studied the effect of hysteresis on the behavior of the Temperature Control
Training System. The ON-OFF control system, with and without hysteresis, exhibited
distinct behaviors in sustaining temperature levels. We conducted experiments first with
0% hysteresis and then with 5% hysteresis for comparison. The results, visualized
through the graph, show clear differences influenced by hysteresis.

When 5% hysteresis was applied, the system's behavior altered noticeably. The rise time
increased slightly to 1575 seconds as the upper limit expanded to 42°C, allowing for more
efficient stabilization within the specified range. This broader upper limit helped reduce
rapid switching and fluctuations, improving system stability. However, the absence of a
defined lower limit introduced a slight delay in the control process, illustrating the trade-
off between precision and stability. The system's delay reflects the balance needed to
achieve smoother operation and avoid excessive toggling.

Conclusion:
The experiment demonstrated that hysteresis levels directly impact the temperature
control system's response time and stability. Increasing hysteresis resulted in a larger
control range and reduced response precision but enhanced overall system stability. This
trade-off highlights the importance of tuning hysteresis levels to meet specific
performance requirements, balancing precision with reliable stabilization.

Safety Precautions:
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all lab personnel wear
appropriate PPE, including safety goggles, lab coats, gloves, and closed-toe shoes
to protect against chemical splashes, electrical hazards, or mechanical injuries.
• Equipment Inspection: Regularly inspect all lab equipment and apparatus for any
signs of damage or wear. Report any defects immediately and ensure that faulty
equipment is taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

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• Emergency Procedures: Familiarize all lab members with emergency procedures,
including the location of fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, safety showers, and
emergency exits. Conduct regular safety drills.
• Hazardous Materials Handling: Follow proper procedures for handling, storing,
and disposing of hazardous materials, such as chemicals and solvents. Use fume
hoods and ventilation systems as needed.
• Electrical Safety: When working with electrical circuits and equipment, ensure
that power sources are disconnected before making connections or adjustments.
Avoid contact with exposed wires and use insulated tools.
• First Aid Kit: Maintain a well-equipped kit in the lab and ensure lab personnel are
trained in basic first aid procedures. Display emergency contact numbers and
locations prominently.
• Equipment Safety: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions for
operating lab equipment and machinery. Ensure that the equipment is properly
grounded and that safety interlocks are functional.

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