ASSIGNMENT
Course Code: EEC433
Course Title: CONTROL ENGINEERING
Name: OLUBUNMI MICHEAL TEMIDAYO
Department: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
Matric No: S02/EEE/2020/4017
1. Difference Between Open-loop and Closed-loop Systems with Examples
A control system is a system that manages, commands, directs, or regulates the behavior of other
devices
or systems to achieve a desired output. Control systems are categorized into open-loop and
closed-loop systems.
Open-loop System:
An open-loop system is a type of control system that does not use feedback to regulate its output.
The system
operates on predefined instructions without considering changes in the environment or the actual
result.
Characteristics:
- No feedback mechanism.
- Simple and easy to implement.
- Less accurate and prone to external disturbances.
- Cannot automatically correct errors.
Examples:
1. Washing Machine: Runs a fixed wash cycle regardless of how clean the clothes are.
2. Electric Kettle: Stops heating after a preset time instead of checking the actual water temperature.
3. Traffic Light Timer: Changes lights at fixed intervals without detecting real-time traffic conditions.
Closed-loop System:
A closed-loop system is a system that continuously monitors its output and adjusts its input to
maintain the
desired output using feedback.
Characteristics:
- Uses feedback for self-correction.
- More complex and accurate than open-loop systems.
- Can adjust automatically to disturbances.
- Provides better efficiency and control.
Examples:
1. Air Conditioner: Adjusts cooling based on the room temperature sensor feedback.
2. Cruise Control in Cars: Regulates vehicle speed by adjusting the throttle based on speed sensor
feedback.
3. Thermostat-controlled Heater: Turns the heater on or off to maintain the set room temperature.
2. Laplace Transform
The Laplace transform is a mathematical tool used in control engineering to transform differential
equations
into algebraic equations in the complex frequency domain. It is defined as:
L[f(t)] = Integral from 0 to infinity of [ e^(-st) * f(t) dt ]
Common Laplace Transforms:
L[1] = 1/s, L[e^(at)] = 1/(s-a), L[sin(bt)] = b/(s^2 + b^2), L[cos(bt)] = s/(s^2 + b^2)
Laplace transforms simplify solving differential equations in control systems.
3. Transfer Function
The transfer function of a system represents the relationship between the system's output and input
in the
Laplace domain. It is given by:
G(s) = (Output in Laplace Domain) / (Input in Laplace Domain)
For a system represented by the differential equation:
a (d^2y/dt^2) + b (dy/dt) + c y = r(t)
Taking Laplace transform and assuming zero initial conditions:
a s^2 Y(s) + b s Y(s) + c Y(s) = R(s)
G(s) = Y(s) / R(s) = 1 / (a s^2 + b s + c)
This function helps analyze system stability and response.
4. Stability and Its Types
System stability determines whether a system will settle at a steady-state or exhibit uncontrolled
behavior.
Stability is classified based on the location of poles in the transfer function.
Types of Stability:
- Stable System: All poles have negative real parts (left-half s-plane). The system remains bounded.
- Marginally Stable System: Poles are on the imaginary axis. The system neither grows nor decays
but oscillates indefinitely.
- Unstable System: At least one pole has a positive real part (right-half s-plane), causing output to
increase uncontrollably.
Example:
A mass-spring-damper system is stable if the damping coefficient is positive, ensuring oscillations
decay over time.
5. What is a System?
A system is a collection of components that interact to achieve a specific function. In control
engineering,
systems take an input, process it, and generate an output.
Examples of Systems in Control Engineering:
- Fan with Voltage Regulator: The regulator adjusts fan speed based on input voltage.
- Volume Control in an Audio System: Adjusts sound level in response to user input.
6. Solving the Given Differential Equation
Given the equation:
dC(t)/dt + 2C(t) = R(t)
Step 1: Taking Laplace Transform
Applying the Laplace transform to both sides:
sC(s) + 2C(s) = R(s)
Step 2: Solve for C(s)
Factor out C(s):
C(s) (s + 2) = R(s)
C(s) = R(s) / (s+2)
Step 3: Find Transfer Function
The transfer function is:
G(s) = C(s) / R(s) = 1 / (s+2)
This describes the system's behavior in response to an input.
Conclusion
This assignment covered essential control engineering concepts, including system classification,
Laplace transform,
transfer functions, stability, and system analysis. The solutions provide a structured and clear
understanding of
control systems, ensuring a comprehensive approach to problem-solving.
