Control of Non-Linear Process

Aims

The aims of this experiment are:

To look at the control of a non-linear process
To compare the performance of the open loop and closed loop methods at different setpoints

Theory

In this experiment a java applet has been written which models a non linear process. It is possible to alter the controller parameters:

The gain
The reset time
The setpoint

Thus it is a simple matter to run the experiment with or without P or PI control and hence try out both open loop and closed loop tuning methods.

These methods are described in Module 2.2 - Controller Design and System Modelling and Module 4 - Additional Material.

However it is advisable to work through the other tuning experiments before tackling this one,

The pre-experimental questions take the user through the open loop and closed loop method and the aim is to compare the results obtained from them both.

Procedure

Following this introduction is a number of pre-experimental questions. These are designed to lead the user through the experiment pointing out the important aspects of the results. It is possible to look at the answers at any time but we suggest that you try and write down your own first.

This experiment differs from most of the others in the Virtual Control Laboratory in that it consists of an all-in java applet and does not involve a form input and Fortran program. All you have to do is click in the box containing the value you wish to change, enter your new value and then press return. The graphical output will be automatically updated.

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