Industrial
process
control &
Automation
Assignment (1)
1. Which of the following statements are true? For the false statements, explain why
you think they are false:
(a) Feedforward and feedback control require a measured variable.
(b) For feedforward control, the measured variable is the variable to be controlled.
(c) Feedback control theoretically can provide perfect control (i.e., no deviations from
set point) if the process model used to design the control system is perfect.
(d) Feedback control takes corrective action for all types of process disturbances, both
known and unknown.
(e) Feedback control is superior to feedforward control
2. Consider a home heating system consisting of a natural gas-fired furnace and a
thermostat. In this case, the process consists of the interior space to be heated. The
thermostat contains both the temperature sensor and the controller. The furnace is
either on (heating) or off. Draw a schematic diagram for this control system. On
your diagram, identify the controlled variables, manipulated variables, and
disturbance variables. Be sure to include several possible sources of disturbances
that can affect room temperature
3. In addition to a thermostatically operated home heating system, identify two other
feedback control systems that can be found in most residences. Describe briefly
how each of them works; include sensor, actuator, and controller information.
4. The human body contains numerous feedback control loops that are essential for
regulating key physiological variables. For example, body temperature in a healthy
person must be closely regulated within a narrow range.
(a) Briefly describe one or more ways in which body temperature is regulated by the
body using feedback control.
(b) Briefly describe a feedback control system for the regulation of another important
physiological variable.
*Dr. Mostafa Elsayed
Industrial
process
control &
Automation
5. The distillation column shown in Fig. is used to distill a binary mixture. Symbols
x, y, and z denote mole fractions of the more volatile component, while B, D, R,
and F represent molar flow rates. It is desired to control distillate composition y
despite disturbances in feed flow rate F. All flow rates can be measured and
manipulated with the exception of F, which can only be measured. A composition
analyzer provides measurements of y.
(a) Propose a feedback control method and sketch the schematic diagram.
(b) Suggest a feedforward control method and sketch the schematic diagram
6. In a thermostat control system for a home heating system,
(a) Identify the manipulated variable
(b) Identify the controlled variable
(c) How is the manipulated variable adjusted?
(d) Name one important disturbance (it must change with respect to time).
7. Two flow control loops are shown in Fig. Indicate whether each system is either
feedback or a feedforward control system. Justify your answer. It can be assumed
that the distance between the flow transmitter (FT) and the control valve is quite
small in each system
*Dr. Mostafa Elsayed
Industrial
process
control &
Automation
8. In Figure (d), identify the controlled, manipulated, and disturbance variables (there
may be more than one of each type). How does the length of time for the dialysis
treatment affect the waste concentration?
*Dr. Mostafa Elsayed