CONTROL SYSTEMS

Moyasar Al-Tatari

Liwa International School

Grade 8 G2
WHAT IS A CONTROL SYSTEM?
A control system is a device or set of devices to manage,
command, direct or adjust the behavior of other devices or
systems.
CONTROL SYSTEM
Control Systems are made up of software and hardware that
controls other equipment.
They can be "dedicated" systems that perform a set of pre-
programmed instructions, or computer controlled ("dynamic")
systems that react to input from sensors.
Most control systems use feedback loops to tell them how to
behave. This is when information from a sensor (e.g.
temperature sensor) is used to decide how to use an output
device (e.g. heater).
The output device will have some sort of effect on the next
reading from the sensor - e.g. switching on the heater will
raise the temperature at the temperature sensor.
ROBOTS

A robot is an automated piece of equipment designed to carry

out routine repetitive tasks.
They can usually be re-programmed to perform a number of
different tasks, for example, spraying different shaped car
parts with paint.
ROBOTS AND THEIR LEARNING
WAYS.
Robots can learn new tasks in two main ways:
The Teach-and-Learn method
A programmer writes a set of instructions, then watches the
robot follow them. The instructions are then improved if
needed.
The Learn-by-Example method
The robot is guided through the task once and produces its own
instructions.
OVERVIEW
The term "control system" may be applied to the essentially
manual controls that allow an operator to, for example, close
and open a hydraulic press, where the logic requires that it
cannot be moved unless safety guards are in place.
An automatic sequential control system may trigger a series of
mechanical actuator 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.
In the case of linear feedback systems, a control loop, including
sensors, control algorithms and actuators, is arranged in such a
fashion as to try to regulate a variable at a set point or
reference value. An example of this may increase the fuel
supply to a furnace when a measured temperature drops.
OVERVIEW CONTINUED…

 PID controllers are common and effective in cases such as

this. Control systems that include some sensing of the results
they are trying to achieve are making use of feedback and so
can, to some extent, adapt to varying circumstances. Open
loop control system do not directly make use of feedback, but
run only in pre-arranged ways.
LOGIC CONTROL

Pure logic control systems were historically implemented by

electricians with networks of relays, and designed with a
notation called ladder logic. Today, most such systems are
constructed with programmable logic devices or
microcontrollers.
Logic controllers may respond to switches, light sensors,
pressure switches etc and cause the machinery to perform
some operation. Logic systems are used to sequence
mechanical operations in many applications. Examples
include elevators, washing machines and other systems with
interrelated stop-go operations.
Logic systems are quite easy to design, and can handle very
complex operations. Some aspects of logic system design
make use of Boolean Logic.
ON–OFF CONTROL
For example, a thermostat is a simple negative feedback control: when
the temperature (the "measured variable" or MV) goes below a set
point (SP), the heater is switched on. Another example could be a
pressure switch on an air compressor: when the pressure (MV)
drops below the threshold (SP), the pump is powered. Refrigerators
and vacuum pumps contain similar mechanisms operating in
reverse, but still providing negative feedback to correct errors.
Simple on–off feedback control systems like these are cheap and
effective. In some cases, like the simple compressor example, they
may represent a good design choice.
In most applications of on-off feedback control, some consideration
needs to be given to other costs, such as wear and tear of control
valves and maybe other start-up costs when power is reapplied each
time the MV drops. Therefore, practical on–off control systems are
designed to include hysteresis , usually in the form of a dead band, a
region around the set point value in which no control action occurs.
The width of dead band may be adjustable or programmable.
ADVANTAGES OF CONTROL SYSTEM
The main advantage of control system are:
 Replacing human operators in tasks that involve hard physical or
monotonous work .
 Replacing humans in tasks that should be done in dangerous
environments (i.e. fire, space, volcanoes, nuclear facilities, underwater,
etc)
 Making tasks that are beyond the human capabilities such as handling
too heavy loads, too large objects, too hot or too cold substances or the
requirement to make things too fast or too slow.
 Economy improvement. Sometimes and some kinds of control system
implies improves in economy of enterprises, society or most of
humankind. For example, when an enterprise that has invested in
control system technology recovers its investment; when a state or
country increases its income due to control system like Germany or
Japan in the 20th Century or when the humankind can use the internet
which in turn use satellites and other automated engines.
AND DISADVANTAGES
The main disadvantages of control system are:
 Technology limits. Current technology is unable to automate
all the desired tasks.
 Unpredictable development costs. The research and
development cost of automating a process is difficult to
predict accurately beforehand. Since this cost can have a large
impact on profitability, it's possible to finish automating a
process only to discover that there's no economic advantage in
doing so.
 Initial costs are relatively high. The control system of a new
product required a huge initial investment in comparison with
the unit cost of the product, although the cost of control
system is spread in many product batches. The control system
of a plant required a great initial investment too, although this
cost is spread in the products to be produced.
APPLICATIONS
 Microwave ovens
 Traffic lights

 Air conditioner

 Remote control

 Thermostat

 Airports

 Train stations

 Bus stations