Objective: Design a controller for the TCLab with a process diagram and feedback control block diagram.

Every control loop has three essential elements including a sensor, actuator, and controller. The TCLab has three actuators (Heater Q1, Heater Q2, and LED), two sensors (Temperature T1, Temperature T1), and a controller that can be built in Python or MATLAB/Simulink through a serial connection to the Arduino.

Part I, Process Diagram: Augment the schematic diagram above to indicate the temperature transmitter and temperature controller for a potential control loop where T1 is regulated to a setpoint. Show a potential measured disturbance variable.

Part II, Block Diagram: Block diagrams show the blocks of a control system. A feedback control system consists of a sensor, actuator and controller that are connected with information flowing in a loop. The loop is created with the sensor providing information to the controller. The controller changes the controller output that then changes the process. The process is measured again and the cycle repeats.

Block diagrams are different than a process diagram in that it is a diagram of the flow of information, not necessarily how the pieces of equipment are physically placed. For the TCLab, fill in descriptions of the blocks and label the signals (lines between the blocks). Include a potential measured or unmeasured disturbance.

Solution

Below is a start to the diagram but without the disturbance information.

Generative AI Learning

Use these prompts to test your understanding after completing the exercise. Direct the AI - do not let it do the exercise for you.

App: Explore the loop interactively with the TCLab Control Studio - run the digital twin in manual mode, watch how the heater (MV) drives the temperature (CV), and identify each block-diagram element in the app interface.

What to Turn In

Submit a short report (PDF, 1-2 pages) that curates your results into a demonstration of what you learned. You may use Generative AI to help write the report, but you must guide it to the correct visualizations, justifications, and assumptions. Answer these questions:

1. Include your labeled process diagram and block diagram for the TCLab with CV, MV, DV, and units on every signal.
2. List two realistic disturbances for the TCLab and where each enters the block diagram.
3. From the app: what did you observe about the open-loop (manual) response that a good controller must overcome?
4. From the AI diagram review: one correction it suggested, and whether you accepted it (with justification).