Coupled tanks laboratory for teaching multivariable control concepts

Katherine Perez, Hector Vargas, Cristian Castro, Jesus Chacon, Luis De La Torre

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

This work aims to be a valuable tool for teachers involved in the field of automatic control, especially for those who teach multivariable control systems. In this context, the study of coupling degree of variables is the first step to follow in the way to design a multivariable controller. However, didactical setups which are used in the control labs to conduct multivariable control experiences usually have not a flexible structure to study the effect of different coupling degrees between variables. In this way, this paper presents the design and construction of a two coupled tanks system (MIMO) at laboratory scale which was designed and built by means of open-loop simulation tests and a variables interaction analysis. This platform has the peculiarity of having a manual valve that couples both tanks, which can be driven to modify the variables interaction degree in the process, according its opening level. By using this laboratory, students can identify and face the effects of coupling on a real water tank plant, by analyzing and applying different multivariable control strategies according the interaction degree of variables in the process.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIEEE ICA-ACCA 2018 - IEEE International Conference on Automation/23rd Congress of the Chilean Association of Automatic Control
Subtitle of host publicationTowards an Industry 4.0 - Proceedings
EditorsCristian Duran-Faundez, Gaston Lefranc, Mario Fernandez-Fernandez, Carlos Munoz, Ernesto Rubio
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781538655863
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Jul 2018
EventIEEE International Conference on Automation/23rd Congress of the Chilean Association of Automatic Control: Towards an Industry 4.0, ICA-ACCA 2018 - Greater Concepcion, Chile
Duration: 17 Oct 201819 Oct 2018

Publication series

NameIEEE ICA-ACCA 2018 - IEEE International Conference on Automation/23rd Congress of the Chilean Association of Automatic Control: Towards an Industry 4.0 - Proceedings

Conference

ConferenceIEEE International Conference on Automation/23rd Congress of the Chilean Association of Automatic Control: Towards an Industry 4.0, ICA-ACCA 2018
Country/TerritoryChile
CityGreater Concepcion
Period17/10/1819/10/18

Keywords

  • Control education
  • MIMO systems
  • coupling
  • hands-on laboratory
  • multivariable control
  • variable interaction

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