LECTURE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO CONTROL

SYSTEM

Objectives
1. Define what is control system
2. Define, explain and understand the concept of Open and Closed
Loop system.
3. Understand how control system design process being done, as a
control engineer.

1.1 What is Control System

It is an interconnection of components forming a system
configuration that will provide a desired system response.

It is a design process that can produce an output response as

accurate as its input signal.
 Control System Definitions

Environmental
condition Disturbance, d

Input, u system Output, y

State variables, x
 -System controls can be represented by block diagram
that represent a component / process to be controlled.
-Block diagram use basic linear theory i.e. cause-effect
principle.

input
process Output
(cause)
(effect)
 Some of control system definitions

State variables – Quantity that is changing with time. It needs to be

controlled or manipulated.
- Example : Mechanical system such as temperature,
pressure, force.
In economical system such as stock index, currency
rate, GDP index.
Output variables – Quantity that have to be controlled and of interest.
- Example : engine variables of interest such as
torque, angular velocity etc.

Input variables – Reference quantity of a component / process in a

control system.
Example : water flow rate into the tank.
 EXAMPLE OF DEFINITIONS IN WATER LEVEL CONTROL
SYSTEM

sensor
qi
controller

h actuator

qo

Input Variables = href Output Variables = h

Objective of this control system is to make sure level h is the same

as href even though exist external disturbances.
 EXAMPLE OF DEFINITIONS IN WATER LEVEL CONTROL
SYSTEM

This is the block diagram of the Water Level Control System;

h
href
e controller h actuator Water
tank

sensor

Symbol “e “ represents error between h and href

Symbol “e” also act as Input Variables to the Controller and Output
Variables “u” represents Output Variables to the controller.

The output from the actuators “h” will tune up/down to control the
system as to make sure the valve “q” can make
h = href
 LECTURE 1 – CONTROL SYSTEM STRATEGY
Any design of control system can be achieve either with 2 types of
strategy that is Open Loop system or Closed Loop system

Open Loop control – This system utilizes an actuating device to

control the process directly without using feedback.
Example: Rotating disc speed control
Closed Loop control – This strategy uses a measurement of the
output and feedback of this signal to compare
it with the desired input (reference/command)
Example : Rotating disc speed control
COMPARISON BETWEEN OPEN LOOP AND CLOSED LOOP CONTROL

Open loop control Closed loop control

1. Component layout quite Component layout a bit complex

simple

2. Controller design must be Controller design is simple

accurate and efficient.

3. Use a dedicated Use ordinary on the shelf

controller controller

4. System always stable Stability problem must be

addressed

5. Controller action based Controller action based on error

on time, cycle. difference.
LECTURE 1 – CONTROL SYSTEMS DESIGN
 TUTORIAL 1 – INTRODUCTION TO CONTROL
SYSTEM, OPEN AND CLOSED LOOP SYSTEM

Question 1

governor

Hydraulic
valve

engine load
fuel
Control valve

Above is a speed regulator system . The governor acts as a sensor

and speed controller. Hydraulic valve enables small displacement
with small amount of force to move the control valve. Explain how
this system works and explain each variables, which is input and
output variables. Draw the block diagram of this system.
TUTORIAL 1 – INTRODUCTION TO CONTROL SYSTEM,
OPEN AND CLOSED LOOP SYSTEM

Question 2

Draw the basic block diagram system of an Air Conditioning System in

your home. Identify each component involves in the system . Show all
the state variables involved.

Question 3
Give two examples of Open Loop System that is categorized as
household appliances in home. Explain how does those control system
functioning?

Question 4
States the advantages and disadvantages of Open Loop System.

Question 5
States the advantages and disadvantages of Closed Loop System.
QUIZ……………….

A light seeking control system used to track the sun as shown

below. The output shaft drives by the motor through a worm
reduction gear, has a bracket attached on which are mounted
two photocells. Design the closed loop system so that the
system follows the light source.