Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Developing Models and Understanding Their Limitations

Abstract

Students often do not appreciate the difference between the model of a system and a real system. Typical homework problems often have students apply control strategies on systems (plants) that have been given to them in the problem statement. Utilizing our Education Control Products (ECP) systems, as well as Matlab’s Simulink, we developed a sequence of laboratories to emphasize the difference between the model of a system and a real system in our undergraduate controls classes. In the initial labs the students determine models for the different plants they will be utilizing. These models are created using specialized Simulink blocks we developed that drive the ECP systems. The goal of these early labs is actually to develop a model of the plant to replace the Simulink hardware drivers. Subsequently, controllers and/or observers are designed to meet design specifications utilizing these system models. Then the students replace their model of the plant with the hardware driver (Simulink block) for the ECP system. These Simulink systems, with the student designed controllers/observers, are used to run the real ECP systems. Finally, the students compare the predicted response (utilizing their model) with the actual response of the real system. Our assessments of the students indicate that after the course the students have a better understanding that the response of the model will only approximate that of the real system.

Introduction

Students often do not appreciate the difference between the model of a system and a real system. Typical homework problems often have students apply control strategies on systems (plants) that have been given to them in the problem statement. However, this often leaves the students with the belief that the system models in these assignments are exact, and easily obtainable. Utilizing our Education Control Products (ECP) systems, as well as Matlab’s Simulink, we developed a sequence of laboratories to emphasize the difference between the model of a system and a real system in our undergraduate controls classes.

All of the electrical engineering students at Rose-Hulman are required to take ECE-320: Linear Control Systems. This is a junior level class offered in the first and third quarter each year. The current prerequisites for the class are ES-205: Analysis and Design of Engineering Systems and ECE-200 Circuits and Systems. There are usually 25-30 students in the class each quarter. The students work in groups of two in the labs. We have fifteen lab stations, and have eleven ECP model 210 rectilinear systems and eleven ECP model 205 torsional systems (some stations have both systems). Each of these ECP systems is connected to a computer through a breakout box, and the ECP systems are controlled via Simulink on the computer. The Simulink programs utilize Matlab’s Real-Time Workshop and Real-Time Window Target, and Microsoft’s C++

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Throne, R. (2006, June), Developing Models And An Understanding Of Their Limitations Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--664