adminCONTROL SYSTEM
A control system is a system comprising of devices and algorithms that command, monitor so as to regulate and control the behavior of the system. A control system uses input variables to manipulate the control system in achieving a desired output objective.
There are several types of control systems and they are; open lop, closed loop, linear, non-linear, digital, adaptive, optimal, fuzzy, predictive control (MPC) systems among many others.
Open loop control systems do not use feedback to control the output.
Closed loop control system use feedback to control the output.
Linear control systems are systems that have a linear relationship between the input and output.
Non-linear control systems have a non-linear relationship between the input and out.
Digital control systems use digital signals as input to control the output.
Adaptive control systems adjust their parameters in real time to adapt to changing conditions.
Optimal control systems seek to optimize a performance criterion such as minimizing or maximizing an objective variable.
Fuzzy control systems use fuzzy logic to make control decision relating to the desired output.
Predictive control systems use models to predict future behavior and optimize control actions.
Robust control systems are designed to maintain stability and performance despite uncertainty or disturbance.
Neural control systems use artificial neural networks to learn and adapt to changing conditions.
Model predictive control systems use mathematical models to predict the future behavior and optimize control actions.
The advantages of control systems are; control system can maintain precise control over processes, reducing errors and improving overall performance thereby reducing waste and improving productivity. Control systems can detect threats and are easily configured or updated to accommodate and respond to changing requirements. Control system can operate independently, providing valuable insights regarding the various data inputs thus enabling informed decision and control. Control systems can automate tasks reducing labor cost and improving efficiency.
The disadvantages of control systems are; control systems can be quite complex, difficult to design, implement, maintain and are very expensive. Control systems are entirely dependent on sensors and actuators for both input and output data, that failure or inaccuracy or data breeches from these components may lead to disastrous consequences. Control systems require enormous and reliable power supply to function effectively and be inflexible and affected human error that may occur during configuration, calibration and programming.
Control systems find applications in the following; industrial automation to control machine processes, power system for effective power generation and transmission, transportation systems such as traffic, light management, autonomous vehicles and aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime vessels control. Control systems are used in medical devices such as insulin pumps and pacemaker and a variety of other health care devices and management systems. Control systems are used in building automation such as HVAC, lighting, vertical transportation and security systems. Control systems are employed to control navigation, communication and robotic systems.
The future of control systems is predicated on the advances and development in the following technologies; artificial intelligence, internet of things, autonomous systems, cyber-physical systems, advanced materials and advanced human machine interface.
SOURCES:
- Modern control systems by Richard C. Dorf and Robert H. Bishop.
- Control system engineering by Norman S. Nise.
- Feedback control of dynamic systems by Gene F. Franklin, J.David Powell and Abbas Emami-Naeini.
- Industrial control systems: A practical approach by B. Wayne Bequette.
- Robotics, vision and sensing control and perception by Peter Corke.
