FEATURES
An aerodynamic plant ... with some interesting dynamics
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FEATURES |
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The apparatus is actually a resonant aerodynamic object: the control objective is the angular orientation of a hinged rectangular plate and the control means is by blowing an air stream at the plate with a variable speed fan.
The fan is driven by a DC motor with pulse width modulation while the rotation angle of the plate is measured by means of a low-friction potentiometer. The fan and its motor is mounted on a slide; by varying the position of the fan relative to plate, the air transportation lag can be changed. Weights can be placed on the hinged plate before or during a control experiment. These weights change the dominant time constant of the system and also act as load disturbance. The air turbulence around the plate naturally provides the stochastic disturbance.
| Control input | Fan voltage: 0-5Vdc |
| Measurement | Plate angle: 0.18V per degree or 28ohm per degree |
| Power supply | Voltage: 120Vac or 240Vac @ 50/60Hz |
| Power: 50watts (max.) | |
| Operating conditions | Normal: 15-25°C @ 45-90%RH |
| Max. Limits: 5-30°C @ 30-90%RH | |
| Transportation & storage limits: 0-70°C @10-95%RH | |
| Dimensions | Size: 450mmLx280mmDx650mmH |
| Weight: 8kg (approx.) |
Specifications may subject to change without notice
This pilot plant contains rich dynamics: fan motor time constant; air transportation lag; resonant poles (plate acting as pendulum); and, high disturbance level (air turbulence). It is also easy to change the dominant time constant and deadtime of the plant, making it a versatile pilot plant for studying the effects of parameter changes. Position and velocity control, in the presence of mechanical vibrations and poor damped dynamic modes, are important in design of aerospace vehicles. Similar dynamics are also accounted in certain chemical reactors.
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The fan & plate control apparatus is reproduced under license from the National University of Singapore.
Last Updated 22 November 2006