This experimental unit provides a comprehensive experimental introduction to the fundamentals of control engineering using an example of temperature control.
All components are clearly laid out on a vertical front panel. The large-format process schematic provides an aid to understanding. The system comprises two water circuits. In the secondary circuit fresh water is heated up by a heat exchanger. The temperature at the fresh water outlet is recorded as the controlled variable by a temperature sensor. The outlet temperature of the fresh water is controlled by the flow rate of warm water in the primary circuit. The primary circuit comprises an electrically heated tank, a pump and an electromagnetic proportional valve as the actuator.
Both circuits include rotameters. The controller used is a state-of-the-art digital industrial controller. A ball valve in the secondary circuit enables defined disturbance variables to be generated. The controlled variable X and the manipulating variable Y can be tapped as analogue signals at lab jacks. This enables external recording equipment, such as a plotter or an oscilloscope, to be connected.
An instrumentation and control software (RT 650.40) with interface module (USB) is available as an accessory. This enables the key process variables to be represented, and control functions executed.
