The device is designed for real-time testing of control algorithms such as On-Off, Hysteresis, and industrial PID controllers to accurately regulate thermal processes. It is equipped with standalone software for easy control and monitoring, featuring a compact, modular, and durable design — ideal for control laboratories.
Students will first study classical control concepts theoretically and use academic platforms like MATLAB to build data-driven models. With the integrated data acquisition system provided by the device, students can collect real-time process data, develop control models, and apply PID design techniques based on these models. Methods such as Cohen-Coon tuning can be implemented and tested directly on the physical system, allowing students to validate their designs through real-time experimentation.
The standalone software developed by SHEAN LAB acquires real-time temperature data at 10 Hz, allowing students to download datasets for data-driven modeling with MATLAB’s System Identification Toolbox. It supports manual heating and cooling control for system resetting, real-time temperature visualization from multiple chamber points, and offers control modes for Manual, On-Off, Hysteresis, and PID. Fast system response enables efficient real-time tuning and experimentation.