MIDTERM 1 Marking Scheme

EBT 303 (PROCESS CONTROL)

Question 1
(a)
Draw the block diagram with a feedback control system in Figure 1. Which component is
the brain of the temperature control system and Why?
[20 Marks]
Disturbance
Desired
temperature
Thermostat

Hot water tank

heating process

Fuel
Valve

Actual
temperature

Indicated
temperature
Thermocouple
(15 marks)
The thermostat is the brain of the temperature control system. It is because thermostat was act as
the controller in this system and the output from the controller (thermostat) will send to the valve
to take action either full open or full closed. (5 marks)

(b)

Describe the (i) controlled variables; (ii) manipulated variables; and (iii) disturbance
variables involved in the above temperature control system.
[10 Marks]

(i) Controlled variables = temperature of the hot water tank

(ii) Manipulated variables = fuel flow to burner/ electrical input to the heater
(iii) Disturbance variables = heat losses/ hot water demand ( (10 marks)

(c )

Explain what is feedback control system and feedforward control system and give
suitable examples. Differentiate between feedback and feedforward control system.
[20 Marks]

Feedback control system - The measured value of the controlled variable is fed back to the
controller. Control system compares the output with the expected result, then it takes appropriate
control actions to adjust the input signal. (5 marks)
Feedforward control system The measured value of the controlled variable is not fed back to
the controller. Utilizes an actuating device to control the process directly without using any
feedback . The input and output of feedforward control system are unrelated. (5 marks)

feedforward control system

Feedback control system

1. The system components are simple

1. The system components are more complex

2. Require precise design of the controller

2. Controller design is simple

3. Require a dedicated controller

3. General controller may be used

4. Sensitive to disturbances

4. Not sensitive to disturbances

5. The system is always stable

5. Stability problem needs to be tackled

6. Control action usually based on time or cycle

6. Control action is based on error signal

(any 5 answer from this table = 10 marks) * 1 answer = 2 marks