Crisdenmar S.

dela Cruz
Mechanical Engineering Department
Bulacan State University
City of Malolos, Bulacan
BSME-4A
Open-loop and Close-loop Control Systems

Open Loop Control System

A. System Description

Clothes dryers, commonly known as tumble dryers, are indispensable powered

household appliances designed to expel moisture from freshly washed clothing, bedding, and
textiles. This process occurs shortly after these items emerge from the washing machine,
creating a seamless transition in the laundry routine. At the heart of many dryers lies a rotating
drum, aptly named a "tumbler," which orchestrates a ballet of heated air, circulating and
evaporating moisture. Simultaneously, the tumbler rotates to maintain an essential air space
between the textile particles, ensuring uniform drying.

While conventional dryers have long reigned supreme in the realm of laundry
appliances, spin dryers have emerged as a disruptive force, challenging the status quo. These
energy-efficient wonders adopt a different modus operandi, relying on centrifugal force rather
than heat to extract water from clothing. Notably smaller than their conventional counterparts,
spin dryers eschew the use of heat, making them a green, eco-conscious choice for the
discerning user. By harnessing centrifugal force, spin dryers spin garments at a remarkable
3200 revolutions per minute (RPM) for a mere two to three minutes, achieving water removal
comparable to a conventional dryer toiling for a substantial 25 to 35 minutes.

Spin dryers do not leave garments perfectly dry; instead, they leave them tantalizingly
close to dryness. To achieve the ultimate state of dryness, users can opt for a conventional heat
or tumble dryer. Alternatively, the environmentally minded can hang their garments for air drying,
reducing electricity and natural gas consumption, and embracing a greener laundry routine

Beyond their impressive efficiency, spin dryers boast gentleness as a defining attribute.
Some proponents argue that using a spin dryer can actually extend the lifespan of clothing.
Manufacturers go even further, asserting that spin dryers excel in the removal of detergent and
soap residue, resulting in cleaner and fresher garments. Their compact and mobile nature,
standing at around two feet tall, renders them suitable for storage in small apartments where
space is a luxury.

Spin dryers shine in terms of capacity. The absence of the need for air circulation allows
users to pack them more densely, saving valuable time as larger loads of laundry can be
washed and dried in a single cycle. However, it's worth noting that some users have reported a
drawback - the noise generated by spin dryers. Additionally, they can become unbalanced if not
loaded with care. Fortunately, these issues are short-lived, given that spin dryers typically run for
only a few minutes, rendering the noise and imbalance bearable for most users.
 Crisdenmar S. dela Cruz
Mechanical Engineering Department
Bulacan State University
City of Malolos, Bulacan
BSME-4A
B. Images of the System

C. Block Diagram and its Explanation

In an open-loop system, the control action is initiated and determined by an operator or

external input without any feedback mechanism to adjust the process. In the case of a spin
dryer, the operator sets the drying time manually without any means for the machine to assess
the actual moisture level in the clothes.

An open-loop system lacks a feedback loop where the output is compared to a reference
input to make adjustments. In this scenario, the spin dryer's operation is solely based on the
 Crisdenmar S. dela Cruz
Mechanical Engineering Department
Bulacan State University
City of Malolos, Bulacan
BSME-4A
timer set by the operator. There is no mechanism to check whether the clothes are actually dry
or if the drying process needs more time.

D. Personal Learnings, Experiences, Conclusions

From my experience, I've gained valuable insights into the concept of control systems,
particularly in the context of open-loop systems. Control systems are fundamental to many
modern devices and technologies, from everyday appliances like dryers, washing machines to
complex systems like traffic lights and rocket launchers.

I've learned that control systems can be categorized into two main types: open-loop and
closed-loop. Open-loop control systems, also known as non-feedback control systems, do not
incorporate a feedback mechanism. This means that the output signal does not influence how
the system operates; it simply follows the input commands without making adjustments based
on the actual outcome.

One significant limitation of open-loop control systems, as I've come to understand, is

their vulnerability to disturbances. Since they don't have a feedback loop to detect and respond
to changes or unexpected events, they may struggle to perform their intended tasks effectively
when external factors come into play.

In summary, my experience has provided me with a clearer understanding of control

systems, particularly the characteristics and limitations of open-loop systems. These insights are
relevant not only in theoretical discussions but also in practical applications where control
systems play a crucial role in ensuring desired outcomes.

Closed Loop Control System

A. System Description

Temperature control is a critical aspect of industrial processes, ensuring the consistent

and precise management of process fluids. To achieve this level of control, closed-loop
temperature control systems are employed, allowing for both heating and cooling operations.

At the heart of the system are temperature controllers, sophisticated devices designed to
maintain precise temperature levels in process fluids. These controllers have the capacity to
operate in both heating and cooling modes, offering flexibility in temperature regulation. In
heating mode, electric resistances generate heat, while in cooling mode, external cooling
systems supply the necessary cooling medium.

Central to the closed-loop system's functionality is the comparison between the

temperature signal and the desired temperature, known as the setpoint. This critical step
determines the necessary adjustments to maintain temperature stability.
 Crisdenmar S. dela Cruz
Mechanical Engineering Department
Bulacan State University
City of Malolos, Bulacan
BSME-4A
Acting as the executive arm of the system, the final control device interprets the
comparison results and initiates the required actions. It is responsible for altering the
manipulated variable to either add or extract heat from the process fluid, thereby achieving the
desired temperature.

B. Image of the System

C. Block Diagram and Its Explanation

The temperature controller’s primary function is to maintain a constant and consistent

temperature. These systems are frequently employed to deliver water at a steady temperature,
often on the hot side of the spectrum. The reliability of this temperature delivery is paramount in
processes where fluctuations could compromise product quality or process integrity.
 Crisdenmar S. dela Cruz
Mechanical Engineering Department
Bulacan State University
City of Malolos, Bulacan
BSME-4A
Closed-loop temperature control systems achieve their objectives through a combination
of steady flow rates and the integration of steam. These systems ensure that water flows
consistently from a single output, allowing for predictability and control. Internal steam,
introduced through a valve, is skillfully blended with the water to achieve and maintain a
predetermined temperature.

A pivotal component of closed-loop temperature control systems is the feedback device

known as a pressure thermometer. This unassuming yet critical instrument plays a central role
in the system's ability to regulate temperature accurately. When the system receives a reference
input, the valve is promptly activated, generating a control signal that dictates the amount of
steam to be introduced.

The essence of closed-loop temperature control lies in its feedback loop. As the
combined steam and water exit the system's outlet, the pressure thermometer diligently
measures the water's temperature. This temperature is then compared to the reference input
(the desired temperature). If these two values align perfectly, indicating that the desired
temperature has been achieved, the system maintains the status quo, and the flow of steam is
halted.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable features of closed-loop temperature control

systems is their ability to sustain precise temperature control indefinitely. This characteristic is
pivotal in processes where consistency and reliability are non-negotiable.

D. Personal Learnings, Experience, Conclusion

One of the key takeaways from this experience is the distinction between open-loop and
closed-loop control systems. Open-loop systems operate without feedback, while closed-loop
systems rely on feedback to make real-time adjustments. This distinction became clear as I
delved into the inner workings of these control systems.

In particular, the concept of a closed-loop control system left a lasting impression on me.
Here, the control action hinges on the desired output signal. The interplay between the input,
feedback, and error detector was particularly intriguing. The feedback signal, which is a
snapshot of the system's output, is compared to the input, creating an error signal that
represents the difference between the two.

The role of the controller in processing this error signal and generating an actuation
signal to regulate the plant or processing system was a revelation. It's remarkable how these
closed-loop control systems autonomously modify their inputs to achieve the desired outputs.
This inherent adaptability ensures that the system can respond to changing conditions and
maintain the desired level of control.
 Crisdenmar S. dela Cruz
Mechanical Engineering Department
Bulacan State University
City of Malolos, Bulacan
BSME-4A
References:

Spin Dryer Reviews: The best of 2023. (2023). Help With the Washing.
https://helpwiththewashing.co.uk/tips/drying-ironing/spin-dryer-reviews/

Ashlin. (2020). What is a temperature controller and what is the need for a temperature
controller? Instrumentation and Control Engineering.
https://automationforum.co/what-is-a-temperature-controller-and-what-is-the-need-for-a-temperature-cont
roller/