Control system facts for kids

This diagram shows how a control system works.

A control system is like the brain of a machine or a process. It's a device or a group of devices that tells other machines or systems what to do. Think of it as a manager that gives commands to make sure everything behaves the way it should.

These commands can be set up beforehand or programmed into the system. What the system does (its output) depends on the information it receives (its input).

There are two main types of control systems. These are logic or sequential controls, and feedback or linear controls. Sometimes, a mix of these types is used.

What is a Control System?

A control system helps to manage, command, direct, or regulate how other devices or systems act. It makes sure things happen in the right way at the right time.

For example, a simple control system can help a person open and close a machine like a hydraulic press. It can also make sure that safety guards are in place before the machine moves.

How Do Control Systems Work?

Some control systems work by following a set order of steps. This is called an automatic sequential control system. It can trigger a series of mechanical parts, called actuators, to do a task in the correct order.

Imagine a machine that folds and glues cardboard boxes. It might use different electric and air-powered parts to do this. It folds the box, fills it with a product, and then seals it. This all happens automatically in the right sequence.

Types of Control Systems

Control systems can be divided into two main types based on how they use information.

Open-Loop Control Systems

An open-loop control system works in a pre-arranged way. It does not check if its actions are having the desired effect. It just follows its program.

Think of a toaster. You set it for a certain time, and it heats the bread for that time. It doesn't check if the toast is actually golden brown. It just runs for the time you set.

Closed-Loop Control Systems (Feedback)

A closed-loop control system is different. It uses something called "feedback." This means it senses the results of its actions. It then uses this information to adjust what it's doing.

A closed-loop system tries to keep a variable, like temperature, at a specific level. This level is called a setpoint or reference value. It uses sensors to measure the variable. Then, it uses control programs and actuators to make changes.

For example, if a furnace's temperature drops, the system measures it. It then increases the fuel supply to make it hotter. This helps the system adapt to changing conditions. PID controllers are a common type of control system that uses feedback.

Classes

• Open loop control system - without feedback
• Closed loop control system - with feedback

Images for kids

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  The centrifugal governor was an early way to control speed.

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  This shows a single industrial control loop, controlling how much liquid flows.

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  This animation shows how changing PID settings affects a system's response.

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  This graph shows how a system's response changes with different Ki values.

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  A control room where operators watch and manage a plant using large screens and computers.

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  This is a control panel for a hydraulic heat press machine.

See also

In Spanish: Sistema de control para niños