Into To Control Systems (140104a) Flashcards
Actual spring range
The change in the applied signal that operated the controlled device while under actual conditions. In addition to the normal spring range, an actual spring range must overcome forced such as fluid flow and friction.
Ambient temperature
Temperature of the surrounding environment.
Amplifier
A device that receives an input input signal from an independent source and delivers an output signal that is related to and generally greater than the input signal.
Analog
A control action that is continuously variable. A damper must move from closed to open through all intermediary positions, rather than being instantly open.
Anticipating control
In order to produce a smaller differential of the controlled property, artificial means activate this type of control earlier than it would otherwise activate. Heat and cool anticipators are common in thermostats
Aquastat
A thermostat that controls water temperature.
Averaging element
A thermostat sensing element that responds to the average duct temperatures.
Bimetal element
A metal element that forms from two metals that have different coefficients of thermal expansion. In this element you find temperature indicating and controlling devices, among others.
Bulb
A remote thermostat sensing element that responds to the temperature in the immediate vicinity of the bulb.
Capillary tube
A tube with a small internal diameter that functions as a liquid refrigerant flow control or expansion device between high and low sides. A capillary tube also transmitted pressure from the sensing bulb of some temperature controls of the operating element.
Closed-loop system
The arrangement of components ( such as a heating unit, valve and thermostat) where each component affects the others and can react accordingly in order to allow system feedback.
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion
The change in length of a substance per degree change in temperature at a constant pressure (linear expansivity)
Control agent
The energy that the control system manipulates to cause a change in the controlled medium
Control point
The actual valve of the controlled variable that the controller maintains at any given time. That is, the actual temperature that you measure in the space (such as a room)
Control system
The configuration of equipment that permits the management of a variable.
Controlled device
The instrument that receives the controller’s output signal and regulates the flow of the control agent.
Controlled medium
The substance (usually air, water or steam) who’s characteristics (such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, volume and concentration) the addition or removal of energy varies
Controlled variable
The quantity or condition of the controlled medium that the main controller, such as a thermostat, measures and controls.
Controller
A device that senses and measures changes in the controlled variable. As a result, it meters energy in a usable form (output signal) that holds the controlled variable within predetermined limits
Controller feedback
The signal that represents a change in a measured variable, which a sensor transmits back to a controller for evaluation. Feedback signals are either analog or digital. Changes between the controlled variable and the setpoint initiate corrective actions.
Corrective action
A control operation that results from a deviation in a measured variable
Cycle
One complete revolution or execution through a repeatable process.
Damper
A movable plate with a vessel or chamber that starts, stops, or varies the volume of air entering, leaving, or passing through that vessel or chamber.
Damper linkage
Linkage that connects the motor to the damper. It usually consists of a push rod, two crank arms and two ball joints.