L.8 - Automatic Control

Question 1

Define Control Variable:

Answer 1

the condition which is being regulated or maintained

Question 2

Define Measured Variable:

Answer 2

the condition that yields information about the controlled variable

Question 3

Define Uncontrolled Variable:

Answer 3

any condition that can affect the controlled variable but itself is uncontrolled

Question 4

Define Manipulated Variable:

Answer 4

condition that is being adjusted to regulate or maintain the controlled variable

Question 5

Define Load Variable

Answer 5

a special type of uncontrolled variable that affects the mass or energy of a process and which the manipulated variable is directly countering

Question 6

Define Setpoint:

Answer 6

the desired condition of the controlled variable

Question 7

Define Error:

Answer 7

the difference between the desired condition and the actual condition of the measured variable

Question 8

What are the control system objectives?

Answer 8

1) minimize settling time
2) minimal peak error
3) minimal residual error

Question 9

What is transfer lag?

Answer 9

product of resistance and capacitance
- capacitance: the ability any control system component to store mass or energy
- resistance: the opposition to the flow of mass or energy by any control system component

Question 10

What is transport lag?

Answer 10

the distance/velocity lag found wherever a mass is transported over a distance (the length of time required to travel the distance)