Incubator system identification and temperature control with PLC & HMI

This paper deals with a design and implementation of an incubator temperature control system. This system is composed of the incubator, a PLC-based PID controller, HMI (human-machine interface), DC dimmer as actuator and an NTC temperature sensor. A mathematical model of the incubator system with appropriate sensor and drives is derived through identification process based on step responses. Its model is implemented in Simulink program package. The parameters of the PID controller have been adjusted by using a self-tuning toolbox under Matlab/Simulink. The whole control system is realized in both simulation and experimental modes. The robustness and effectiveness of the proposed control system are demonstrated through comparison of simulation and experimental results.