Inexpensive apparatus for control laboratory experiments using advanced control methodologies

Deals with the relevancy of practical experiments in teaching and research activities to support undergraduate and graduate students in a practical way. Topics for teaching are: system identification aspects and analysis and design of advanced controllers. Two self-tuning advanced control algorithms are investigated: generalized predictive control (GPC) and variable structure systems (VSS). A fan-and-plate nonlinear process, implemented in a university laboratory, is used to assess the performance of the controllers. Experimental results are carried out to observe the servo and regulatory behavior and, to evaluate the features and performance of each controller.