Control engineering - load variation

[hanson]

Hi all!
I started my first control engineering course this semester. There are some terms that confused me.
I am now learning closed-loop systems. And the lecturer was discussing the reduced sensiticity to process disturbance and load variation of a closed-loop system when compared to a open-loop system.
But I am confused by the terms "load variation" and "process disturbance"...
Basically, what is a "load"? I was dealing with some input signal and output signal, and what role a "load" plays in a system?
To childish me, "load" is something that a system need to bare or withstand...

Please help.

 

[FredGarvin]

In most cases I can think of, LOAD = DEMAND. You should be developing a system based on the demand of something that needs to be supplied.

For example, if you are describing a system that delivers a certain amount of airflow for a number of air tools at a workshop, the load will be how many tools are operating and what their demand for air is.

Process disturbance in this case would be users turning on and off tools to cause fluctuations in the demand or the supply of air changing for some reason.

 

[ravenprp]

Hi there,

Congratulations on starting your first control engineering course! It's totally normal to feel confused by new terms and concepts, so don't worry too much. Let me try to explain the concept of load variation and process disturbance in control engineering.

In control systems, a load refers to any external force or demand that the system needs to respond to. This can include changes in the input signal, changes in the environment, or changes in the system itself. For example, in a heating system, the load could be the changing temperature outside that the system needs to adjust to in order to maintain a constant temperature inside.

Load variation refers to the changes in the load that the system needs to respond to. This could be a sudden increase or decrease in the demand, or a gradual change over time. In contrast, process disturbance refers to any unexpected or random changes in the system that can affect its performance.

Now, in a closed-loop system, the system is constantly monitoring its output and adjusting its input to maintain a desired output. This means that it is able to respond to load variations and process disturbances and still maintain its desired output. In an open-loop system, the input is not adjusted based on the output, so it is more susceptible to load variations and process disturbances.

I hope this helps clarify the concept of load variation and process disturbance in control engineering. Keep learning and asking questions, and you'll soon have a better understanding of these terms and their role in control systems. Good luck with your course!