Oven controller block diagram, transfer function and temperature calcs

In summary, the transfer function of the system shown in Figure 5 is a function of the system parameters k1, k2, kO, and kt. The gain of the voltage amplifier, K2, is fixed. The oven temperature is determined when the potentiometer is at its midpoint.
  • #1
Anfo
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Homework Statement
Anyone able to help a bit? I have drawn the block diagram but don't think it's quite right.
Relevant Equations
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FIGURE 5 shows an electrically heated oven and its associated control
circuitry. The current, I, to the oven's heating element is fed from a
voltage-controlled power amplifier such that I = EK1. A voltage, VD, derived
from a potentiometer, sets the desired oven temperature, TD. The oven
temperature is measured using a thermocouple that, for simplicity, is
assumed to generate a constant emf of 10 uV per degree Celsius. The effect
of the ambient temperature is ignored.
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(a) Represent the arrangement by a conventional control-system block diagram. Identify the following elements in the block diagram: input; error detector (comparator); controller; controlled element; detecting element and feedback loop. (b) Derive an expression for the transfer function of the system, in terms of the system parameters k1, k2, kO and kt. (c) Using the data given in TABLE A, calculate the oven temperature when the potentiometer is at its mid-point.

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  • #2
Also, I'm a bit confused as to where K2 will be. The power amp is K1 and the oven is Ko?
 
  • #3
Anfo said:
Homework Statement: Anyone able to help a bit? I have drawn the block diagram but don't think it's quite right.
Can you upload your attempt at a solution?
 
  • #4
cnh1995 said:
Can you upload your attempt at a solution?
I believe the block diagram in post #1 is the attempt so far.
 
  • #5
K2 is the gain of your amplifier. It seems to be fixed.
 
  • #6
Mark44 said:
I believe the block diagram in post #1 is the attempt so far.
Anfo said:
FIGURE 5 shows an electrically heated oven and its associated control
circuitry.
I think the diagram is provided along with the problem statement and the OP is asked to develop its control-system block diagram from this.
 
  • #7
I have drawn the block diagram
Can you post your attempt ?
 
  • #8
block diagram.jpg
 
  • #9
I am new to this subject and a bit confused as to where the output will sit. Is that Ko?
 
  • #10
Needless to say I need to get this part right to be able to work out the transfer function expression. Apologies if a stupid question but any help or guidance will be much appreciated!
 
  • #11
Anfo said:
I am new to this subject and a bit confused as to where the output will sit. Is that Ko?
I only see a lower case ##k_0## in this exercise, and it is a fixed parameter (6.9 ##^\circ C/A##).
I would expect the oven temperature is a good candidate for the quantity that is to be controlled.

In your picture:
  • The heating element converts a current into a temperature. There is no ##k_t## there (and no ##K_t## either)
  • I miss
    • In the feedback path: the thermocouple
Next step: write out the transfer function

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  • #12
I see what you mean, so I would need to add another block in the feedback path for the thermocouple. The small signal will then be amplified by the voltage amplifier.

I have started to put the transfer function together but am a bit unsure.

E = Vd - Vm
but Vm = k2 x Vt
so E = Vd - (k2 * Vt)
but Vt = kt * To
so E = Vd -(k2 * kt * To)

We know the potentiometer is at midpoint so Vd = 6V

Plugging known values into the above equation I get the oven temp To = 208.33degC?

Does that sound right?
 
  • #13
Where is k1 ?
 
  • #14
From this:

E = Vd - Vm
but Vm = k2 x Vt
so E = Vd - (k2 * Vt)
but Vt = kt * To
so E = Vd -(k2 * kt * To)

I have substituted further to:
To = ko * I
so E = Vd - (k2 * kt * ko * I)
and I = E * k1
so final transfer function is E = Vd - (k2 * kt * ko * E * k1)

I have worked out E to be = 1 and I = 6A
Plugging in all the known values gives an answer of To = 208.33degC

I am not sure if this is right and was purely messing around with substituting into E = Vd - Vm.

I'd appreciate any comments!
 
  • #15
Anfo said:
so final transfer function is E = Vd - (k2 * kt * ko * E * k1)
You have E on the righthand side AND on the lefthand side. More work is needed !

I would expect the transfer function to express ##T_0## as a function of ##V_D## !

[edit] Furthermore: 6 A times ##k_0## is 41 degrees, not 208 !!!

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  • #16
This is the bit where I got stuck. E is again on the right because To = ko * I and I = E * k1

Maybe I'm taking the substitution level too far?
 
  • #17
No, not far enough ! It's important, so I will spell it out: Write ##T_0## as a function of ##V_D##. If it contains a term with ##V_M## (and it does...), write that as a function of ##T_0## . Then bring all terms with ##T_0## to the left.

Standard procedure with feedback loops. :smile:

[edit]

And with operational amplifiers too. Very useful, so let me explain (from control engineering 101, 50 years ago :wink: ) :

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Under condition of linearity: going straight from x to y:$$\begin {align*} y &= F(x-z) = F(x)-F(z) \\ \ \\ z & = G(y) \\ \ \\
y&=F(x) - FG(y) \\ \ \\ (1+FG)\;y &= F(x) \\ \ \\ y &= {F\over 1+FG}\ x \end {align*}$$

##{F\over 1+FG} ## is the transfer function. As you can see, trouble breaks out when ##FG=-1## ...

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Last edited:
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  • #18
It makes total sense now! Actually so simple really but if you don't know then you don't know.
Brilliant, thanks so much. I will play with this now and see what results I get for the oven temperature.
 
  • #19
Anfo said:
been a bit busy with work and not much time to get back to studying.

Calculated the oven temperature to 124 degC. Do you think this is right?
It's your result, so you 'll have to convince yourself that it's correct !

Personally, I liked the expression ##\displaystyle{T=V_D\,{ k_1 k_0\over 1+k_1 k_0 k_t k_2}}## much better than the numerical outcome: You can check the dimensions (to check the line of thought) and estimate the order of magnitude of the result (to check the calculator work).

But if I would have found something different, this post wouldn't have been as it is now :smile:

[edit] although there is the small matter of properly rounding off ...

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  • #20
Question: Was the function as given above derived from the block diagram in post#8 ?
If yes - it is wrong!
 
  • #21
No. Read some more before posting....

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  • #22
Anybody know how to Derive an expression for the transfer function of this question?? I have seen the answers above but still dont understand. Any ideas??
 
  • #23
#17 and #19 should give you a clue!
If they don't: why not?

Grafter said:
Anybody know how to Derive an expression for the transfer function of this question?? I have seen the answers above but still dont understand. Any ideas??
Hard to help if we don't know where or why you get stuck.
What is your approach/reasoning ?

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  • #24
Sorry I am not electronically biased... I have the following, E = Vd-Vm, I = Ek1, To = k0I, Vt= ktTo, Vm = k2Vt
Any help would be greatly appreciated
 
  • #25
Grafter said:
I have the following
Copying the problem statement wasn't what I had in mind ...

Grafter said:
I am not electronically biased...
No need to apologize for that :wink:. But the exercise really is aimed at a pretty broad audience (like those who cook a goose or a turkey at some point in their life).

Seriously: what about the hints in #11 and #15 ?

[edit] And I pointed out #17 and #19 to you; what did you pick up from those ?

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FAQ: Oven controller block diagram, transfer function and temperature calcs

What is an oven controller block diagram?

An oven controller block diagram is a schematic representation of the components and their interactions within an oven control system. It typically includes the temperature sensor, controller (such as a PID controller), actuator (like a heating element), and the oven chamber. The diagram shows how these components are interconnected and how signals flow between them to maintain the desired temperature.

What is the transfer function of an oven controller?

The transfer function of an oven controller is a mathematical representation that describes the relationship between the input signal (desired temperature) and the output signal (actual temperature) of the oven system. It is usually expressed in the Laplace domain and can be derived from the system's differential equations. The transfer function helps in analyzing the dynamic behavior and stability of the control system.

How do you calculate the temperature in an oven control system?

To calculate the temperature in an oven control system, you typically use the feedback from a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or RTD. The sensor provides a signal that is compared to the setpoint (desired temperature). The controller processes this error signal and adjusts the actuator (heating element) accordingly. The temperature is then calculated based on the sensor's output and the system's response characteristics, often using the transfer function for precise control.

What role does a PID controller play in an oven control system?

A PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller plays a crucial role in an oven control system by continuously adjusting the heating element to maintain the desired temperature. The PID controller uses three parameters: proportional (P), integral (I), and derivative (D) to correct the error between the setpoint and the actual temperature. The proportional term adjusts the output based on the current error, the integral term accounts for past errors, and the derivative term predicts future errors, ensuring stable and accurate temperature control.

Why is it important to understand the block diagram and transfer function in oven temperature control?

Understanding the block diagram and transfer function in oven temperature control is important because it provides insights into how the system components interact and how the system responds to changes. This knowledge is essential for designing effective control strategies, tuning the controller parameters, and ensuring the system operates efficiently and stably. It also helps in diagnosing issues and optimizing the performance of the oven control system.

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