DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FROM LECTURE 1

1. a) Explain the operation of ordinary traffic signals which control automobile traffic at roadway
intersections.
(b) Why are they open-loop control systems?
(c) How can traffic be controlled more efficiently?
(d) Why is the system of (c) closed-loop?

2. Devise a control system to fill a container with water after it is emptied through a stopcock at the
bottom. The system must automatically shut off the water when the container is filled.

3. Devise a simple control system which automatically turns on a room lamp at dusk, and turns it
off in daylight.

4. Figure 4.1a is a schematic diagram of a liquid level control system. Here the automatic controller
maintains the liquid level by comparing the actual level with the desired level by and correcting
any error by adjusting the opening of the pneumatic valve. Figure 4.1b is a block diagram of the
control system. Draw the corresponding block diagram for human-operated liquid level control
system.

Figure 4.1a Figure 4.1b

5. A cutaway view of a commonly used pressure regulator is shown in Figure 5.1. The desired
pressure is set by turning a calibrated screw. This compresses the spring and sets up a force that
opposes the upward motion of the diaphragm. The bottom side of the diaphragm is exposed to the
water pressure that is to be controlled. Thus, the motion of the diaphragm is an indication of the
pressure difference between the desired and the actual pressures. It acts like a comparator. The
valve is connected to the diaphragm and moves according to the pressure difference until it
reaches a position in which the difference is zero. Sketch a block diagram showing the control
system with the output pressure as the regulated variable.

Figure 5.1