Energy and control systems (3)
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1.
Question 3
A student is designing a system to automatically control the speed of a DC motor. They are considering using a feedback control system. Explain how a suitable feedback control system could be designed to maintain a constant motor speed, considering the key components and the role of each in achieving this objective. Include a simple block diagram.
To control the speed of a DC motor using a feedback control system, we need to measure the motor's speed, compare it to a desired speed (setpoint), and adjust the motor's power input to minimize the difference (error). Here's a design and a block diagram:
Block Diagram:
+-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+
| Setpoint |------>| Comparator |------>| Controller |------>| DC Motor |
| (Desired Speed) | | (Error Detection)| | (Control Logic) | | |
+-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+
^ |
| |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|
| Feedback (Actual Motor Speed)
|
+-----------------+
| Speed Sensor |
+-----------------+
Components and their roles:
- Setpoint (Desired Speed): This is the target speed the system aims to maintain. It could be set manually or determined by a higher-level control system.
- Speed Sensor: A sensor (e.g., encoder, tachometer) measures the actual speed of the DC motor. This provides the feedback signal.
- Comparator (Error Detection): The comparator compares the setpoint speed with the feedback speed from the speed sensor. It generates an error signal, which is the difference between the desired and actual speeds.
- Controller (Control Logic): The controller receives the error signal and uses a control algorithm (e.g., Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control) to determine the appropriate control action. The controller generates a control signal based on the error.
- DC Motor: The DC motor is the process variable that needs to be controlled. The control signal from the controller adjusts the motor's power input, thereby affecting its speed.
How it works: The speed sensor provides continuous feedback on the motor's speed. The comparator calculates the error. The controller uses this error to adjust the motor's power input. If the motor is running too slow, the controller increases the power. If the motor is running too fast, the controller decreases the power. This continuous feedback loop ensures that the motor speed remains close to the desired setpoint.
2.
Question 1: Assess the advantages and disadvantages of using fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal) as a primary energy source. Consider environmental, economic, and social factors in your response. (12 marks)
Fossil fuels have historically been the dominant energy source, providing a significant portion of global energy needs. However, their use presents a complex set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- High Energy Density: Fossil fuels store a large amount of energy per unit mass/volume, making them efficient for power generation and transportation.
- Established Infrastructure: A well-established global infrastructure exists for extraction, processing, and distribution of fossil fuels. This includes pipelines, refineries, and power plants.
- Relatively Low Cost (Historically): Compared to some renewable technologies, fossil fuels have often been cheaper to extract and process, leading to lower energy costs for consumers. However, this is changing with rising costs of renewables.
- Reliability: Fossil fuel power plants can provide a consistent and reliable supply of electricity, operating regardless of weather conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Environmental Impact: Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (CO2, methane) contributing significantly to climate change. Air pollution from combustion also has detrimental health effects.
- Finite Resource: Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources, meaning they will eventually be depleted. This raises concerns about long-term energy security.
- Geopolitical Issues: The uneven distribution of fossil fuel reserves can lead to geopolitical instability and conflicts.
- Extraction Risks: Extraction processes (e.g., oil drilling, coal mining) can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution.
Economic Factors: The price of fossil fuels is subject to market fluctuations, impacting energy costs for businesses and consumers. Investment in fossil fuel infrastructure can be substantial. However, the transition to renewable energy is creating new economic opportunities.
Social Factors: Access to affordable energy is crucial for social well-being. However, pollution from fossil fuels disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. Public health concerns related to air quality are also a significant social issue.
Conclusion: While fossil fuels have provided essential energy for centuries, their long-term sustainability is questionable. The environmental and social costs associated with their use necessitate a transition to renewable energy sources. However, a phased approach is needed to ensure energy security and avoid economic disruption.
3.
Question 3
Describe the working principles of a DC electric motor. Explain how the magnetic field interacts with the current-carrying conductors within the motor to produce rotational motion. Discuss the different components of a DC motor and their functions. Include a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using DC motors compared to AC motors in specific applications.
Answer: A DC electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy using the principles of electromagnetism. It operates based on the interaction between magnetic fields and electric currents.
Working Principles:
A DC motor consists of a stator (stationary part) and a rotor (rotating part). The stator creates a magnetic field, typically using permanent magnets or electromagnets. The rotor contains current-carrying conductors (usually coils of wire) arranged in a specific pattern. When a current flows through these conductors, it creates its own magnetic field. The interaction between the stator's magnetic field and the rotor's magnetic field produces a force that causes the rotor to rotate. This force is based on the principle that opposite magnetic poles attract and like poles repel.
Components and Functions:
- Stator: Provides the stationary magnetic field.
- Rotor (Armature): The rotating part containing the current-carrying coils.
- Commutator: A segmented ring that reverses the direction of current in the rotor coils at regular intervals. This ensures continuous rotation.
- Brushes: Conductors that make electrical contact with the commutator, providing the current to the rotor coils.
- Field Windings (if using electromagnets): Create the magnetic field in the stator.
DC vs. AC Motors: Advantages and Disadvantages:
Feature | DC Motor | AC Motor |
Speed Control | Easy - by varying voltage or field current | More complex - requires variable frequency drives |
Torque | High starting torque | Lower starting torque |
Applications | Applications requiring variable speed and high torque (e.g., electric vehicles, robotics) | Applications requiring constant speed and high efficiency (e.g., pumps, fans, compressors) |
Complexity | More complex due to commutator and brushes | Simpler construction |
Maintenance | Higher maintenance due to brush wear | Lower maintenance |