Control Systems: Applications

Everyday applications of electrical engineering, driven by control systems, are prevalent in cars, electric furnaces, and space shuttles.

In a car's control system, the steering wheel's direction and accelerator pressure act as inputs. These influence the outputs, which are the vehicle's speed and heading.

This example represents a multivariable system with multiple independent inputs and outputs. Yet, in some systems, these controls can be interconnected.

The temperature control system of an electric furnace serves as another example. Here, the furnace's temperature is measured by a thermometer, an analog device.

The analog reading is digitized, compared to the preset temperature. If a discrepancy is found, the controller adjusts the furnace temperature accordingly.

For space shuttles, control systems receive inputs like position and velocity. These are processed to adjust the orbit and ensure precise vehicle functions.

Internally, these systems take parameters like temperature and pressure as inputs. The data is processed to output commands managing the fuel-cell power plant's operation and maintaining a stable environment within the shuttle.