Multimodal process control education: Experiment kits and simulation in the classroom

Piergiovanni, Polly R.; Moor, S. S.

Multimodal process control education: Experiment kits and simulation in the classroom

Abstract

Process control is a difficult subject for students to grasp. Student difficulties include
understanding how to apply what they are seeing in the classroom, how to connect it to other
material they have learned, how to design a control system and how to understand the unsteady
state nature of control problems. It can also be a difficult subject for faculty to teach particularly
for them to include both analysis and synthesis, both transfer functions and equipment.
Often separate laboratory sessions and simulation assignments are used to help students
understand the application of what they are doing and to gain an appreciation for non-steady
state operation. However these effective approaches do have limitations. The separation of the
laboratory from other content delivery can limit its ability to help students integrate all aspects of
process control. Laboratory setups are usually hard piped and do not allow students to
experience putting the control system together. Simulations can be very effective for
understanding the nature of process dynamics but lack an equipment dimension.
In response to these issues modular kits for conducting process control experiments in either lab
or classroom have been designed. A control course was developed that integrated the use of
these experimental kits, simulations, problem solving exercises and instructor content delivery.
In this setting any of the above modes of instruction can be used as appropriate to the progress of
the course.
Over the last several years the experiment kits have been developed, constructed, tested and
refined. These kits require only a computer, a power outlet and a bucket of water (and
sometimes some paper towels) in order to be used. They are modular kits using a LEGO® RCX
brick as the interface to the computer, LEGO bricks for structural components, both Lego and
custom sensors, and modular pipes and tanks where students can actually assemble the process
and the controls system. These kits are capable of multiple experiments from simple dynamics
of a sensor through cascade and multi-variable control. They can also be used for student
projects.
Multiple assessments have been used to evaluate and refine the modular kits and the multimodal
approach of this class. These assessments include observations by different instructors,
anonymous student surveys, student focus groups, and observed student problem solving
sessions. Overall the kits and the integrated approach have had a positive effect on the class.
Students and instructors have both enjoyed using the modular kits. Student groups of three to
five have been used with students happier with the smaller groups. For the larger groups,
students have suggested a planned rotation of formal roles to insure everyone in the group is
involved. Students like the integration of kits and simulation into the classroom setting and have
shown a particular preference for class sessions where a short activity is used to raise an issue
and then followed up with detailed content on the issue. The modular kits have integrated easily
with the other modes of instruction.

Title	Multimodal process control education: Experiment kits and simulation in the classroom
Creator	Piergiovanni, Polly R.
Creator	Moor, S. S.
Publisher	ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition Proceedings
Academic Department	Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Division	Engineering
Organization	Lafayette College
Date Issued	2007
Date Available	2015-05-22T20:42:25Z
Type	Article
Language	English
Bibliographic Citation	Moor, S. S. and P. R. Piergiovanni (2007) "Multimodal process control education: Experiment kits and simulation in the classroom." ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition Proceedings. Paper 1792.
Standard Identifier	Handle 10385/1952
Permalink	http://hdl.handle.net/10385/1952
Rights Statement	In Copyright
Rights Holders	American Society for Engineering Education