Process control kits: A hardware and software resource

• Published in: Computer applications in engineering education Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 491 - 502
• Main Authors: Moor, S. Scott, Piergiovanni, Polly R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.09.2013
• Subjects: Brick; Computer programs; Control systems; hands-on; Instructors; laboratory kits; LEGO NXT; process control; Sensors; Software; Students
• ISSN: 1061-3773; 1099-0542
• DOI: 10.1002/cae.20495

Inexpensive and flexible process control kits were developed that allow students to design, implement, and test control systems in the classroom. Students can construct a variety of flow processes using ${\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 3$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle {8}$}}$ in. tubing with “instant” connectors that allow process components to be snapped together quickly. The kits include a submersible pump, two tanks of different diameter, a static mixer, a relay switch box, and a control valve plus a variety of tubing, fittings, supports, and sensors. At the heart of the control system is the LEGO® NXT brick running RoboLAB software. This brick acts as an inexpensive A/D system that grabs student interest. The control system is then implemented on a PC using LabVIEW software. These hardware and software components allow students to conduct a variety of level, flow, and temperature control experiments. The software includes selection for active or passive sensors, linear calibration, and square root extraction allowing it to be easily adapted to a range of other LEGO sensors and systems. These kits have been used for both regular class experiments and for student open‐ended projects. Kits were evaluated based on an anonymous student survey, instructors' observations of student activities, and student performance. Student response to the Lego kit has been positive and instructors observed a high level of student engagement when using the kits. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 491–502, 2013