Uses of Control System

Control systems have become a necessary part of our day-to-day lives. There is hardly any field where the control systems are not used. They play a very major role in many sectors by making the process much simpler. They are used in fields like transportation, healthcare, aerospace, etc. In this article, we will be exploring more on what are control systems, how they function, and where they play a major role in increasing efficiency.

What is a Control System?

Control systems are a combination of multiple devices that help to manage the behavior of systems so that a desired output can be achieved. They are used in many fields like transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunication, chemical industries, etc. The output we get in the control system depends on the input given. The control system is made up of many components, but commonly used components are sensors, controllers, and actuators. All the components in the control system contribute to the process for seamless operation.

• Sensors: They convert physical changes, such as temperature, pressure, or motion, into electrical signals.
• Controller: The controllers are the brains of the operation in the control system. Controllers are used to adjusting the functions in the control system to get the desired result.
• Actuators: Actuators convert control signals from controllers to physical actions.

Control System

How Are Control System Used in Various Application?

Control systems have a very wide range of applications in many sectors and in every sector, it works accordingly to achieve the desired result. The applications show the role of Control Sector and impact of control system in various sectors. We will see how control system are used in the following sectors:

• Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Traffic control system
• Aviation and space
• Chemical industry

Transportation

Control system help in the transportation sector by providing more safety, efficiency and security. In vehicles Control system are used for Shifting gears, Controlling gears, Engines and throttle. Sensors help to determine the speed, Air drag and etc so that the Engine Control Unit adjust itself accordingly and help to increase the engine efficiency with minimize the emission of harmful gases. Sensors also help in Controlling ignition timing by providing real time data.

Control system also plays major role for safety due to its anti-locking braking system popularly known as Abs which is present in vehicles. It is designed in such a way that it can detect the wheel speed and modulates the pressure on brakes so that in case of emergency we have proper control on our vehicle and handle the vehicle with ease.

Apart from ABS system we also have Advance driver assistance system or ADAS which also gives some security feature in vehicles like collision avoidance and lane departure prevention. Some other system in a vehicle is:

• Hill-hold control
• Engine control
• Electronic Throttle control
• Automatic steering
• Battery safety management

Transportation

Manufacturing

In this sector, manual intervention is required so that manufacturing process can be done seamlessly without any problem. But with the introduction of automated control system the process of manufacturing is made easy and more efficient by maintaining control over different factors like quality, temperature, production and proper management.

Real time monitoring system help to monitor the process so that the quality is maintained without compromising the cost of it. Control systems are optimized in such a way that they can properly utilize each and every raw material used in the manufacturing process so that the waste or the residue generated in the process can be minimized. Tracking from starting of the process to the end of process helps to make changes in the area where the resources are not utilized properly, and measures can be taken as soon as possible to improve it. Tracking also ensures that the stock of the material is balanced so that problems like over stock or stock outs can be prevented.

Control systems are connected with other process so that this integration help in seamless coordination from start to end process. While the whole process is ongoing, control system can analyze the process and can make report which helps to improve performance and efficiency every time the process repeats.

Health Care

Control systems can be seen in devices and medical equipment’s which play a major role. We can trust on these devices since they are error free and fast. Imaging devices like MRI and CT scans are some major of the applications where control system is being used. They ensure proper scanning of every part of the body without any errors since they are tested thousands of times before actual testing in the health care sectors.

Control systems in respiratory devices regulate oxygen and pressure level so that the level is maintained with a proper control. Glucose monitoring is very common and maintaining blood glucose level is very important which cannot be performed manually again and again. So, an automated system for this purpose help to monitor patient’s glucose level continuously and make reports accordingly with measurements.

Nowadays, we can see how controlled system are used in making medicines and antivirus to cure patients. They work faster than humans and without making any errors. Therefore, they are perfect in manufacturing millions of medicines and medical equipment’s over years.

Traffic Control System

Control systems are used in surveillance to reduce accidents on roads. The cameras are installed on poles which can provide real time traffic updates. We can also see the control system in traffic lights which are designed to control traffic without human intervention into it. The lights in traffic light are programmed in such a way that it can show the required light after every specific time. Control systems in this way help in reducing major accidents.

Some vehicles are also installed with traffic or object tracking system which help them to scan traffic around them so that they can drive the vehicle safely. Control systems play a role in detecting and responding to traffic incidents, such as accidents. The block diagram of traffic control system explains how controllers and sensor contribute in control system, to be sued in traffic light.

block diagram of traffic control system.

Aviation and Space

Control systems play a very crucial part in aviation and space sector. In both aviation and space applications, control systems contribute significantly to the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of operations. Control systems also help in the determination of weather, air traffic and navigation which is very important for this sector to protect the aircraft in situation of emergency. The system control ensures safety and security in satellites and aircrafts.

Control systems are used in the determination of altitude and location so that the signals from the transmitter can reach to its destination without any interference from land mass such as mountains. Precise spacecraft positioning is also done for proper landing of rovers and landers. Some of the major areas where control system is used are:

• Satellite systems
• Landing system
• Air traffic control
• Propulsion system
• Navigation
• Emergency control system
• Autopilot

Chemical Industry

Control systems are used in chemicals industries to regulate physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, moisture and etc. All these factors are balanced so that we can produce chemicals and pharmaceuticals in the labs. To control the physical parameters many sensors are used. To control the raw materials, use in the production level sensors and valves are used so that the raw materials and liquids such as water are added in proper proportion and the composition of the materials in the chemical are in the proper ratio.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Control System

There are some list of Advantages and Disadvantages of Control System given below :

Advantages of Control System

• Control systems work without any error and human intervention. Still give accurate result every time.
• Control system have real time monitoring system. Which is very helpful while an operation is being performed. We can analyze the performance of the system and take quick decisions.
• It can do difficult tasks which cannot be done by humans easily.
• Control system can be monitored and controlled to decrease the chance of errors.

Disadvantages of Control System

• Control systems need to be maintained regularly which can increases the cost.
• Control systems have very complex design which is very difficult to maintain.
• Control systems contribute to serious environmental issues which are caused by the defected or unused parts of control system.

Control System Uses – FAQs

What is the significance of control systems in healthcare?

Medical devices and equipment are very important in the field of healthcare and can work without any errors. Human can make error while these devices are tested over many inputs which make them error free. Therefore, it has many benefits in the healthcare sector.

How are control system used in everyday life?

We use home electronics such as microwaves, refrigerators, home lighting system, smartphones and etc which comes with installed control system for specific purpose and play very crucial role in these applications.

In what way do control systems enhance transportation systems?

By providing safety, efficiency, reducing cost of labor and etc. They are fast and error free and can work without any problems. If the systems are maintained properly then they can give more output and that can increase their life cycle too.