Building Multivariable Process Control Intuition Using Control Station®

Authors

  • Douglas J. Cooper University of Connecticut
  • Danielle Dougherty University of Connecticut
  • Robert Rice University of Connecticut

Abstract

Control Station® is used by more than 150 academic institutions around the world for process control education. The software provides a host of case studies students can use for hands-on exploration and study. Control Station provides a real-world environment where students can manipulate process and controller parameters to "learn by doing" as they experience the challenges of process control. This paper discusses how Control Station can be used to teach a range of issues associated with multivariable process interaction and control.

Author Biographies

Douglas J. Cooper, University of Connecticut

Doug Cooper is Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. His long-term research focus is on developing control methods that are both reliable and easy for practitioners to use. He is currently studying whole-plant control. multivariable adaptive control. and the control of the direct methanol fuel cell process.

Danielle Dougherty, University of Connecticut

Danielle Dougherty received a BS from Widener University (1997) and a PhD under the direction of Doug Cooper from the University of Connecticut (2002). both in chemical engineeering. Her thesis was on multivariable adaptive model predictive control. Her current post-doc research focuses on modeling and controlling direct methanol fuel cell processes.

Robert Rice, University of Connecticut

Robert Rice received his BS from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 2000 and is currently working toward his PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Connecticut under the direction of Doug Cooper. His research involves multivariable model predictive control of unstable processes.

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Published

2003-04-01

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 2 (2003): Spring 2003

Section

Manuscripts