Overview

The Control Fundamentals Course Agenda has been developed and refined over two decades and has been presented multiple times at companies around the world. It is aimed at engineers that are using control techniques in their everyday work but need a refresher or have only obtained an introduction to control at university. It is applicable to engineers such as calibration or software engineers that work with control experts. These often need some deeper understanding of the modelling and control methods they are using to ensure successful and efficient implementation.

The course material is motivational to encourage the use of the techniques, rather than dwelling on the background mathematics. The hands-on exercises in MATLAB/Simulink software will help engineers understand the modelling and design techniques and can be retained by the attendees. There will be time in coffee and lunch breaks to talk to the instructors about engineers’ own problems whether they be concerned with modelling, simulation, control, condition monitoring or problems with implementation.

The first day begins with a presentation motivating the need for improved control methods. This is followed by an introduction to modelling and simulation needed for the analysis and design of control loops. The frequency response analysis methods that are often used, including Bode, Nichols and Nyquist methods, are then considered. The hands-on sessions using MATLAB and Simulink reinforce deas. For those that are not familiar with these tools, demonstrations are provided.

The second day moves on to design rather than analysis problems and the first presentation emphasises the importance of feedback control for improving performance, disturbance rejection and reducing the effects of uncertainties. The frequency-domain control design methods are based on the analysis tools described in day one and are introduced. The hands-on sessions provide insights into this type of design process. The importance of control system structures such as feedforward, feedback, cascade and others is then considered, and the improvements in performance are described. The final presentation is on PID controllers. This is of course the most common form of control, and the presentation explains why this control method is so successful and simple to use.

The third day is concerned with more practical aspects including application problems and a look to the future. The important topic of PID controller tuning is covered and a hands-on example provides experience in the methods used. A presentation is included on what makes control engineering difficult. The characteristics of systems that require particular care are noted and the types of solution that should be used are introduced. The problems in implementing controllers are discussed such as PID controller windup and bumpless transfer. Most control loops are now implemented digitally and there is a presentation and hands-on session, on discrete time systems covering topics such as sampling and digital implementation of controllers. The final presentation is on the future directions of industrial control, influenced by developments in AI and Machine Learning that will influence both classical and advanced control designs.

There will be an opportunity throughout the course to interrupt and ask questions or to raise questions at the end of each presentation or during breaks.

Instructors

Professor Michael Grimble

Professor Mike Grimble has a good understanding of the needs of industry having first worked for Ciba Geigy and then for Associated Electrical Industries which became GEC at Rugby. During his time on the Industrial Automation Group at Imperial College he worked on the modelling for control of cold rolling mills. He later set up industrial groups first at what is now Sheffield Hallam University and secondly at the University of Strathclyde where he still works as a Research Professor. His interests are on the design of high performance and robust control systems for applications across industrial sectors. His industrial background is valuable to provide motivation and insights on the industrial training courses.

Dr Pawel Majecki

Dr Pawel Majecki undertook his research studies in the Industrial Control Centre at Strathclyde University and later joined Industrial Systems and Control Ltd. ISC was established to encourage technology transfer and Pawel has worked for major international companies on the application of advanced control methods, often involving predictive or optimal controls. He has also been involved in control training courses run in the UK, Norway, Italy, Spain and USA. His extensive experience in the use of MATLAB/Simulink is valuable on the training courses hands-on where delegates often gain greater insight into these tools in addition to their value in explaining how the design methods are applied.

Delegates will find that both instructors are very happy to answer questions or discuss industrial problems they may have in coffee breaks, lunch breaks and at the end of the day.

Additional Information

Event Venue

Scottish Engineering, 105 W George St, Glasgow G2 1QL

Accommodation

Glasgow City Centre offers a wide range of accommodation, you can find our recommendations here.

Course Summary and Agenda (Download PDF)

Timings may change slightly.

Registration

Please complete the Online Registration Form.

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