Aerodynamic Ball Levitation
Description
The aerodynamic ball levitation system uses a fan to control the position of a ping-pong ball inside a vertical tube. A VL53L0X distance sensor measures the ball’s position, while an IR sensor tracks the fan’s RPM. The fan is powered by a 12V PWM signal and controlled by an ESP32 microcontroller, which also handles sensor readings. Thanks to its Wi-Fi capability, the ESP32 enables remote monitoring and control, making the system IoT-enabled.
Objective
This lab guides the user in modeling the system and deriving its transfer function through open-loop testing. After identifying system parameters, the user simulates the model and compares it with real measurements. Then, a closed-loop control system is designed, simulated, and implemented on a microcontroller. Finally, the user evaluates the control design by comparing simulation results with the actual system behavior.
Method
The ESP32 controls the fan speed in real time by adjusting the PWM signal based on sensor readings and the selected scenario. It communicates with the website via HTTP to switch scenarios and collect data without interrupting control. This ensures smooth system performance while enabling remote monitoring and configuration.
Practical Applications
The ball levitation system is a hands-on platform to learn control systems, sensor use, and IoT integration. It mimics industrial processes where precision and feedback are essential. With real-time data and remote access, it shows how modern systems combine hardware and connectivity for smart automation.
Key Features
The system offers real-time control using the ESP32, allowing precise fan speed adjustments to maintain the ball’s position. With integrated distance and RPM sensors, it provides continuous feedback for accurate monitoring. Wi-Fi communication enables remote control, data collection, and scenario changes. Users can design closed-loop control strategies and compare simulations with real-world results to better understand control concepts.
Learning Outcomes
This lab helps users gain hands-on experience in system modeling, control design, and sensor integration. It introduces both open-loop and closed-loop control, and shows how to simulate and implement them in hardware. The IoT features support remote monitoring and control, reflecting modern industry needs. By comparing simulations with real results, users can validate and refine their designs through practical implementation.
Functional In/Out Diagram
The functional diagram above illustrates the main components of the system and their interactions:
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Posted on 2024-12-06 10:16:29
We’re excited to introduce the "Aerodynamic Ball Levitation System Lab", a hands-on control systems experiment designed to teach fundamental principles of PID control, sensor integration, and IoT-based feedback systems. This lab features real-time control of a ball’s position using a fan powered by PWM signals, with data feedback provided by distance and RPM sensors. Integrated with the ESP32 microcontroller, the system allows remote control and monitoring via a web-based dashboard. Explore control design and stability analysis in an engaging and interactive way. Enhance your learning in control systems today!