A practical approach to teaching control engineering: design and implementation of a pneumatic levitation system with PID Control

Abstract

Teaching control engineering to undergraduates often struggles to bridge the gap between theory and practice, leaving students with a poor understanding of how theoretical concepts apply to real-world systems. This research tackles this issue by designing and implementing a pneumatic levitation system as a teaching tool. The process involved selecting components like an Arduino, an ultrasonic sensor, and a fan, analyzing the system, building a prototype, and implementing a PID controller. An optimal control model based on the "skyhook" system was used to enhance performance. The completed system successfully levitated a sphere stably and accurately. Tests evaluated the PID controller's performance and how its parameters affected the system's response. This hands-on approach, using a pneumatic levitation system, provides a practical means of teaching control engineering, allowing students to experience theoretical concepts in action. This can improve their understanding and ability to design and implement control systems, enhancing engineering curricula and developing practical skills in future engineers.