A VIRTUAL LABORATORY FOR THE LEARNING OF PROCESS CONTROLLERS DESIGN

In this paper we present a software tool, based on Easy Java Simulations, that helps in the learning of how to design and tune (PID-based) process controllers. The tool is based on the description of different (nonlinear) process models that represent typical (simple) industrial environments and allows to simulate the application of different (PID-based) process controllers. Their tuning can be evaluated graphically. Remarkably, the tool can be made available through the web and can therefore be employed by students without any particular system requirement. Its use in a Control Systems Technology course has been appreciated by the students.