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Department of Automatic Control & System Engineering The University of Sheffield Yashar Baradaranshokouhi Virtual Laboratory Leader: Dr. Anthony Rossiter

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To Achieve a better learning experience better: Lectures Tutorials Computer Labs Equipment Difficulties: Time Slots Cost Space

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A Solution to: Limited resources and equipment 24/7 accessible for students Limited time of academic staff and technicians Authentic learning and student motivation. Students have time to reflect and redo activities. Two Main Types: SVL (Soft Virtual Laboratories) HVL (Hard Virtual Laboratories)

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Not all of the experiments can be transformed into the virtual environment Database Integration IGUI: Interactive Graphical User Interface design Unexpected errors and crashes while running the experiment remotely Maintenance Automatic Recovery system Fixed station for the equipment

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Considering the students feedback, two different approaches has been considered 1) Complex Design (DC Servo Motor) Includes: Tab based (4 tabs) Interactive user interface Interconnected experiments Database connectivity Log-in feature 2) Simple Design (PID Controller) Only one tab Straight forward load & run

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First Order Modelling Calculating the gain (K) Calculating the time constant (T) Building a first order transfer function Analysis of first order step response

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Experiment 1: Gain Measurement

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Experiment 2: Time Constant Calculation

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Experiment 3: System Transfer Function

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Email, Save and Submission Page

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Database Integration IGUI: Interactive Graphical User Interface Security Check Online User Queuing System Live View of the Laboratory Time limitations Robust and automatic recovery system

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Hands on Experience with a PID Controller PI: Proportional Integral controller PD: Proportional Derivative controller PID controller System response analysis at set point (Step Response)

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Simple Design Online User Queuing System Time Limitation Real Time Live View of the system step response Robust and easy recovery

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Laboratory 2: PID Controller

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Reliability is fundamental. Students expect the system to work if engagement is encouraged or compulsory. Lighting: Does the webcam work at night? Automatic restart: For what scenarios can the system crash and how quickly is this noticed and rectified? Simplicity of instructions and interface. Queuing: The queue length should be visible or have a formal booking system.

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Students projects have been designed and supervised to build up laboratories for students Students feedback has been effectively considered. Laboratories has been available for students 24/7 Virtual Laboratories can play an important role in learning and teaching.

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Dr. Anthony Rossiter Dr. Ian Lilley Mr. Ian Hammond Department of Automatic Control & System Engineering