Virtual Laboratories

Department of Automatic Control & System Engineering

The University of Sheffield

Yashar Baradaranshokouhi

Virtual Laboratory Leader: Dr. Anthony Rossiter

To Achieve a better learning experience better: Lectures Tutorials Computer Labs Equipment

◦ Difficulties: Time Slots Cost Space

Blended Learning Package

A Solution to:

A Quick Introduction:

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)

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

Design: Challenges & Solutions

Considering the students feedback, two different approaches has been considered

Design: Challenges & Solutions

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

First Order Modelling

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

Laboratory: DC Servo Motor

Experiment 1: Gain Measurement

Experiment 2: Time Constant Calculation

Experiment 3: System Transfer Function

Email, Save and Submission Page

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

Features:

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)

Laboratory 2: PID Controller

Simple Design Online User Queuing System Time Limitation Real Time Live View of the system step

response Robust and easy recovery

Features:

Laboratory 2: PID Controller

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.

Student Feedback and Evaluation

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.

Conclusions

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

Engineering

Thanks to