A multi-process pilot plant as a didactical tool for the teaching of industrial processes control in electrical engineering course

Abstract

The control of industrial processes is an important theme covered by electrical engineering courses. The implementation of practical activities in laboratories with physical systems and devices complements the theory about control and automation addressed in lectures and enables apprentices to face real situations and problems present in industrial environments. This paper discusses the use of a didactic pilot plant by the students of University of São Paulo in an electrical engineering undergraduate discipline based on the project-based learning approach. The students performed simultaneous experiments with the following control systems: water temperature in the plant, water level in two reservoirs, and water flow rate through the plant, and also monitored the variables of the processes through a supervisory system. The answers of a questionnaire applied to the students after each project and the results registered in technical reports illustrate their performance in the discipline and provide a positive feedback on the use of the industrial plant as a didactic tool.