• First, you need to get acquainted with Matlab and Simulink if you haven't used them before.
• Here is the intro lesson on Matlab.
• Here is the intro lesson on Simulink.
• Next, do the laboratory described below.

In this laboratory you are given one sample of a thermal system.  Components of the system include the equipment listed below.  The hair dryer serves as a heating unit for the interior of the cardboard box, and temperature may be measured using the thermocouple.
 

• Hair Dryer
• Cardboard Box
• Thermocouple Sensor

The primary goal of this laboratory is to develop a credible model (a mathematical model) of this dynamic system.  Click here to see how this laboratory will be graded.  Notice that your goal includes convincing the reader of your report that the model is valid, and your report should provide the evidence listed on the grading sheet.
 

• This unit is euphemistically referred to as the "HHSS" or Home Heating System Simulator.
• Measure the step response of the system - assuming that turning the system on full is a unit step input.
• To measure the data we will give you a program in lab that will enable you to get temperature data in a file.
• Record the data and determine the transfer function from the data.
• Prepare a short report for next Lab Period.


We will have a short discussion on what a mathematical model is.  We'll need to draw on your Linear Systems background.
 

• The last goal is to start getting familiar with the IEEE-488 instrument system, and programming those instruments in C.  You can use the program that takes multiple temperature measurements to get data for this lab, but you need to be able to write and modify your own programs.  So, when you get your data, as you do that you can begin learning how to program the instruments in C.