Open Loop Systems
2. The Strengths and Weaknesses
Open loop systems are like that friend who's always reliable, but not always accurate. Theyre straightforward to design and implement, typically cheaper than their closed loop counterparts, and can be incredibly fast. The trade-off? They are susceptible to disturbances and inaccuracies because they dont have a feedback mechanism to correct errors. Imagine trying to fill a glass of water to a precise level without looking. You might get close, but you're likely to overfill it or stop short every time. Its the same principle.
A classic example of an open loop system is a washing machine timer. You set the timer for a specific duration, and the machine runs for that amount of time, regardless of how clean the clothes actually are. Factors like the amount of dirt or the water temperature arent taken into account. The duration might be spot on sometimes, but other times it might be too long or short.
However, don't discount open loop systems entirely. In situations where accuracy isn't critical, or when disturbances are minimal, they can be an excellent choice. For instance, a traffic light operating on a fixed timer (before smart sensors came along) is an open loop system. It changes the lights at predetermined intervals, regardless of the actual traffic flow.
The beauty of open loop lies in its simplicity. No complex sensors or feedback mechanisms are needed, making it a practical choice for basic applications. It is like a basic fan. You turn it on, it spins, and it stops spinning when you turn it off. The fan does not account for room temperature and will continue blowing air regardless of the coolness of the surrounding.
