Simulink Model for Fan Efficiency Using DC Motor, Gearbox, and PID Controller

Hello everyone,

I'm working on a Simulink model to calculate the efficiency of a fan system with the following setup:

System Description:

• A DC motor is connected to a gearbox, which increases the motor speed by 2x and transfers it to the fan.
• Due to losses (gearbox inefficiencies and aerodynamic drag, inertia), the velocity of the fan decreases.
• I want to use a PID controller to regulate the fan speed.

Additional Requirements:

• The system should include an "If block" to simulate room occupancy.
• If occupancy > 1, the fan should turn on and operate.
• If occupancy ≤ 1, the fan should remain off.

My Current Progress:

• I've set up the DC motor and gearbox in Simulink.
• The basic PID controller block is added, but I'm not sure how to integrate it effectively with the fan model to manage aerodynamic losses.

Any examples, ideas, or resources that could help me structure this model would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

[Shuba Nandini]

Hi @Alina Abdikadyr,

I understand that you are looking to design a PID controller for a DC motor modeled in Simulink. Kindly refer to the following resources for guidance:

• PID Controller Design in Simulink: https://www.mathworks.com/videos/pid-controller-design-for-a-dc-motor-68881.html
• Additional Examples and Information on PID Controller: https://www.mathworks.com/discovery/pid-control.html

I hope these resources help you with your design process!