Development of An Educational Pid Controller Kit for Airflow Control using Arduino Controller

Abstract

This research presents the design and development of an educational training kit focused on airflow control using a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller implemented through Arduino Uno technology. The aim is to provide students, educators, and automation enthusiasts with an affordable, accessible, and practical platform to learn the core concepts of control systems through real-world application. Control theory, especially PID control, is a foundational element in mechatronics, automation, and process engineering. However, the theoretical nature of PID tuning and dynamic response analysis can be difficult to grasp without physical interaction. This project addresses that gap by integrating sensor-based airflow control and real-time system feedback into a compact and user-friendly educational tool. The kit utilizes an Arduino Uno microcontroller, which offers a programmable and open-source environment suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. Airflow is controlled through a DC fan or blower, and monitored using airflow or analogue voltage sensors. The PID algorithm is programmed to maintain desired airflow setpoints, with tuneable parameters allowing users to observe how changes in the proportional (P), integral (I), and derivative (D) gains affect system behaviour, such as stability, overshoot, and settling time. Key hardware components include the Arduino Uno board, airflow sensor, DC fan, display interface (e.g., LCD or serial monitor), push buttons or potentiometers for input, and a power supply unit. Software is developed using the Arduino IDE, with PID libraries for ease of implementation and experimentation. This kit not only supports active learning through parameter tuning and data observation but also encourages students to engage in system modelling, real-time troubleshooting, and programming fundamentals. It is modular and can be adapted or expanded to include wireless communication, graphical data logging, or integration with other control systems.