• We can write a differential equation, and then manipulate it to put in terms of time steps of length ‘T’
• In review consider how we can approximate derivatives using two/three points on a line.
• First, consider the example of a simple differential equation,
• We can continue the example and use this equation to simulate the system. Here the ‘x’ values are given, and the first ‘y’ value is assumed to be 0. Assume T=0.5 and K=0.2.
• Find the discrete equation for the differential equation below. Then find values over time.
• We can expand this model by also including a ‘disturbance’. This can be used to model random noise, or changes in system loading, found in all systems.
• The water tank below has a small outlet, and left alone the fluid level in the tank will drop until empty. There is a valve controlled flow of fluids into the tank to raise the height of the fluid.
• As long as the fluid levels in the tank are normal, the inlet and outlet flow rates are independent, We can model them both with simple differential equations,
• This difference equation can then be used to predict fluid height. If we change the valve position, this will also be reflected in the calculated values.
• In a real system there is a distance between an actuator, and a sensor. This physical distance results to a lag between when we actuate something, and when the sensor sees a result.
• Assume we have a simple process where after a change in x there is a delay of ‘m’ time steps before the proportional change occurs in y. We can write the equation as,
