Development of a learning environment using the UniSim Design tool

This paper describes the use of a software tool based on Honeywell's Unisim Design (R) platform for chemical processes and unitary operations design and simulation, as a basis for a learning environment to be used, both, at the classroom and in laboratory practices for a Control Systems basic course. A heat exchanger is specifically considered as the process plant, and two control strategies (hysteresis control and the pid approach) are proposed for the first control course. This learning environment is accompanied by guides to assist with the educational process and the proposed teaching methodology. The developed environment allows to easily integrate the strictness of a dynamic process simulator, with the ease of operation of controllers typically used in the industry with the conventional theory of analysis and design of feedback systems.