Lab – Compare Closed-Loop and Open-Loop Control Systems

Objective
In this activity, you will compare closed-loop and open-loop control systems.

Background/Scenario
An open-loop control system does not monitor the output in order to determine what adjustments to make to
the input. For example, when using a clothes dryer you might set the timer on the dryer to run the drying cycle
for one hour. At the end of the hour, the dryer will stop. The level of dryness of the clothes will vary depending
upon their level of wetness at the beginning of the cycle.
In a closed-loop control system, the output is measured to determine whether it is the desired output and
adjust the input as appropriate. For example, if the clothes dryer is equipped with moisture sensors, the input
may be a level of dryness that adjusts the cycle by extending the drying time until the sensors indicate the
clothes are dried to a desired level.
Compare the systems listed in the table and determine if they are closed-loop or open-loop control systems.
Briefly explain your selections in the space provided.

Systems Open/Closed Loop Explain Your Answer

Clothes dryer with moisture sensor
Closed Loop The moisture sensors provide measured
output that is compared to a reference for
desired dryness. The controller will extend
the drying cycle until the input and output are
equal.

Light switch to turn on the Light Open Loop The light switch receives the input and
processes the output but there is not any
monitoring for controlling, and with this I can
say that it is an open loop.

Thermostat to keep a constant Closed Loop You set the desired temperature for the
temperature room. Then sensors are used to either
increase or decrease temperature until it
reaches its desired limit and it cuts the unit
off and on to maintain the same
temperature.
Volume on a radio Open Loop The Volume on the radio is human-
controlled open loop system. It produces
the output based on our input, there is no
any auto controlling in it.
Vehicle ignition switch Closed Loop With the use of Vehicle ignition switch,
there are multiple sensors which checks
the engine condition, temperature and the
coolant, and fuel is based on that inputs.
Ceiling fan Open Loop Ceiling Fan is an open loop system as it
processes the output without any
controlling.
Clothes washing machine with water Closed Loop Water level censor will continuously check
level sensor for the water level and compare the input
with output, inform the system to stop
water when it reaches to the desired level.
 From the Open Loop systems, select one and describe how you might make it a Closed Loop system:

You can turn the light switch into a closed loop by having one of those lights that will automatically
adjust to the room’s brightness.

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