adding controls to a non-linear simscape thermal model

hi, i have a non-linear simscape thermal model with a custom built thermoelectric unit (TEC, peltier element). Now I wish to control this system where the voltage to the TEC and another heater are my inputs and the resulting temperatures of various components are my outputs.

What control methods can I apply, and which sections of should I check out ? Can I directly apply methods in the simulink-simscape model or do I need to obtain a state space model of the system ? Also, can I obtain the a transfer function of the plant considering black body modelling ?

Thanks, Dipan

Answer 1

[Guy Rouleau]

- Yes you can apply any control algorithm you can think of on the Simscape model

- You typically linearize the model because many classical control theory are developed for LTI systems.

- You can obtain the transfer function of your plant by linearizing it around an appropriate operating point. You could also obtain a transfer function from grey or black box modelling using the System Identification Toolbox. You can obtain the frequency response of your plan using the frestimate from Simulink Control Design.