PID Controller on HXT

Project Background

The Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel (HXT) at the National Aerothermochemistry Hypersonic Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility designed to simulate high-speed flight conditions. When configuring the test conditions for a test run, the pressure must be read manually at the Test Gas and Expansion sections of the HXT, and the ball valve must be manually controlled to maintain a pressure difference of 0 to 10 Torr between these two sections. To automate this process, I decided to create a PID controller to regulate the pressure between the two sections of the HXT. 

Project Overview

I started by learning LabVIEW and creating a simulation of a PID controller using simulated signals that mimic the pressure provided by the ball valve to the HXT. This initial step was crucial for understanding PID controllers and gaining practice before implementing them on the LabVIEW system connected to the DAQ operating the HXT. This phase took considerable time due to the complexity of creating an accurate simulation and properly configuring the LabVIEW VI. Due to the simulation not being 100% accurate, I am working on trying to make this as accurate as I can so that there won't be any issues when the PID controller is mounted on the HXT.

While increasing the accuracy of the simulation, I am also getting in touch with Bray International Inc. to acquire the PID controller and a compatible ball valve. Once obtained, I will design a ball valve mount in SolidWorks, 3D print the mount, and finally implement the PID controller on the LabVIEW system connected to the DAQ of the HXT.

Despite a slow start, this project is gaining momentum. It has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience, allowing me to work on a practical solution while learning more about the HXT, an extraordinary facility.