Equilibrium Point: Does Internal Variable Input Need to be Zero?

In summary, an equilibrium point in control systems is when the internal variables of the system stop changing. The system can reach an equilibrium point with an input of zero or any value. Equilibrium point also refers to the point that a system is restored to by negative feedback. This can be seen in the equations for inverting and non-inverting op amps, where the gain of the differential op-amp is very high and the output drives the feedback circuit to reach equilibrium.
  • #1
tuebingen78
3
0
or some time the single point, in control systems they say it is the point where the internal variables of the system never change .

my question if we must have input of system zero, or it can be any value?

thanks
 
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  • #2
If you had a small heating element in a large container of water, (so the water didn't boil) the heater would heat the water until the losses due to convection, conduction and radiation equalled the power being added to the system by the heater.

At that stage, the water temperature would remain the same. This would be called an equilibrium point.

If you did nothing and didn't turn on the heater, that would also be an equilibrium point but a trivial one which you would not normally consider.
 
  • #3
Equilibrium point also refers to the point that a system is restored to by negative feedback.
Bob S
 
  • #4
Bob S said:
Equilibrium point also refers to the point that a system is restored to by negative feedback.
Bob S

thanks for your answer, but can you explain more or give a reference for this.
 
  • #5
tuebingen78 said:
thanks for your answer, but can you explain more or give a reference for this.
Look at the first two pictures and equations for inverting and non-inverting op amps in this:
http://www.rfcafe.com/references/electrical/opamps.htm
In both cases, the gain of the differential op-amp is very high (G > 10,000), and the gain drops out of the equation. Derive these equations using

Vout = G(Vin+ - Vin-)

The op-amp output drives the feedback circuit to the point where the voltage at both inputs are equal (equilibrium).
Bob S
 
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Related to Equilibrium Point: Does Internal Variable Input Need to be Zero?

1. What is the definition of equilibrium point?

The equilibrium point refers to the state of a system where all internal variables are at a steady state and there is no net change in the system.

2. What is an internal variable in the context of equilibrium point?

An internal variable is a variable that is not directly observable, but affects the behavior of a system. In the context of equilibrium point, it refers to a variable that is involved in maintaining the system at its steady state.

3. Why does the internal variable need to be zero for equilibrium point?

For equilibrium point to be achieved, all internal variables must be at a steady state. This means that there should be no net change in the internal variable, which is why it needs to be zero.

4. Can the internal variable ever be non-zero at equilibrium point?

In some cases, the internal variable may still have a non-zero value at equilibrium point. This can occur if the system is designed to maintain a non-zero value for the internal variable in order to achieve a specific function or purpose.

5. How does the concept of equilibrium point relate to dynamic systems?

Equilibrium point is a fundamental concept in understanding the behavior of dynamic systems. It helps us to analyze and predict the behavior of systems by identifying the conditions required for equilibrium and how changes in internal variables can affect the system's stability.

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