Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic in Electrical Engineering Control Courses

Control system education must include experimental exercises that complement the theory presented in lectures. These exercises include modelling, analysis and design of a control system. Key concepts and techniques in the area of intelligent systems and control have been discovered and developed over the past few decades. While some of these methods have significant benefits to offer, engineers are often reluctant to utilise new intelligent control techniques, for several reasons. In this paper fuzzy logic controllers have been developed using speed and mechanical power deviations, and a neural network has been designed to tune the gains of the fuzzy logic controllers. Student feedback indicates that theoretical developments in lectures on control systems were only appreciated after the laboratory exercises.