How to teach frequency response easily to chemical engineers using spreadsheets

Abstract

One of the most controversial points for teachers of Process Dynamics in Chemical Engineering is related to the extension and methodology for the frequency-response tools. In chemical processes, time constants typically range from seconds to days, i.e. several orders of magnitude different from those faced by other engineering professionals (e.g. electrical engineers, where time constants are in the milli-microsecond range). This means that the approach used for the teaching of frequency-response techniques for Chemical Engineers must be very different from that of other degrees, fact that is not always considered in the study programs. This contribution describes the Simulation Case Study-Based Learning (SCSBL) methodology, which has been successfully employed at the University of Castilla-La Mancha for over two decades using simulation tools developed in Visual Basic for Excel. Through this tool, the student acquires the necessary skills to build a simulator in a practical way from which the frequency-response of a system is evaluated in a time considerably less compared with other traditional methodologies. This allows the student to have a clear understanding not only of the main concepts of frequency response, but also to be able to perform a frequency response study of any system and draw relevant conclusions.