Thermostat as Model

Dear Readers

Way back in 1999 one of my jobs was writing scripts to test the functionality of single loop digital controllers, so this thought has been cycling though my mind a while.  A thermostat is a common example of a single loop controller.  When it becomes too cold the thermostat registers it and sends a signal to the furnace to turn on.  Many people have encountered both amazing climate control that goes unnoticed while providing consistent even heat, and extremely poor climate control that either freezes or roasts its victims.  For more information about control theory please see the linked Wikipedia article, or for information about people reacting to feedback loops please see the linked Wired article.

Many people quite frankly won’t find thermostats very interesting.  But the humble thermostat asks a lot of important questions. 

- What is your goal (desired temperature)?  

- Are you doing too much or too little (Running too hot or too cold)?

- Do you have a good source of feedback (is the internal thermometer providing accurate readings)?

- Are you doing a good job (roasting or freezing people)? 

- Are you doing the right thing (maybe the weather is perfect and the heat should be turned off and the windows opened)? 

I find this model just one of many that help keep me on target, provides a constant source of incremental improvement.   

Readers, let me know tools do you use to help keep you moving forward?

All the best,

Wendell

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_theory

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/06/ff_feedbackloop/