What type of control strategy might use on/off controls?

On/off controls are commonly associated with a simple control strategy, often referred to as bang-bang control. This type of control involves switching a device completely on or off, without any intermediate states or adjustments. For instance, a thermostat might turn a heating system on when the temperature drops below a set point and turn it off once the desired temperature is reached.

The primary advantage of this control method is its simplicity and ease of implementation. It requires minimal computational resources and is effective in situations where precise control is not critical. However, it can lead to rapid cycling of the equipment, which may cause wear over time and less energy-efficient operation when compared to more refined strategies.

In contrast, more complex control strategies such as proportional control would modulate the output based on the error between the set point and the actual value, allowing for smoother operation and reducing wear. Similarly, advanced predictive control strategies employ algorithms to forecast future behaviors and adjust controls accordingly, which is not achievable with the straightforward on/off method of bang-bang control.