Module Details

Module Code: MECH8016
Title: Process Automation and Control
Long Title: Process Automation and Control
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: This module presents the fundamental principles of control theory and the practice of automatic process control.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop dynamic mathematical process models that will aid the analysis, design, and operation of control systems
LO2 Evaluate the advantages, limitations and range of applicability of the basic components of control systems.
LO3 Design and tune feedback controllers
LO4 Apply a variety of techniques that enhance feedback control, including cascade control, ratio control and feedforward control.
LO5 Apply the fundamentals of dynamic simulation of process control systems using MATLAB
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Students should have a good grasp of differential equations and the Laplace transform method of solving differential equations
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Control Systems
Open & Closed Loop Systems. Examples of closed loop systems. Mathematical models for closed loop systems. Stability of control systems. Elements of fundamental control. System sensitivity. Set point input and disturbance inputs.
Control System Modelling and Representation
Ordinary linear differential equations. Models of zero, first and second order. Mechanical, Electrical, Fluid and Thermal systems. Linearity. Block Diagrams. Control loop schematics. P & ID’s and ISA symbols.
System Characteristics
Zero order, first order, second order response. Higher order systems. Steady State Error. Dead time effects. Impulse dynamic response. Open loop and closed loop response. System identification. Performance Indices. Single Input/Single Output Systems.
Controller tuning
On/off and modulating controls. Effects of proportional, integral and derivative action on system response. Ziegler Nichols Rules. Auto-tuning. Fuzzy Logic Controllers. Adaptive control. Optimal control.
Cascade, feedforward and ratio control.
Feedback compensation, rate feedback. Feedforward techniques, cascade control. Pseudo-derivative feedback. Self Tuning Controllers. Application to process control. Computer Simulation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Dynamic simulation laboratory report
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Multiple Choice Questions
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact formal lecture Every Week 4.00 4
Lab Contact Dynamic Simulation Laboratory Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Directed Learning Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Dynamic Simulation Laboratory Every Month 1.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 10.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Carlos A. Smith, Armando B. Corripio. (2006), Principles and Practices of Automatic Process Control, 3rd Edition. 1-7, 9-11, 13, John Wiley, USA, p.563 pages, [ISBN: 978-0-471-43190-9].
  • W. Bolton. INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, 1. Elsevier, Imprint NEWNES, p.352 pages, [ISBN: 13: 978-0-7506-6432-5].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EAMTE_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Advanced Manufacturing Technology 1 Elective
CR_EPPTE_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Process Plant Technology 1 Mandatory
CR_ESENT_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_EMESY_8 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Systems 1 Mandatory
CR_EPPSY_8 Certificate in Process Plant Systems 1 Mandatory