Module Details

Module Code: ELEC6023
Title: Industrial Control
Long Title: Industrial Control
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5220 - Electrical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module, the learner will develop control engineering concepts from first principles using time domain analysis. The concepts of open and closed loop systems will be examined. Sensors and actuators used in typical temperature and level control systems will be discussed. Open and closed loop systems will be simulated using MS Excel / MATLAB and performance of different controller structures will be evaluated.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Implement the concepts of input, output, plant, process, system, stability.
LO2 Generate time domain responses for industrial processes from governing first principles equations.
LO3 Explain the principles of operation of various types of sensors and their application in control in terms of accuracy, resolution, etc.
LO4 Implement the operation of prime control devices such as operational amplifiers and final control elements such as thyristors.
LO5 Evaluate performance of different closed loop control strategies in terms of steady state gain and steady state error.
LO6 Use circuit simulation software to simulate operation. Write a report documenting the process and outcomes of a practical investigation in accordance with engineering standards and conventions.
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).
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.
Industrial Automation for Electrical Engineering(L6)
 
Indicative Content
Control Building Blocks
Concept of reference, feedback and error signals. Block diagrams of analogue control systems. Block diagrams of digital control systems with microprocessor based controllers. Application of closed loop control in industrial situations such as temperature, level and speed.
Model Development
Basic models using differential equations from level and thermal systems. The use of derivative approximations, e.g. Euler's method, to enable time domain calculations for level and thermal systems
Sensors and Actuators
PID stand-alone controller, electronic transducers - sensor and actuator concepts. Response characteristics - sensitivity, linearity error, accuracy error, precision, stability and noise, response time, temperature coefficient and hysterisis. Position encoders - potentiometer, digital rotary and linear encoders, relative and absolute position. Temperature Sensors - Wheatstone bridge circuit. Thermistor: bridge circuit arrangement, time constant, bridge sensitivity optimization, pressure and differential pressure methods. pH measurement, flowmeters.
Analog Controller Hardware
Review theory of the operational amplifier configurations such as summing, difference, multiplying, integrating, and differentiating. Integration of these blocks to create an analog PID controller.
Final Control Elements
Control of AC power using a microcontroller/PLC. Introduction to the thyristor and phase angle control concepts.
Project
Development of a level/thermal process open loop model from first principles and simulated using MS Excel / MATLAB. Addition of sensors to the simulation and implementation of various closed loop control strategies, e.g. ON OFF, PI(D), with performance outputs recorded. Simulation using a current software package of PID controllers based on op-amp circuitry.
Report Writing
Correct use of passive voice, spelling and grammar, units, figures and diagrams, tables in reporting on modelling simulation, simulated implementation of various closed loop control strategies, discussion of detailed analysis and interpretation of results.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,6
Assessment Description
Report (3,500 words) on mini project of modelling a thermal/water level process using Excel/MATLAB. Demonstrate understanding of the model behavior and open loop dynamics.
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6
Assessment Description
Assessment on simulating and analysing closed loop control systems experienced during the lectures and lab work
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Report (3,500 words) on mini project of controlling a thermal/water level process using Excel/MATLAB. Demonstrate understanding of the closed loop system. Generate and analyse closed loop responses.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
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 Weekly lecture on modelling and industrial control topics with examples. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory/Practical session involving simulation of open and closed loop control processes using software like MS Excel and MATLAB Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Revision of lecture notes and exam preparation Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly lecture on modelling and industrial control topics with examples. Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact Laboratory/Practical session involving simulation of open and closed loop control processes using software like MS Excel and MATLAB Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Revision of lecture notes and exam preparation Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Curtis D. Johnson. (2015), Process Control Instrumentation Technology, 8. Pearson India, [ISBN: 9789332549456].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • William Bolton. (2018), Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, 7th edition. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 9781292250977].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 4 Mandatory
CR_EELEC_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering 4 Mandatory