Module Details

Module Code: INTR8026
Title: Control Engineering Design
Long Title: Control Engineering Design
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2019/20 ( January 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module learners will learn to design automatic feedback controllers for a laboratory-based system. The focus is on the controller design process and the module aims to develop key engineering skills related to design, evaluation, problem-solving, communication and critical thinking. Controller design approaches will be based on the root-locus and frequency-domain approaches. Learning is achieved through a collaborative project-based learning environment that is supported by formal lectures and workshops. In addition to the key skills this module aims to promote a deep understanding of the subject matter by offering participants the opportunity to investigate, design, implement, evaluate and reflect on the underlying theory.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Use frequency domain approaches to design a controller for the selected system that aims to achieve pre-specified performance criteria.
LO2 Use root-locus based design approaches to design a controller for the selected system that aims to achieve pre-specified performance criteria.
LO3 Evaluate the performance of different design approaches and implementation structures using both simulation and measured data from the physical rig.
LO4 Communicate the design process and key results through an individual conference-style paper that adheres to professional standards.
LO5 Critique individual and collective performance on this team-based design project
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).
14756 INTR8033 System Design and Modelling
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
Analysis Techniques
Review closed-loop transfer functions and time-domain performance measures. Explain root-locus and the relationship between closed-loop poles and time-domain response. Explain the design process using root-locus. Review Bode plots of common systems - dc term, integrator, first-order lag, time-delay and second-order dynamics. Sensitivity functions, loop transfer function and Gain/Phase margins. Relationships between time and frequency domain, converting metrics from time to frequency domain
Controller Design
Using the Root-Locus Tool in MATLAB to design P, I and PIC controllers. Using MATLAB tools to implement the loop-shaping approach to controller design. Defining specifications for low frequencies, high frequencies and around the critical frequency. Single-loop, cascade control and parallel control; Measuring and evaluating control loop performance.
Iterative Design Process
Specifications, simple design aimed at specifications, improve model using closed-loop data, re-design based on new model, performance improved? Specifications achieved? If not iterate the process until either the specifications are achieved or the performance fails to improve.
Graduate Attributes
Writing skills will focus on creating a technical argument, evidencing argument, writing effective paragraphs, linking paragraphs and addressing common grammatical errors. Teamwork will focus on communication within groups, documenting and sharing project work, characteristics of effective teams and evaluating team performance.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Document, evidence and evaluate the individuals contribution to the team project and the teams collective performance.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Written Paper: A first draft of an individual IEEE-type paper that focuses on describing the design process, results, theoretical concepts, analysis and evaluation of the design and results. This is primarily a formative assessment.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Written Paper: An individual IEEE-type paper that focuses on describing the individuals understanding of the design process, results, theoretical concepts, analysis and evaluation of the design and results.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Interactive lectures to introduce necessary theory and tools to complete the module. Learners are expected to interact with each-other or with audience response systems during these lectures. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical work of designing, building, testing and evaluating controllers for the laboratory-scale systems. This work is to be completed in groups and individuals are expected to take responsibility for completing sub-components of the project. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review notes, engage with additional resources on Canvas e.g. supports to help with the writing process and managing teams/projects. Complete short questions on Canvas. Contribute to team meetings to organise work. Complete allocated technical work, prepare assessment elements. 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 Interactive lectures to introduce necessary theory and tools to complete the module. Learners are expected to interact with each-other or with audience response systems during these lectures. Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Practical work of designing, building, testing and evaluating controllers for the laboratory-scale systems. This work is to be completed in groups and individuals are expected to take responsibility for completing sub-components of the project. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review notes, engage with additional resources on Canvas e.g. supports to help with the writing process and managing teams/projects. Complete short questions on Canvas. Contribute to team meetings to organise work. Complete allocated technical work, prepare assessment elements. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Karl Johan Åström, Richard M. Murray. (2016), Feedback systems: An introduction for scientists and engineers, 2nd. Chapters 9 - 14, Princeton University Press, Available at http://www.cds.caltech.edu/~murray/amwiki/index.php/Second_Edition, [ISBN: 978-0691135762].
  • Franklin, Powell & Emami-Naeini. (2019), Feedback control of dynamic systems, 8th. Pearson, [ISBN: 978-129227452].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Bruins. (2010), Comparison of Different Control Algorithms for a Gantry Crane System, Intelligent Control and Automation, 1, 68-81.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 8 Mandatory
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 8 Elective