Module Details

Module Code: ELEC7029
Title: Process Automation Systems
Long Title: Process Automation Systems
NFQ Level: Intermediate
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: This module builds towards the skills, knowledge and competence necessary for a career in the automation industry. It develops an awareness of the safety requirements required in automation solutions and also the learner's ability to communicate these solutions as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary team.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Understand the potential risk of industrial processes to community and the environment and develop strategies to minimise risk in routine automation systems.
LO2 Configure a process automation system.
LO3 Develop and configure program blocks used in the structure of PLC programs and use common programming languages.
LO4 Contribute effectively as part of a team to the design, test and development of a complex system.
LO5 Communicate project progress to meet professional engineering standards
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).
14615 ELEC6022 Industrial Automation
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
Safety in automation systems
Principle of risk assessment and mitigation. Network security. Machinery directives for safety systems, emergency stop equipment, prevention of unexpected startup, two-hand control systems, zero speed detection relays, light curtain and zonal safety systems, safety guards, redundancy and monitoring in safety systems.
Process Automation System
Selection and configuration of a PLC, use of industrial sensors and actuators (digital and analogue), use of distributed input/output devices, use of networks such as PROFINET, PROFIBUS and AS-Interface (AS-i).
PLC Programming
IEC 1131-3 PLC programming languages including ladder, function block diagram and structured text. PLC instructions and their application to solve automation problems including maths, conversion of data formats, manipulation of data in shift registers.
Team working
Organisation of team projects, definition of roles, coordination and planning of activities, team identification of problems and solutions, achievement of goals.
Communication and documentation
Use of writing formats (e.g. minutes of meetings, reflective journal, action lists, logging activities, reports), intra-team communication, completion of documentation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Individual assessment on risk assessment and mitigation, configure a device, e.g. a safety relay, to perform a safety function.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Individual assessment. Function block diagram and/or structured text solution to automation problem, configuring I/O devices, use of standard networks.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
The client, e.g. advanced level automation students, facilitated by the lecturer, will define the specifications and constraints in the design of a project, e.g. SCADA control of a remote process. As a member of a team (nominally four), students will configure the hardware and write the appropriate program.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
A report documenting team intra-communication in developing a complex system. It will include individual reflective journals.
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
Lab Contact PLC applications based on supporting material. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of recommended material. Preparation of documentation, lab and project work. 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
Lab Contact PLC application based on supporting material. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of recommended material. Preparation of documentation, lab and project work. 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
  • Hans Berger. (2018), Automating with SIMATIC S7-1200: Configuring, Programming and Testing with STEP 7, 3rd. Wiley, [ISBN: 9783895784705].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Eric D. Knapp. (2014), Industrial Network Security, 2nd. Elsevier, [ISBN: 9780124201149].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_EELEC_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering 5 Mandatory