Module Details

Module Code: PHYS8020
Title: Advanced Process Control
Long Title: Advanced Process Control
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will deal with material concerning advanced digital process control applicable to process industries. Computer simulation using Simulink and control rigs in laboratory will be used to develop practical applications of class material.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the operation of digital control systems.
LO2 Analyse the stability of digital systems.
LO3 Develop digital control solutions to problems that arise when applying computerised control to processes.
LO4 Design digital controllers.
LO5 Implement industrial applications of control systems using the laboratory rigs.
LO6 Simulate control system designs using software such as SIMULINK (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).
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 digital control
Transfer functions from s-domain to z-domain. Z-transform. Zero order hold (ZOH). Derivation of the pulse transfer function for open and closed loop systems.
Digital Control Analysis.
S-plane to z-plane graphical methods. Z-domain zeros and poles. Stability criterion for gain values and sampling time. Time and frequency domain dynamics and performance.
Digital Control Design
Design of discrete PID controllers using Z-N methods. Digitization of analog systems. Testing of digital controllers. Application of digital controllers to process control applications. Practical issues regarding digital control.
Practical Laboratory.
Several control rigs using Emerson software. Simulink software.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Lab based assessment.
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Analog to digital control plus stability analysis.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Laboratory based practical and theory assessment.
No End of Module Formal 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 Advanced Process Control Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Control rigs/Simulink Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Coursework and independent study 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 Advanced Process Control Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Matlab Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Coursework and independent study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Norman S. Nise. (2017), Control systems engineering, 10th. 13, John Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., [ISBN: 978-111938297].
  • M. Sami Fadali, Antonio Visioli. (2014), Digital Control Engineering, 6th. [ISBN: 9780123744982].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • W. Bolton. (2012), Control Engineering, Newnes, U.K., [ISBN: 0750639288].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SPHYS_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 1 Mandatory
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 7 Mandatory