Module Details

Module Code: MECH6034
Title: Electrotechnology and Control
Long Title: Electrotechnology and Control
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2009/10 ( September 2009 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Introduces the learner to fundamental concepts of electrotechnology and control
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Define basic electrical units and perform calculations involving these quantities.
LO2 Perform calculations on D.C. series and parallel network circuits.
LO3 Explain A.C. resistive, inductive and capacitive circuits and perform relevant calculations
LO4 Describe, explain and use feedback control concepts
LO5 Evaluate and use control modes
LO6 Describe and analyse control strategies
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
Electric circuits
Simple electron theory, conductors and insulators, Ohm’s law, electric circuits, measuring electricity, power and energy, calculations and cost. Series and parallel circuits.
Conductor resistance
Cable construction, resistivity, mains circuits, volt drop, power and power loss, E.T.C.I. rules
Introduction to alternating current and magnetism
Electromagnets and solenoids. Simple loop generator, R.M.S. average and peak values, wave and phasor diagrams.
Resistance, inductance and capacitance in a.c. circuits
Current, voltage, power and power factor in a.c. circuits. Solution of problems in a.c. R.L.C. circuits.
Introduction to Control
Feedback control concepts - controlled variables, disturbances, loops and the error equation. Lag and Load - process lag, control lag and dead time, loads and transients. Introduction to PID.
Control Modes
Discontinuous control (two position, multi-position). Continuous control modes (P,I,D,PI,PD,PID). Advantages, disadvantages and applications for all control modes.
Control Valves
Control valve principles, types & flow characteristics and body styles. Control valve accessories - actuators, valve positioners. Valve sizing and selection. Cavitation.
Practical Programme in Control
Process control simulation. Control valve characterisation. Level and flow control for P, PI, PID. Ziegler Nichols tuning. Open vs Closed Loop tuning.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
1st Assessment in Electrotechnology
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 6
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
1st Assessment in Control
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 5,6
Assessment Description
Control laboratory experiments
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
2nd Assessment in Electrotechnology
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Final Assessment in Electrotechnology
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 6
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
2nd Assessment in Control
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 18
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4,5,6
Assessment Description
Final Assessment in Control
No End of Module Formal 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 Presentation of course material Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of course material Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Control laboratory Every Second Week 1.00 2
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brian Scaddan. Electrical Installation Work, 5th Edition. Newnes, [ISBN: 0-7506-6619-6].
  • Paul W. Murrill. (2000), Fundamentals of Process Control Theory, Third Edition. ISA, [ISBN: 1-55617-683-X].
  • Robert N. Bateson. Introduction to Control System Technology, Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 0-12-226275-4].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Trevor Linsley. Basic Electrical Installation Work, 4th Edition. Newnes, [ISBN: 0-7056-6624-2].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMECN_7 Parttime - Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 3 Elective