Module Details

Module Code: MECH8003
Title: Energy Systems Control
Long Title: Energy Systems Control
NFQ Level: Advanced
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: Energy is one of the driving forces behind civilization. The efficient and optimum use of energy is closely correlated to the ability to measure, communicate and control its application. The efficient control of energy requires the collection, transmission and analysis of data and the application of the resultant information in a intelligent manner. This requires suitable sensing technologies and communication technologies, together with appropriate control algorithms.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the concepts of open-loop and closed loop systems and the resulting effects on system gain, stability and sensitivity to parameter variation and external disturbances on control systems.
LO2 Develop mathematical models of energy systems that will aid the analysis, design, and operation of control systems
LO3 Select suitable feedback and final control elements to achieve stated performance requirements of energy control systems.
LO4 Analyse PID and relational control strategies for optimising building energy systems.
LO5 Integrate IT and web based energy information and control systems
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
Open & Closed Loop Systems. Examples of closed loop systems. Mathematical models for closed loop systems. Stability of control systems.
Modelling systems
Mechanical, Electrical, Fluid and Thermal systems. Models of zero, first and second order. Linearity. Block Diagrams. Control loop schematics.
Sensors and Actuators
Sensors for environmental variables such as Temperature, Pressure, Level, Humidity, Flow, Power, Light. Actuators: Valves, Dampers, motors,m Inverters, Variable speed Drives
Ethernet
OSI communications model, Standard Ethernet, EEE 802.3 Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) Access Method and Physical Layer Specifications. Ethernet Frames, Ethernet Physical Layers, Medium access control protocol, Collision Detection, Ethernet's Determinism.
Tramsmission Control Protocol
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP),TCP header, Flow control.
Control strategies
Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID), Relational control, The Equal Marginal Performance Principle, Demand Based Control, Iterative Control.
Energy Management Control Systems
Energy management systems, Systems integration, Direct Digital Control.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
n/a
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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 Formal Lecturer Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Energy systems lab Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Barney L. Capehart. (2007), Web Based Enterprise Energy and Building Automation Systems, The Fairmont Press, Inc., [ISBN: 0881735361].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jacqueline Wilkie, Michael Johnson and Reza Katebi. (2001), Control Engineering, Palgrave Macmillan, p.768, [ISBN: 9780333771297].
  • Wayne C. Turner. (2006), Energy Management Systems, 6th. p.920, [ISBN: 0-88173-542-6]].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBENS_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Energy Systems 8 Mandatory