Module Details

Module Code: INTR8010
Title: Sensor Technology
Long Title: Sensor Technology for Energy Systems
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: An advanced module adressing wired and wireless sensor systems and their applications to environmental /energy sensing and sustainable energy
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the role of environmental/energy sensors in Building Management, and associated systems, and the contribution they can make to sustainable energy.
LO2 Identify the different types of sensors and their interface circuits, differentiate between discrete and integrated sensors.
LO3 Select and implement appropriate methodologies for the design, installation and operation of an environmental monitoring and control system.
LO4 Describe data networking technologies for wired and wireless sensor and sensor systems in use in environmental and building monitoring.
LO5 Select sensors/sensor systems and integrate them into an existing monitoring system, collect sensor data and visualise it.
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).
Foundation level course in electronics or instrumentation
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.
Foundation level course in electronics or instrumentation.
 
Indicative Content
Introduction
An overview of wired and wireless sensor systems and their applications to environmental /energy sensing and sustainable energy.
Environmental Sensors - [Descriptive/theory based with class examples]
Discrete sensors and integrated sensors for environmental parameters; packaging; electrical, thermal, mechanical and reliability issues; interface circuits.
Sensor Node Systems – [theory with lab work to compliment]
SSensor nodes: block level description; packaging and assembly; electrical, thermal, mechanical and reliability issues; wired sensor nodes; wireless sensor nodes; battery and power issues.
Networked environmental sensors – [Descriptive/theory based with class examples]
Network technologies and data bus interfaces in use, serial connection, field bus technologies, e.g. M-bus, Modbus, BACnet, LON; wireless technologies, e.g GPRS, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN; deployment of wireless sensors, considerations, planning; commissioning of networked sensor systems.
Sensor data collection, dissemination, visualisation – [theory with lab work to compliment]
Data formats, data collection in data bases, protocols for data dissemination, visualisation techniques and tools.
Application case studies – [Lab based]
Application case studies will involve the use of the National Sustainable Building Energy test-bed at the CIT Nimbus building. The sensor systems in use will be analysed and the data visulaised; additional sensor systems for specific case studies will be specified and tested on a bench scale monitoring system, and the data will be captured, visualised, and analysed.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Select sensor(s) and sensor system(s) for a particular sensing task; interface a wired and a wireless sensor into a sensor data collection system or BMS, commission the sensor(s) and collect data.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
The case study involves the addition of sensor systems to the Nimbus building energy test-bed based on a specific environmental monitoring task. The case study requires the learner to specify the required sensors, their accuracy, selecting a suitable sensor platform, integrating it into the test-bed, collecting data, visulaising and analysing the data. Finally reporting on the case study and drawing conclusions.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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 Conventional lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Interfacing of sensors and sensors to PCs Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 6.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 6.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • CIBSE. Building Control Systems (CIBSE Guide H), [ISBN: 9781906846008].
  • Hermann Merz, Thomas Hansemann, Christof Hübner, James Backer (Translator), Viktoriya Moser (Translator), Leena Greefe (Translator). (2009), Building Automation: Communication systems with EIB/KNX, LON and BACnet, [ISBN: 978-3-540-88828-4].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Shengwei Wang. (2009), Intelligent buildings and building automation, [ISBN: 978-0-415-47571-6].
  • Robert Faludi,. (2010), Building Wireless Sensor Networks, [ISBN: 978-0-596-80773-3].
  • editor-in-chief, Jon S. Wilson. (2005), Sensor technology handbook, [ISBN: 0-7506-7729-5].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ESENT_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering 8 Mandatory