Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate can:

• Describe the structure and operation of automation systems based on closed-loop control with PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controllers, feedforward control, and model-based predictive control (MPC).

Skills:

The candidate can:

• Design and document the structure of an automation system in the form of a block diagram and Piping & Instrumatation Diagrams (P&ID)
• Simulate an automation system
• Develop software for a computer-based automation system
• Perform practical experiments with the adjustment of regulators
• Search for information about automation systems

General competence

The candidate has/can:

• Insight into the environmental and economic benefits of automation
• Communicate the results of automation projects
• Collaborate with other students on automation projects

Course Description

System theory of dynamic systems: Mathematical modelling with differential equations, state space models, transfer functions, and frequency response analysis. Process dynamics. Programming (implementation) of simulators. (The Laplace transform, which is the basis of transfer functions, is introduced in the course.)

Control Systems: The purpose of control. Feedback control with PID controller (control loop). Components of a control loop, including industrial automation, actuators and sensors. Factors affecting the stability of a control loop. Stability margins. Frequency response analysis. Controller tuning. Feedforward control. Cascade control. Ratio control. Stabilizing control of process plants. Model-based predictive control (MPC) (introduction). Documentation of control systems using block diagrams and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).

Using LabVIEW for simulation and implementation of automation systems

Teaching and Learning Methods

Self-study, lectures, theoretical exercises, simulations, projects, laboratory work.

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment: All project and laboratory exercises must be completed and approved in order to pass the course.

Final examination: Written examination counts for 100% of the final grade; the project and lab exercises must also be approved.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean