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), feedforward and logical and sequential control, with applications within industry and hydropower systems
• Calculate static stability on a synchronous generator

Skills

The candidate:

• Can design and document the structure of an automation system for a given system in industry and/or a hydropower system in the form of a block diagram and technical and sequential flow charts
• Can perform practical experiments using adjustable regulators
• Can perform practical experiments for adjusting a controller
• 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, including state space model and transfer functions. Model-based analysis of process dynamics.

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. Controller tuning. Feedforward control. Cascade control. Ratio control. Stabilizing control of process plants. Documentation of control systems using block diagrams and technical flowcharts.

Hydropower regulation

Logical and sequential control (introduction): Binary signals in control and measurement. Predictive control with function blocks and ladder diagrams. Sequential control realized with sequential flowcharts (i.e. SFC - Sequential Function Chart).

Computer-based automation systems

Review of hydropower systems from hydrology to the consumer. Operation and regulation. The course will mainly focus on hydropower systems, but other power sources such as wind and thermal generation will also be discussed.

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