48531 Electromechanical Automation
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): ((48520 Electronics and Circuits OR 48660 Dynamics and Control) AND 33230 Mathematics 2)
Description
The objectives of this subject are to consolidate fundamental knowledge of electric and magnetic fields; electric and magnetic circuits; how electric, magnetic and electromagnetic energy are interchanged; to model an electromechanical automation system using DC and AC motors and simulate its performance in open-loop and closed-loop control. Students also acquire skills in working with machines and equipment at normal mains supply voltage, in power instrumentation and control, PLCs and in experimental design and recording. Technical and theoretical content is expected to be acquired by students to the levels of 'know' (essential), 'familiar' (can solve problems if required) and 'aware' (have read/seen). Laboratory skills, ranging from electrical safety, measurements, design validation and experimental verification are an important focus of this subject.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply fundamentals of electric and magnetic fields to solve electric and magnetic circuit problems and to interpret electromechanical energy conversion. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Model electromechanical automation systems using DC and AC motors, and design closed-loop control as well as simulate their performance. (C.1) |
| 3. | Carry out work on electric machines and equipment at normal mains supply voltage, and with programmable logic controllers used in automation systems. (D.1). |
| 4. | Demonstrate laboratory skills, ranging from electrical safety, measurements, design validation and experimental verification. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject includes two-hour lectures, two-hour tutorial/laboratory sessions each week throughout the session. Lectures are supported by on-line subject material including hand-outs, lab notes, tutorial notes and other references including cyberlearning resources. You will gain most from the lectures if you read each week's material in advance and study the on-line material in-depth.
Content (topics)
This subject covers:
- The fundamentals of electromechanical energy conversion for machines (energy, coenergy, singly-fed and doubly-fed actuators)
- Modelling and control for automation (time and frequency domain, closed-loop control systems, PID, cascade control, and state feedback)
- Machines and systems (VR and stepping motors, brushed and brushless DC motors, AC motors, microactuators, and PLCs)
- The basics of fields, circuits and devices (electrostatics, electromagnetic induction, electric circuits, magnetic circuits, and electronic devices) to be reviewed, where appropriate.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Laboratory Work
| Intent: | Development of practical skills in measuring, parameter calculation, experimental observation, and validation of theoretical calculations. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Lab duration is 2 hours each for 4 labs. |
| Criteria: | Criteria 1: Correct lab prework to show the ability to apply electromagnetic fundamentals, basic concepts of electromechanical energy conversion and power electronics in practical work. Punctual lab attendance and abidance to safety regulations, Criteria 2: Correct use of lab equipment, Familiarity with electric machines and instrumentation. Overall quality of lab reports, submitted before a due date. |
Assessment task 2: Quiz
| Intent: | Assurance of knowledge of fundamentals of electromagnetic fields, circuits, devices, and modelling and control of electromechanical systems; and development of problem-solving skills.
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|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 45 minutes |
| Criteria: | Comprehension of the basic concepts of electric and magnetic fields, electric machines and automation systems. Correct problem-solving answers to show the ability to demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of fields, circuits, devices, modelling and control through formal written exams. |
Assessment task 3: Assignment
| Intent: | Development of technical knowledge of electromechanical automation processes and introduction to advances in automation systems.
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|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | This task duration is 10 weeks. |
| Criteria: | Demonstration of comprehensive knowledge of electromechanical actuation with applications to various automation systems. Students are encouraged to explore modern automation systems from the electromachanical drive, sensing and control perspectives. Overall quality of written report presentation (spelling, grammar, structure, cover sheet, table of contents, references and clarity) and of oral seminar presentation (articulation of automation knowledge, question handling and time management) to show technical comprehension on electromechanical automation processes. |
Assessment task 4: Final exam
| Intent: | Development of problem-solving skills and technical knowledge of electromechanical automation systems including their closed-loop control design and performance analysis. Assurance of fundamental knowledge of electromechanical energy conversion.
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|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1 hour |
| Criteria: | Criteria 1: Correct problem-solving answers and correct reasoning to show the ability to demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of fields, circuits, devices, modelling and control through formal written exams. Criteria 2: Correct answers and correct explanations to reflect experience and knowledge of practical automation processes. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Required texts for this subject include:
- Ha, Q., Electromechanical Automation, UTS Spring 2022 (pdf chapters are available in Canvas).
- For electrical engineering students:
Fitzgerald, Kingsley & Umans, Electric Machinery, McGraw Hill, 7th ed., 2014.
- For other engineering students:
Cetinkunt, Mechatronics with Experiments, Wiley, 2nd ed., 2015.
Recommended texts
Dorf & Bishop, Modern Control Systems, 14th ed. Pearson 2021.
de Silva, Mechatronics: A Foundation Course, CRC Press 2010.
W. Bolton, Mechatronics, Prentice-Hall, 4th ed. 2009.
Nise, Control Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, 6th ed. 2011.
Roffel & Betlem, Process Dynamics and Control, John Wiley & Sons, 2006.
References
Franklin, Powell & Emami-Naeini, Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, Pearson, 8th ed., 2019.
Ulaby, Fundamentals of applied electromagnetics, Prentice-Hall, 6th ed., 2010.
Irwin & Nelms, Basic Engineering Circuit Analysis, Wiley, 10th ed., 2011.
Guru & Hiziroglu, Electric Machinery and Transformers, 3rd Ed., Oxford University Press, 2001.
Hughes, Electric Motors & Drives: Fundamentals Types & Applications, Elsevier, 4th ed. 2013.
Sen, Principles of Electric Machines and Power Electronics, Wiley, 3rd ed., 2013.
Rashid, Power Electronics, Prentice Hall, 3rd ed. 2004.
Chai, Electromechanical Motion Devices, Prentice Hall, 1998.