Module Details

Module Code: AGRI C1F04
Module Title: Mechatronics for Agriculture
Title: Mechatronics for Agriculture
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Anthony Nolan
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide students with an in depth understanding of electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic circuits, components and systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify and describe common electrical components and instruments – define quantities, symbols, units and notation - with emphasis on components utilised in agricultural systems.
LO2 Apply circuit theory to solve problems relating to series and parallel circuits.
LO3 Describe the principal operation of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and ancillary equipment with a particular emphasis on agricultural applications and systems.
LO4 Construct electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic circuits / wiring diagrams in according with ISO symbols and graphically represent basic electrical / pneumatic / hydraulic circuits with respect to their applcation in agricultural systems.
LO5 Recognise standard safety protocols in construction of electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, namely failsafe design, pressure relief and isolation procedures with particular emphasis on machinery design with applications in the agricultural sector.
LO6 Complete laboratory experiments using electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic apparatus and test equipment. Report on the findings.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Electrical Science Theory and Application
• Electrical properties of materials with respect to atoms, charge, voltage, current and resistance. • Conductors, semiconductors, and insulators with examples of each. • Resistivity and related problems. • Resistors, Capacitors and Inductors. • Ohm’s law. • Energy and power (Watts Law). • The kilowatt hour (kWh) and related problems. • Power rating of resistors. • Kirchhoff's circuit laws.
Circuit Analysis
• Series, parallel and series-parallel circuit analysis. • Total power calculations. • Wheatstone bridge. • Transient behaviour of capacitors and inductors (RC and LC time constant).
Electrical Protection
• Electrical components, Fuses, M.C.B.’s, R.C.D.'s Discrimination
Compressors
Types of compressors Dryers, drain traps, condensate formation • Receivers and pipework • Filtration, lubrication & pressure reducing valves
Pneumatics
Basic Symbols ISO RP68P Cylinder, calculations, types and cushioning • 3/2 and 5/2 Valves and their operation • Construction of simple circuits A+ B+ A-B- • Safety Dump Valves
Hydraulics
• Pump selection and calculation of pressure and flow • Construction and analysis of hydraulic circuits for particular applications • Filtration and design of Offline filtration loops, with filter sizing and efficiency • Design of hydraulic power packs, including tank, frame, pump position, valve sub plate mounting, heating and cooling circuits.
Safety and Isolation Procedures
• Two handed control in Pneumatics Operational safety with Hydraulics and Pneumatics Isolation procedures for maintenance - Lock-Out Tag-Out
Basic Electrical Control
• Indirect switching using contactors, standard interlocks, emergency stop circuits, electrical wiring diagrams, c/w labs in control circuits for electro-pneumatic machines
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment40.00%
Project20.00%
Practical40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Class Test
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Class Test
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Design of electrical & pneumatic circuit drawings using appropiate ISO symbols and drafting technique for two different systems.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Design of electrical & hydraulic circuit drawings using appropiate ISO symbols and drafting technique for two different systems.
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Laboratory projects relating to Electrical, Hydraulic and Pneumatic circuits
No End of Module Formal 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.
Reassessment Description
Leaners will be provided with the opportunity to resubmit their continuous assessment/project and/or repeat the final examination at the next available opportunity. Where applicable laboratory and/or practical workshops will also need to be undertaken and completed.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Laboratory Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Lab/Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 11.07 166
Total Weekly Contact Hours 7.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Michael John Neale. The Tribology Handbook, [ISBN: 9780750611985].
  • J. Halling. (1978), Principles of Tribology, Scholium International, p.401, [ISBN: 0333246861].
  • Ian C. Turner,Institution of Plant Engineers. (1996), Engineering Applications of Pneumatics and Hydraulics, Butterworth-Heinemann, p.165, [ISBN: 0340625260].
  • David M. Auslander, Carl J. Kempf, Carl J.. Kempf. Mechatronics, Pearson Education, [ISBN: 013120338].
  • Robert H. Bishop. (2002), The Mechatronics Handbook, Second Edition - 2 Volume Set, CRC Press, p.1272, [ISBN: 0849300665].
  • Ramsey Gohar,Homer Rahnejat. (2008), Fundamentals of Tribology, Imperial College Press, p.391, [ISBN: 9781848161849].
  • Thomas L. Floyd,David M.. Buchla. Electronics Fundamentals, [ISBN: 9781292025681].
  • Ian C. Turner,Institution of Plant Engineers. (1996), Engineering Applications of Pneumatics and Hydraulics, Butterworth-Heinemann, p.165, [ISBN: 0340625260].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: