Module Details

Module Code: SYST C2F04
Module Title: Automation and PLC's for Agricultural Systems
Title: Automation and PLC's for Agricultural Systems
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, electro-pneumatic and electro-hydraulic circuits, components and systems and introduction to PLC programming and control.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Build and test control circuits using training panels and electrical drawings.
LO2 Describe the operation of AC Motors understanding their specific starting characteristics, efficiencies, speed control and testing. Conduct 3 phase motor test, with appropriate equipment, and assess results.
LO3 Program and run a motor using a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) in the Lab.
LO4 Design of a compressed air system for a pneumatic air flow seed drill.
LO5 Describe Safe System of Work Plan (S.S.W.P.) for Lock-out Tag-Out in industrial applications with particular emphasis on the agricultural industry and sector.
LO6 Construct basic PLC programs, understand Inputs, Outputs, CPU and control strategies, employing timers/counters in typical industrial programming scenarios (filling systems, production lines) recognising sinking and sourcing output control cards and their application within the agricultural sector.
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 and Electro-pneumatic / Electro-hydraulic control circuits
• Indirect control of basic electro-pneumatic circuits • Correct use of contactors/relay timers and proximity switches • Terminal labelling, standard notation • Design and representation of electrical control circuits for the control of basic electro pneumatic / hydraulic systems • Recognising base positioning and start up conditions, emergency stop implications • Application of solenoid valves and proportional control valves, trouble shooting on circuits and logical steps in analysing problems on electro pneumatic / hydraulic circuits.
Safety and Isolation Procedures
• Plant Isolation and safety protocols Lock-Out Tag-Out Risk assessment in maintenance and importance of procedures in isolation
Design of a compressed air system for a pneumatic air flow seed drill
• Calculate Air requirements of the system. • Design air ring / circuit and considerations for maintenance, expansion and operation. • Identify / Calculate possible pressure drops around the circuit. • Drawings of circuit and typical details. • Safety - risk assessment and commissioning of compressed air system and equipment.
AC Motors
• Installation of Direct-on-Line circuits, Direct on line with remote start/stops. • Emergency stops. • Sequential control circuits, Hand-off-Auto control circuits. • Insulation & continuity testing of motors. • Programming and running motor from VSD.
Basic PLC Programming
• Input and Output control cards, connection strategies, sinking & sourcing cards, programming methods (statement list, Ladder logic, SFC) programming offline and compiling to Run, error checks and basic control of simulated plant.
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 Assessment30.00%
Project30.00%
Practical40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Class Test
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Class Test
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Design of compressed air system for a pneumatic air flow seed drill.
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,3,5,6
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 2.00 24
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 6.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • 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].
  • G. Prede. Festo Eletropneumatics Learning System for Automation and Technology.
  • Kevin Collins. (2007), PLC Programming for Industrial Automation, Exposure Publishing, p.140, [ISBN: 9781846855986].
  • Good Practice Guide 241 Carbon Trust UK. Energy Savings in the selection, control and maintenance of air compressors.
  • Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi FX programming Handbook.
  • Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi GX Developer Operations Manual.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: