| Module Title: | Mechatronics for Agriculture |
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| Language of Instruction: | English |
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| Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
Lectures, laboratories, demonstrations, research, project work and some study will be used to ensure the student has a wide range of experiences. |
| Module Aim: |
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 should be able to: |
| 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. |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
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| No recommendations listed |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. |
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. |
| CAD 1 or equivalent |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
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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.
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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).
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Electrical Protection
• Electrical components, Fuses, M.C.B.’s, R.C.D.'s Discrimination
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Compressors
Types of compressors Dryers, drain traps, condensate formation • Receivers and pipework • Filtration, lubrication & pressure reducing valves
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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
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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.
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Safety and Isolation Procedures
• Two handed control in Pneumatics Operational safety with Hydraulics and Pneumatics Isolation procedures for maintenance - Lock-Out Tag-Out
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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
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Continuous Assessment | 40.00% |
| Project | 20.00% |
| Practical | 40.00% |
| Continuous Assessment |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Examination |
Class Test |
1,2 |
20.00 |
Week 5 |
| Examination |
Class Test |
3,4,5 |
20.00 |
Week 12 |
| Project |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Project |
Design of electrical & pneumatic circuit drawings using appropiate ISO symbols and drafting technique for two different systems. |
4 |
10.00 |
Week 8 |
| Project |
Design of electrical & hydraulic circuit drawings using appropiate ISO symbols and drafting technique for two different systems. |
4 |
10.00 |
Week 10 |
| Practical |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Practical/Skills Evaluation |
Laboratory projects relating to Electrical, Hydraulic and Pneumatic circuits |
4,5,6 |
40.00 |
Every Week |
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
| Laboratory |
12 Weeks per Stage |
3.00 |
| Lab/Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
| Independent Learning |
15 Weeks per Stage |
11.07 |
| Total Hours |
250.00 |
Module Delivered In
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