| Module Title: | Automation and PLC's for Agricultural Systems |
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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, 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 should be able to: |
| 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. |
| 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 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.
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Safety and Isolation Procedures
• Plant Isolation and safety protocols Lock-Out Tag-Out Risk assessment in maintenance and importance of procedures in isolation
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 | 30.00% |
| Project | 30.00% |
| Practical | 40.00% |
| Continuous Assessment |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Examination |
Class Test |
2 |
15.00 |
Week 4 |
| Examination |
Class Test |
5,6 |
15.00 |
Week 12 |
| Project |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Project |
Design of compressed air system for a pneumatic air flow seed drill. |
4 |
30.00 |
Week 8 |
| 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 |
1,3,5,6 |
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 |
2.00 |
| Lab/Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
| Independent Learning |
15 Weeks per Stage |
11.07 |
| Total Hours |
238.00 |
Module Delivered In
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