Control Technology Instrumentation

This course covers the sensors, controllers and actuators most commonly used in control system technology. The building blocks covered, depending on the industry, are: 

• Process industry – sensors (level, flow, temperature, pressure), controllers, actuators (DC and AC motors, stepper motors, valves, pumps, compressors). 

• Manufacturing and robotics – sensors (proximity, distance, position, path, velocity, acceleration, force, torque, cameras), controllers, actuators (DC, AC and stepper motors). 

Communication in control system technology: analogue communication, digital communication. 

The course focuses on the selection and parameterisation of control technology and its integration into control and supervisory systems. The relation to the theoretical treatment of control systems is emphasised. 

The course is intended to show the student a mental leap required to put results of theoretical analysis of control systems into practical implementation. The course provides students insights into fundamental instrumentation in control systems practice and their implementation from engineer's (user/maintainer/control system designer) point of view. The acquired knowledge is fundamental for governing the industrial control systems and their instrumentation.

The lectures present students with verbal and graphical (schemes and videos) descriptions of theoretical and practical aspects of control instrumentation and their applications. During seminar the students must show their knowledge of control systems on a practical system. They also prepare a written report of the work performed. The theme of the seminar is chosen to illustrate a specific case from the course curriculum. Laboratory exercises are intended to expose the students to the real pilot plant systems. In laboratory exercises, students will also learn how to remotely access sensors in the demonstration facilities. Excursions to industrial and semi-industrial plants are also organized.