Automation and Control Systems

Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering.

The teaching method is conventional, based on exposition of the material made in theoretical classes, problem solving in practical classes and laboratory demonstrations. As an introductory text, the bibliography book [2] is used, because in addition to being accessible to read, it covers the entire syllabus of the curricular unit. The exposition of the material is preferably done in the frame. The material is accompanied by work carried out on PC, in the laboratory, enabling the execution of numerous control tasks.

The aim of the automation and control systems course is to provide the student with an overview of the different themes and technologies involved in the design and implementation of industrial systems, namely: 1- Know the techniques for calculating the Z transform and its inverse transform; Apply these techniques in solving problems with difference equations; Interpret the different representations of a time-invariant linear control system (continuous case and discrete case); Use the Z transform and the Laplace transform in the analysis of the state model representation. 2- Implement PID and diffuse controllers in a natural system. 3- Understand computer-integrated production, flexible production systems, computer-controlled systems and implement SCADA, with the ZENON computer application, as well as with TwinCat for the Beckoff automaton and the Information Designer for the Beijer console.

Part I (professor: Rui Manuel Carreira Rodrigues)

Continuous-time and discrete-time dynamic mathematical models

1. Z transform: definition and properties; inverse Z transform; application of the Z transform in determining the solution of problems with initial conditions for linear difference equations with constant coefficients

2. Representations of a time-invariant linear control system in SISO form: input-output representation, transfer function and state model; matrix A^k; homogeneous system solution and complete system solution

Part II (professor: Nuno Miguel Fonseca Ferreira)

 1. Introduction to industrial automation systems: examples of industrial systems that use automation components; justification and interest of automated solutions; factory automation and product-level automation; Dedicated automation, programmable automation, flexible automation.

2. Automation in terms of identification, monitoring and supervision systems: supervision and data acquisition systems of the SCADA type (“Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition”); Contribution of these systems to a more efficient management of production systems, presentation of the technology involved.

3. Automation solutions to implement and support material flow in production: manual solutions versus mechanized and automated solutions; transporters; systems with automatically guided vehicles (AGVS) and mobile robots. Automated warehouses.

4. Control architecture of an automation system: structure and components; types of control.

Module I - Written test representing 8 values, in which it is necessary to obtain a final grade equal to or greater than 40%.

Students will be able to take this test through a final exam, in the first season and in the second season.

Module II – This module has two evaluation components, a written test that represents 4 values, in which it is necessary to obtain a final grade equal to or greater than 40% and a practical work that represents 8 values of the final grade. The report must be delivered before the end of the teaching part. There are two opportunities to take the written exam, the standard period and the appeal period, within the deadlines set by the Pedagogical Council.

NAO