Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

To give students an understanding of identification, modelling and control theory and practice applied to dynamic marine systems.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will consist of three major areas, essentially concerned with the mathematical modelling, control and parameter identification of marine systems. The teaching, support material and coursework will extensively use Matlab and Simulink. This will enable all control and modelling techniques to be investigated in terms of steady state and dynamic response.
Mathematical modelling of marine electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems. Some fundamental linear and non-linear modelling techniques will be described. These techniques will then be illustrated with the aid of several case studies.
The manner in which these models can be controlled is to be fully described. the techniques will include basic analogue PI, as well more advanced control techniques such as fuzzy logic and state-space control. Each of the control schemes is to be illustrated with implementation and realisation examples, including analogue and digital controllers.
Many control systems either contain systems with parameters that cannot be easily measured, or are to expensive too expensive to measure. The course will describe techniques of parameter identification and estimation. The identification of the parameters becomes a crucial issue in the practical realisation of system models and control. Thus observer based model identification techniques such as Kalman filters, neural networks and adaptive modelling techniques will be discussed.

The module will include preschool reading, examples, an intensive school (five days), and a post school assignment.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following:


IKO1 - A thorough understanding of how to model most marine power and servo systems,
IKO2 - A good grounding in the control strategies that are used.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completing the module students will be able to develop the following subject specific skills:
ISO1 - Theoretical design concepts and practical implementation
ISO2 - IT skills
ISO3 - Decision making
ISO4 - Communication skills
ISO5 - Project planning
ISO6 - Project management
ISO7 - Collation, analysis and evaluation of data
ISO8 - Problem formulation
ISO9 - Problem solving
ISO10 - Time management
ISO11 - Team Working
ISO12 - Ability to work alone

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject by independent reading for which they are given guidance in the distance learning material (IKO1-2). The preschool study is reinforced via lectures during the intensive school itself. The use of design during the intensive school, a work-based assessment and application after the intensive school also enable the students to learn. Subject specific skills (e.g. IT and project planning) are developed via the distance learning material, which is delivered by a web-based system (blackboard). Cognitive skills (problem solving/ decision making) are taught primarily through case studies and design classes, and developed through a work based assignment. Key transferable skills (communication, time management, ability to work alone etc) are developed through a work based post school assignment and via completion of the module itself, including the distance learning material (ISO1-12).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Knowledge and understanding are assessed via the unseen written examination and the assignment. Subject-specific and cognitive skills are assessed via the module assignment, as are communication skills.

General Notes

N/A