Course
Specifications
Valid as from the academic year 2017-2018
Computer Control of Industrial Processes (E007920)
Course size (nominal values; actual values may depend on programme)
Credits 6.0 Study time 180 h Contact hrs 60.0 h
Course offerings and teaching methods in academic year 2017-2018
A (semester 1) lecture 25.0 h
group work 30.0 h
guided self-study 5.0 h
B (semester 1) group work 30.0 h
guided self-study 30.0 h
Lecturers in academic year 2017-2018
Ionescu, Clara-Mihaela TW08 lecturer-in-charge
Offered in the following programmes in 2017-2018 crdts offering
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Electromechanical 6 A
Engineering (main subject Control Engineering and Automation)
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and 6 A
Operations Research
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Chemical Engineering 6 A
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and 6 A
Operations Research
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Chemical Engineering 6 B
Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering (main subject 6 A
Control Engineering and Automation)
Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering (main subject 6 A
Electrical Power Engineering)
Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering (main subject 6 A
Maritime Engineering)
Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering (main subject 6 A
Mechanical Construction)
Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering (main subject 6 A
Mechanical Energy Engineering)
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations 6 A
Research
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering 6 A
Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering 6 A
Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering 6 A
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations 6 A
Research
Master of Science in Sustainable Materials Engineering 6 A
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering 6 B
Teaching languages
Dutch, English
Keywords
digital control systems, system identification, computer assisted design (CAD), PID-
autotuning, model based control strategies (Internal Model Control, Model Predictive
Control), multivariable control
(Approved) 1
Position of the course
To learn the principles of controlling an industrial process by means of a computer.
To learn - and to apply - the techniques for modelling and identification of physical
systems, starting from measured process signals.
To learn - and to apply - a selection of advanced control methods which are of
increasing industrial interest.
Contents
• Digital Control Systems: Interface between Process and Computer, Pulse Transfer
• Function
• System Identification (via Matlab/Simulink): Principles, System and Signal Models,
• Non-Parametric Identification Methods, Parametric Identification Methods
• Computer Assisted Design (CAD via Matlab/Simulink) and autotuning methods for
• PID controllers
• Model based Control (via Matlab/Simulink): Internal Model Control, Dynamic Matrix
• Control (DMC), Predictive Control of dynamical systems, practical extensions of
• predictive control (nonlinear systems, multivariable systems, constraints)
• Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) systems (via Matlab/Simulink): analysis of MIMO
• control loops, decentralized control, decoupling control, multivariable control
Initial competences
signals and systems; modelling and control of dynamical systems; control engineering
Final competences
1 To understand the effect of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters on
1 system dynamics.
2 To be able to develop a mathematical model formulation through signal processing
1 techniques (identification methods).
3 To evaluate when model-based and non-model based control should/can be applied.
4 To critically assess the choice for trade-off between performance of closed loop and
1 robustness to disturbances and process model variations.
5 To possess insight into the choice between advanced model based control strategies
1 (internal model control, predictive control) and to apply them in practice.
6 To identify the interactions between sub-processes and to understand the effect of
1 this interaction on the global performance of the total process.
7 To apply simplifying techniques to complex systems and to analyze the effects of
1 these simplifying assumptions.
8 To be able to communicate and cooperate within a team, to manage a project
1 towards the end-objectives and to report the obtained results in a critical objective
1 assessment.
9 To be able to use control-engineering related software (Matlab/Simulink)
Conditions for credit contract
Access to this course unit via a credit contract is determined after successful competences
assessment
Conditions for exam contract
This course unit cannot be taken via an exam contract
Teaching methods
Guided self-study, group work, lecture
Learning materials and price
course syllabus and slides (freely distributed via Minerva)
References
• Aström and Wittenmark. "Computer Controlled Systems".
• Ljung. "System Identification".
• Camacho and Bordons. "Model Predictive Control".
• Astrom and Hagglund: "Advanced PID control".
• Bequette: "Process Control. Modelling, Design and Simulation"
• Skogestad and Postletwaithe: "Multivariable Feedback control"
Course content-related study coaching
The lecturer is available during and after the lectures for further explanation; there is
support for projects; individual explanation and feedback is available on appointment;
feedback from projects and discussion sessions are also available.
Evaluation methods
end-of-term evaluation and continuous assessment
(Approved) 2
Examination methods in case of periodic evaluation during the first examination period
Written examination, simulation
Examination methods in case of periodic evaluation during the second examination period
Written examination, simulation
Examination methods in case of permanent evaluation
Written examination with open questions, written examination with multiple choice questions,
report
Possibilities of retake in case of permanent evaluation
examination during the second examination period is possible in modified form
Extra information on the examination methods
During examination period: closed-book written exam; practical (computer) open-book
exam
During semester: graded project reports, quiz (written)
Calculation of the examination mark
Evaluation throughout semester as well as during examination period; throughout
semester: 4 projects (40%).
(Approved) 3
