LEARNING OUTCOMES

Automation and control are essential functions for the ship correct and efficient management. The course presents the fundamental concepts of automatic control enabling the student to deduce mathematical models and to synthetize controllers by a practical approach for the dynamic systems of plants, processes and time-varying behaviors in electric, thermal and mechanical marine applications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide the fundamental concepts of marine automation systems.

In order to understand these aspects, it is necessary to introduce the basics of the control theory, starting from the description of the system and focusing on the analysis of linear/linearizable systems. Notions for the use of transforms for linear systems and tools for the analysis and synthesis of control systems are provided. Practical examples of marine applications are illustrated in order to facilitate the comprehension of automatic controls.

The fundamental knowledge in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related to marine automation systems is provided with a particular attention to the most common communication systems/protocols.

The characteristics of a generic metering system are described together with the sensors that are used on board. The main actuators and regulators are then examined.

The course contents are calibrated following the "IMO model Courses for chief Engineer and Electrotechnical Officer".

PREREQUISITES

Exams of the first year of the Bachelor Course in Maritime Science and Technology:

• Mathematics and Algebra;
• Physics;
• ICT.

TEACHING METHODS

The course has a duration of 12 weeks (4 months in total) and consists of 5 hours a week (theory, exercises and software utilization).

Working students and students with certified SLD (Specific Learning Disorders), disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination arrangements so to take into account individual learning patterns, while respecting the teaching objectives.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to automatic controls and naval automation;
• Linear Time Invariant (LTI) systems, Laplace transform;
• Mathematical model of an LTI system: state variables, transfer function, frequency response, stability;
• Time response: free and forced response;
• Bode plots. Stability of a controlled system: Bode criterion. Frequency response of second order systems;
• Proportional, integral and derivative controller;
• Introduction to digital systems;
• Monitoring and control system for maritime applications. Communication systems/protocols;
• Schematization of a generic measurement instrument. Meters/sensors classification and characteristics;
• Trasducers in ship automation systems;
• Actuators and regulators.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. IMO model Courses for chief Engineer and Eletrotechnical Office;
2. G. Marro, "Controlli Automatici", Ed. Zanichelli, Bologna;
3. H. Hellerman, "Digital Computer System Principles";
4. J. Love, "Process Automation Handbook", Springer;
5. International books suggested for the different topics;
6. Teaching material provided by the professor.