OVERVIEW

Fluid Power Automation studies power transmissions that operate in the presence of pressurized oil or compressed air, controlled by micro-processor electronic units.

The teaching unit aims to provide, on the one hand, the tools for the knowledge, identification and analysis of hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems and, on the other, elements of in-depth study on their use in industrial automation systems, with particular reference to the problems present in naval systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Pneumatic and hydraulic components and systems for actuation, command and control. On-off, proportional and servo-assisted units. Interfacing with PLC and dedicated control units, centralized and distributed. Integrated and hybrid components. Hydraulic applications for primary actuations and on-board auxiliaries.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the Fluid Power Automation teaching unit is to provide an in-depth analysis of the drives operating in the presence of air or oil under pressure, for power implementations in the naval and industrial sectors in general.

At the end of the course the student will have acquired theoretical knowledge on fluid drives and practical skills in the creation of command circuits.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

•      illustrate the operating characteristics of the main hydraulic and pneumatic components
•      select components according to the operating specifications
•      analyze drive circuits
•      examine integrated solutions between fluid power units and microprocessor control units

PREREQUISITES

To effectively address the teaching content, the following basic knowledge is required:

•      elements of hydrodynamics
•      elements of mechanics of machinery
•      industrial design elements

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching unit includes lectures and exercises in the classroom. 

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended.

At least two visits to the DREAMS Laboratory (DRives and Experimental Automation for Marine Systems of DITEN) are planned to analyze real hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic control components.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) are invited to contact the teacher to agree on any teaching methods that take into account individual learning problems.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The teaching unit program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

Oil-Hydraulics: characteristics and fluid treatment. Pumps and motors. Commands and controls on / off, proportional and servo- assisted. Criteria for the selection of components. Hydraulic circuits for automation. Dynamic models. Hydrostatic transmissions for automation.

Drives dedicated to specific applications: steering, anti-roll stabilizer fins, trim blades controllable pitch propellers.

Pneumatics: air  treatment and distribution. Compressors. Actuators. Pneumatic and electro-pneumatic valves, on/off and proportional. Circuit  components  and selection criteria. Pneumatic circuits for automation. 

CAD for fluid systems: modeling of circuits, simulation, computerized catalogs.

Sensors and transducers for automatic fluid circuits.

Interfacing with microprocessor control units: hardware and software architectures.Flexible automation in fluidic systems  via programmable logic controllers ( PLC). Distributed control systems : fieldbus , ASI .  

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reference books:

F. Yeaple “Fluid power design handbook”, M. Dekker, New York, 1990.

H. Warring “Hydraulic handbook”, Trade & Technical Press, New York, 1985.

A. Barber “Pneumatic handbook”, Trade & Technical Press, New York, 1985.

G. Belforte “Manuale di Pneumatica”, II ed., Tecniche Nuove, Milano, 2005.

H. Speich, A. Bucciarelli “L’oleodinamica”, Tecniche Nuove, Milano, 1988.

A. Hughes “Programmable controllers”, ISA, New York, 1989.

Specific teaching materials are available in AulaWeb on the topics covered in class and on laboratory exercises. Supplementary material is provided on specific topics.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ENRICO RAVINA (President)

MARCO GAIOTTI

CESARE MARIO RIZZO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam includes an oral test. Here,Three questions will be formulated to the student concerning the topics dealt with in teaching, one of which is oriented to the themes developed during the lectures.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam questions aim to ascertain mastery of the topics covered, with particular reference to

• knowledge of the operating characteristics of the main hydraulic and pneumatic components
• selection of components based on operating specifications
• analysis of drive circuits
• examination of integrated solutions between fluid power units and microprocessor control units

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

The teacher is available for information and detailed clarifications, by previous e-mail contact at the address enrico.ravina@unige.it