OVERVIEW

Introduction, study and analysis of the fundamental components of automation marine systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Automation and control are essential functions for the ship correct and efficient management. The teaching unit 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 teaching unit 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 teaching unit 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 teaching unit 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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10948/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written test + oral test.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it ), the School's disability liaison.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Verification of the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge of the calculation methodologies covered in class. The written exam will assess the student's ability to solve numerical exercises. The oral exam will verify the student's ability to explain and discuss the theoretical and practical methods studied during the course. Additionally, the quality of the presentation, the correct use of specialized terminology, the ability and autonomy of reasoning, the correct use of units of measurement, and the recall of previously defined cultural prerequisites will be evaluated.