OVERVIEW

"Automatica" is the discipline that deals with information processing methods and technologies aimed at the automatic and real-time control of plants, processes, and dynamic systems in general, with applications spanning different areas of engineering and science. A particularly important goal of "Automatica"  is the design of closed-loop controllers granting stability and fulfillment of desired performance specifications. In the naval field, applications of  "automatica" include the control of propulsion systems, of individual equipment and on-board processes, and course and navigation control systems, to name but a few examples. The concepts and methods developed in the course are the fundamental tools for understanding the role of automation systems applied to marine engineering.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge required for the analysis and design of control systems in the frequency domain, with particular reference to naval applications. At the end of the module, students will be able to model simple dynamic systems, analyze their stability and performance using frequency-domain tools, and design basic controllers for guidance, navigation, and control problems in naval systems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of course the student must

1. know the linear time-invariant (LTI) systems and their representation by means of state equations and transfer functions;
2. use the Laplace transform and block diagrams;
3. perform the frequency analysis of LTI systems with single input and single output (SISO);
4. know the structural properties of a dynamic system (stability, controllability, and observabilty);
5. analyze the stability of LTI SISO systems under feedback by means of the Nyquist and Bode criteria;
6. design closed-loop regulators for LTI SISO systems;
7. analyze the effect of disturbances and model uncertainties in closed loop.

PREREQUISITES

Linear algebra and calculus.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures of theory and exercises for a total of 60 hours. 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 professor of the course and with the Polytechnic School - Engineering's disability liaison (https://unige.it/en/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The contents of the course may be summarized as follows:

1. linear time-invariant (LTI) systems and their representation by means of state equations and transfer functions;
2. Laplace transform and block diagrams;
3. frequency analysis;
4. stability of LTI SISO systems under feedback by means of the Nyquist and Bode criteria;
5. design of closed-loop regulators for LTI SISO systems;
6. analysis of the effect of disturbances and model uncertainties in closed loop.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Handout notes (in English)

G. Marro, Controlli Automatici, Zanichelli, Bologna.

T.I. Fossen, Guidance and Control of Ocean Vehicles, Wiley, Chichester, NY.

Karl J. Åström and Richard M. Murray: "Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers", Princeton University Press, second edition, 2021 (reperibile all'indirizzo https://fbswiki.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy