This module will give students a sufficient element of technical knowledge to allow them to understand the application of automation technology in several particular contexts in the Horticulture industry. This module will develop the student’s electronics knowledge and present them with an introduction to PC hardware and sensors. It will underline the issues in interfacing sensors to the digital environment of the computer.This module is designed to give a learner the necessary knowledge and skills to, specify or implement greenhouse control systems. It provides knowledge of PC data acquisition and competence in selection and use of transducers for a particular application
Electronic Systems
The concepts underlying electrical current. The meanings of voltage, current and power. Ohm’s law. AC and DC power. Components used in analogue circuits such as: resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, fuses, timers and relays. Measurement of electricity and its unit cost.Introduction to digital electronic systems and principles of operation of digital gates, ADC, DAC, comparators and amplifiers.
Electronic Measurement & Transducers
Transducers, principle of operation of light, temperature, humidity, force, CO2, PH and displacement transducers. Flow and level measurements. Pressure measurements and pressure transducers. Optical sensors and systems. Signals and noise in measurement systems. Typical characteristics of transducers and their interfacing requirements. IP ratings of equipment. Use of data logging systems. Calibration of instrumentation systems.
Motors
Principle of operation of AC and DC motors, stepper and servo motors. Motor controllers and motorised valves operation. Application of motors in the horticultural environment such as fluid pumping, shade control, fogging and ventilation systems.
Greenhouse control
Introduction to climate control systems commonly used in glasshouses. Open and closed loop control, PID controllers and their application. Computerised fertigation/chemigation and water management systems, L.E.D technology in horticulture, Application of Combined heat and power systems in greenhouse management.
Industrial Control Systems
Use of commonly used sensors in process control - e.g. Proximity, capacitance, through beam, ultra-sonic, limit switches, photoelectric, fibre optic. Relay switch configurations. Conveyors, sorting systems, packaging, vision systems. PLC's overview. Heating systems control. Interfacing of pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |
| Formal Examination | 70 |