Machine and Process Control (FSI-ZAE)

Academic year 2025/2026
Supervisor: Ing. Zbyněk Strecker, Ph.D.  
Supervising institute: ÚK all courses guaranted by this institute
Teaching language: Czech
Aims of the course unit:
 
Learning outcomes and competences:
 
Prerequisites:
 
Course contents:

The course introduces students to the ways of controlling the various machines and processes. Students will gain practical experience with control systems based on Arduino development boards and PLC from B&R Company. Students will program the control in open and closed loop for various dynamic systems. The course also includes an introduction to photovoltaic power plant technology and their control.
Teaching methods and criteria:
 
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes:
 
Controlled participation in lessons:
 
Type of course unit:
    Lecture  8 × 2 hrs. optionally                  
    Laboratory exercise  8 × 4 hrs. compulsory                  
Course curriculum:
    Lecture

- Automation systems (reasons for use, demands and safety).
- Structure of automation system (instrumentation subsytem, GUI, control subsystem).
- Basic strategy of control (open and closed loop control, application of PID controller)
- Division and abilities of individual types of automation systems (SCADA, microcontrollers, functions of OS)
- Interface of control systems (inputs/outputs, communication buses)
- Industrial drives (division, ways of control, control efficiency, suitability according to the target application)


- Photovoltaic Power Plants – Principle and Control Methods with regard to Maximum Efficiency
    Laboratory exercise Arduino block:
- Control of digital and analog inputs/outputs.
- Data sending over communication bus.
- Control of alfanumeric LCD.
- Control of servomotors.
- Obtaining measured values from sensors (ultrasound, accelerometer, position sensor).
- Open-loop control.
- Closed/loop control (stabiliser, autonomous vehicle).
PLC block:
- Starting the project, introduction to development environment.
- LAN connection, identification and definition of HW.
- Programming of simple automation tasksin Structured Text programming language.
- Visualization.
- Control of master-slave servodrives.
- Team work on one complex automation task.
Literature - fundamental:
1. SHARMA, K.L.S. Overview of Industrial Process Automation. 2nd vyd. B.m.: Elsevier, 2017. ISBN 978-0-12-809303-0. [online] Dostupná z: https://app.knovel.com/web/toc.v/cid:kpOIPAE005/viewerType:toc/
Literature - recommended:
1. BANZI MASSIMO. Getting Started with Arduino. B.m.: O’Reilly Media, 2009. ISBN 978-0-596-15551-3.
2. KANDRAY, Daniel E. Programmable Automation Technologies: An Introduction to CNC, Robotics and PLCs. B.m.: Industrial Press, 2010. ISBN 0831133465.
The study programmes with the given course:
Programme Study form Branch Spec. Final classification   Course-unit credits     Obligation     Level     Year     Semester  
N-KSI-P full-time study --- no specialisation -- GCr 5 Compulsory 2 1 S