IPLUSO 84

Industrial Automation

• ApresentaçãoPresentation

  The curricular unit Industrial Automation is framed within electrical engineering and automation, addressing the fundamentals and applications of industrial automation systems. It focuses on the analysis and implementation of electrical circuits for command, control, signalling and power, applied to industrial equipment and systems. It introduces the main constituents of an automation system, distinguishing the information chain and the power chain, as well as the identification and selection of sensors, actuators and pre-actuators. It develops skills in schematic interpretation, component selection/sizing and protection devices (contactors, relays, timers), preparing students for design, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of industrial systems, serving as a basis for subsequent curricular units and professional practice.
• ProgramaProgramme

  Topic 1 – Introduction to industrial automation systems Description: Concept and context. Constituents: information chain and power chain. Topic 2 – Sensors, actuators and pre-actuators Description: Types and applications. Selection and integration criteria. Topic 3 – Command, signalling and protection devices Description: Contactors and relays. Timers. Thermal and magneto-thermal protections. Operation and fault signalling. Topic 4 – Industrial electrical circuits Description: Interpretation and development of power and command schematics. Interlocks. Assembly and validation through simulation and laboratory work. Topic 5 – Motor control and starting methods Description: Three-phase motors. Direct-on-line, star-delta and reversing circuits. Topic 6 – Pneumatic/hydraulic circuits (basics) Description: Fundamental concepts and integration in simple automation systems (when applicable).
• ObjectivosObjectives

  By the end of the curricular unit students should be able to: Contextualize the concept of industrial automation systems and identify their constituents (information chain and power chain); Identify and select sensors, actuators and pre-actuators according to the application; Select and size command, signalling and protection components (contactors, relays, timers and protection devices); Interpret electrical schematics for command, signalling and power circuits; Design and implement simple automation systems using contactors, including sequential switching using timers; Carry out the study and specification of automation solutions, including validation by simulation and/or laboratory assembly; Apply knowledge in electro-pneumatic and/or hydraulic automation systems when applicable.
• BibliografiaBibliography

  Pinto, J. C. (s.d.). Técnicas de Automação. ETEP – Edições Técnicas e Profissionais. ISBN 978-972-8480-26-4. Pessen, D. W. (2000). Industrial Automation: Circuit Design and Components. New York, NY: Wiley. ISBN 978-0-471-60071-8. Parr, E. A. (2003). Programmable Controllers: An Engineer’s Guide (3rd ed.). Oxford: Newnes. ISBN 978-0-7506-5757-0.  
• MetodologiaMethodology

  The curricular unit adopts student-centred active methodologies, combining guided theoretical exposition with problem-based learning and industrial case studies. Practical sessions follow a “specification-to-validation” approach, in which students analyse requirements, select components using technical documentation (datasheets) and develop complete solutions. Whenever possible, circuit simulation tools (e.g., CADe_SIMU or equivalent) are used before laboratory assembly, enabling incremental validation and reducing errors. Practical assignments include technical discussion and formative feedback, fostering autonomy, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
• LínguaLanguage

  Português
• TipoType

  Semestral
• ECTS

  5
• NaturezaNature

  Mandatory
• EstágioInternship

  Não