BEIA412 

Module Name ANCILLARY SUPPORT SYSTEMS 
Module Code BEIA412 
Level  Four 
Credits 15 

Module Description and General Aims 

The objective in presenting this module is to impart to students relevant knowledge of the essential supporting infrastructure and systems of industrial and other enterprises. The subject matter covered in this module will include the basic principles of: earthing, shielding, and cabling best practices; power generation and distribution; and motor technology – protection, control, and maintenance. Power generation will be examined by means of boiler operation and control. The fundamentals of power distribution will be examined through a detailed evaluation of means of cabling, transformers, earthing, and distribution simulations. The module further provides the student with the knowledge of boiler processes and control functions, along with the related instrumentation. 

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this Module, students are expected to be able to: 

  1. Evaluate the basic principles of EMI/EMC problem identification, design, and prevention. 

Bloom’s Level 5 

  1. Detail earthing and shielding principles, procedures and practices. 

Bloom’s Level 5 

  1. Evaluate the principles of power distribution systems and system components. 

Bloom’s Level 4 

  1. Examine in detail, the protection, control and maintenance aspects of electric motors. 

Bloom’s Level 

  1. Evaluate boiler processes and control functions and related instrumentation. 

Bloom’s Level 4 

Student Assessment 

Assessment Type When assessed Weighting (% of total module marks) Learning Outcomes Assessed 
 Assessment 1 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation Example Topic: Shielding, EMC/EMI, noise, Earthing, PCB. Students may complete a quiz with MCQ type answers and solve some simple equations to demonstrate a good understanding of the fundamental concepts    Due after Topic 3    15%    1, 2 
 Assessment 2 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation Example Topic: Power distribution fundamentals, short circuits, switchgear, power cables, transformers. Students may provide solutions to simple problems on the listed topics   Due after Topic 6   20%   3 
 Assessment 3 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation / Project / Report Example Topic: Motor protection, control and maintenance. Students may complete a quiz with MCQ type answers or solve some simple problems or using software to complete a practical.   Due after Topic 10   20%   4 
 Assessment 4 Type: Examination Example Topic: All topics An examination with a mix of detailed report type questions and/or simple numerical problems to be completed in 3 hours   Final Week   40%   1 to 5 
 Attendance / Tutorial Participation Example: Presentation, discussion, group work, exercises, self-assessment/reflection, case study analysis, application. Continuous 5% 1 to 5 

Prescribed and Recommended Readings 

Textbook 

  • Thomas Allen Short. (2018) Electric Power Distribution Equipment and Systems, ISBN: 9781420036473 
  • Leonard L. Grigsby. (2018). Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, 3rd Edition, ISBN: 9781439856376 
  • J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A. (2019). An Introduction to Boiler Controls, Guyer Partners 

Reference 

  • Ott, H. W. (2009). Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering, 1st Edition, Wiley. ISBN: 978-0470189306. 
  • J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A. · 2019 IDC Technologies, Practical Electrical Wiring Standards (AS 3000:2018), IDC Technologies, Perth. 
  • IDC Technologies, Safe Operation & Maintenance of Circuit Breakers and Switchgear, IDC Technologies, Perth. 
  • IDC Technologies, Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Protection of AC Electrical Motors and Drives, IDC Technologies, Perth. 

Notes and Reference texts 

  • IDC notes and Reference texts as advised 
  • Other material advised during the lectures 

Module Content 

One topic is delivered per contact week. 

Topics 1 and 2: Practical Shielding, EMC/EMI, Noise Reduction, Earthing, and Circuit Board Layout of Electronic Systems 

  1. Fundamentals of EMI (electromagnetic field theory, coupling modes, sources of transients, Fourier representation of EMI) 
  1. Earthing and shielding principles and practices (LF magnetic shielding, gaskets and sealing, PCB shielding, safety and signal grounds) 
  1. Cables, connectors and circuits (noise, cable parameters, routing, screening and connectors, stray capacitance and lead inductance) 

Topics 3 and 4: Power Distribution – Part 1 

  1. Power distribution fundamentals (equipment, voltage improvement)8 
  1. Short circuits (common faults, calculations) 
  1. Switchgear – medium voltage (Parameters and operating characteristics, isolators/connectors, circuit breakers, insulation types) 
  1. Power cables (cable types, losses, voltage drops, installation, faults) 

Topics 5 and 6: Power Distribution – Part 2 

  1. Power transformers (winding connection, earthing, protection and faults) 
  1. Power Factor (concepts, improvement methods) 
  1. Power factor improvement (shunt and series capacitors, shunt reactors, and etc.) 
  1. Earthing (principles, safety, lighting, and surge mitigation) 
  1. Distribution simulations (load flow studies, transformer and feeder cable sizing, fault current, motor starting currents) 

Topics 7, 8, 9: Motor Protection, Control, and Maintenance 

  1. Electric motors (motor technology and construction, three-phase induction motors, energy losses and efficiency) 
  1. Control and protection (control basics, motor protection, AC variable speed drives) 
  1. Management and maintenance (installation procedures, fault finding) 

Topics 10 and 11: Boiler Control and Instrumentation 

  1. Boiler processes and control functions (input/output variables, control functions, furnace air and draft controls, hazards) 
  1. Boiler control functions (drum level measurement, control and protection, combustion controls, pressure controls, steam temperature controls, burner management systems) 

Topic 12: Project and Course Review 

In the final week students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will be provided for a review of student work and to clarify any outstanding issues. 

Software/Hardware Used 

Software 

  • Software:  
  • Version: N/A 
  • Instructions: N/A 
  • Additional resources or files: N/A 

Hardware 

  • N/A