This module will provide you with an introduction on how the condition monitoring of engineering assets is performed, with a focus on applications such as in energy systems. Through case studies, underpinned with theory, you will examine and implement aspects of condition monitoring, fault diagnosis, performance assessment, systems modelling and forecasting – all of which are integral aspects in the continuous improvement of modern engineering systems. The theoretical underpinning will include an introduction to signal processing, data acquisition and differing systems modelling approaches. The module will familiarise you with the techniques aimed towards the operational improvement of modern engineering and robotic systems.

LO1. Evaluate the critical components within an engineering system and create the design of condition monitoring systems which reflect the system structure and requirements.

LO2. Interpret a range of signal processing operations to extract information from a set of measurements and to reduce the data storage requirements for trending and monitoring a system’s performance.

LO3. Critically assess the data storage requirements for a given condition monitoring system and critique the implementation of condition monitoring systems.

LO4. Judge the outputs of systems modelling and forecasting technique to system condition and predict time to failure for a given component.

LO5. Propose condition monitoring systems including appropriate instrumentation, systems measurements, data acquisition systems, signal processing approaches, data utilisation within models and forecasting methods.

The module will be delivered through face-to-face teaching and learning material, guided online study, practicals and on-campus classes (tutorials, discussion, practicals, workshops and formative feedback sessions). These are used to explain the principles of condition monitoring through a number of industrial Case Studies used to illustrate some of the key themes. In this way, you can gain a better understanding of some of the many issues associated with this broad-based subject.

Structured problems are also integrated within the module notes and you are encouraged to discuss their solutions within the class tutorial environment. You are expected to undertake all the tutorial questions and to relate them to the examples used during classes.

Subject – Specific Skills:

• Through tutorial sessions, you will practice the ability to contribute positively within group discussions of the material communicating complex ideas with confidence.
• Through the series of case studies and tutorial example questions, you will identify and analysis complex issues arising in the continued optimisation of modern engineering applications such as energy systems. 
• You will learn to apply effective solutions to given problems learning from feedback and peer-based reflections.
• You will learn to effectively apply signal processing, modelling, and forecasting approaches to imaginatively generate condition monitoring solutions.
• More broadly you will learn to understand the organisational framework under-pinning the continued improvement and monitoring of engineering systems, identifying how and why condition monitoring approaches are utilised from an organisational standpoint.

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4):

• Apply engineering principles to the solution of complex problems {M1}
• Evaluate solutions from first principles and discuss limitations {M2}
• Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed {M3}
• Design solutions for complex problems while considering industry standards {M5}

Transferable/Employment Skills (Graduate attributes):

• Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information (ICT01)
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding (ICT02)
• Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures (ICT03)

The module is 100% summatively assessed using a 2-hour written examination (all questions compulsory) covering learning outcomes of LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5.

Formative feedback is provided during the tutorials, discussion, practical and feedback sessions.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme. If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme. You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session.

Re-assessment in this module will be based on the original format of the failed component(s) during the Resit Examination period covering all of the original LOs.

• Monitoring and fault diagnosis of plant: the need, maintenance strategies.
• Condition monitoring (CM) methods: Introduction, electrical, fluid, mechanical sensors, wear debris analysis, vibration of mechanical components.
• Development stages in creating a CM system.
• Signal processing techniques and examples, contributions from modelling, correct selection of parameters.
• Vibration monitoring, frequency spectrums and time series analysis.
• Machine tool and renewable energy monitoring examples.
• CM and prognostics and health management (PHM): recent trends, fault and energy efficiency monitoring.
• CM computing platforms and tools.
• Structural health monitoring and acoustic emission techniques in aerospace applications.
• Using MATLAB and Simulink to develop CM algorithms and modelling of engineering systems - Optional (Not Examined).