Module: Process & System Modelling

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Process & System Modelling
Module Code	MEC1020 (ITS: MM321)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Innovative process and system design requires both creativity and imagination, along with a strong foundation in system modelling principles and proficiency in relevant software tools. This module equips students with the essential skills and expertise to develop process and system models, progressing from basic sketches to complex multi-process system designs using a suite of software tools. Students will explore various modelling approaches and gain hands-on experience in interpreting and analysing simulation results. Additionally, they will be introduced to common industrial system designs and their corresponding modelling and simulation software, such as Modelica, enabling them to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply fundamental principles and key methods of modelling and simulation in engineering. Utilise first-principles modeling theory to address a range of engineering challenges.
2. Develop proficiency in Modelica, an object-oriented, declarative, multi-domain modeling language, for component-oriented modeling of engineering systems. Construct and interpret Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) for engineering applications, including renewable energy systems.
3. Design, model, simulate, and analyse engineering systems and processes such as solar PV, wind turbines, HVAC systems, and energy storage controllers within the Modelica environment.
4. Model and simulate engineering systems in Modelica, monitor simulation outputs using Modelica's graphical user interface (GUI), and understand data exchange structures. Develop skills in pre- and post-processing simulation data, as well as interpreting various data types within the Modelica environment.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Fundamentals of Modelling and Simulation Theory
Laboratory	24	Hands-on Training with a Suite of Modelling Software Tools
Independent Study	89	Background Research, Review of Supporting Materials, and Assignment Completion
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10223	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Mohammad Saffari	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Students will design, simulate, and analyse an engineering system using Modelica software.	25%	Once per semester
Assignment	Students will design, simulate, and analyse an HVAC system using advanced software tools.	25%	Once per semester
Written Exam	Students will be assessed on engineering modelling, simulation, and P&ID analysis.	25%	Sem 1 End
Group project	Students will model, simulate, and analyse a dynamic model of an engineering process and system, presenting their findings through a final report, presentation, and poster.	25%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Lecture material
Introduction to modelling; fundamentals of mathematical modelling; general systems theory; P&ID drawing construction and analysis; modelling of engineered environmental systems; system validation

Process modelling
Students will design, build and analyse a dynamic model of a process or part of a process in Modelica

System modelling
Students will design, develop, and model engineering systems for solar PV, wind turbine, refrigeration/heat pump, and energy storage systems in Modelica

Renewable energy systems models
Students will build, develop, and optimise off-grid and grid-connected solar PV and wind turbine renewable energy systems in Modelica

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Hensen, Jan L.M., and Roberto Lamberts, eds: 2019, Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation, 2nd, Routledge,
Fritzson, Peter: 2014, Principles of Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation with Modelica 3.3: A Cyber-Physical Approach, Wiley-IEEE Press,
Luyben, William L.: 1990, Process Modeling, Simulation, and Control for Chemical Engineers., 2nd, McGraw-Hill,
Masters, Gilbert M.: 2013, Renewable and Efficient Electric Power Systems., 2nd, Wiley-IEEE Press,
Woods, Robert L., and Kent L. Lawrence.: 1997, Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Systems., Prentice Hall,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None