Course Overview

This module is all about designing smart control systems for today’s power networks. You’ll learn how to work with SCADA, PLCs, and advanced control methods to manage electricity systems efficiently and reliably. From turning written specs into real control solutions to understanding how data is collected and used in industry, you’ll get both the big picture and the hands-on detail. The module will explore how Industry 5.0 is driving the merge of IT and operational tech, and how digitalisation is reshaping the power sector with new business opportunities. You’ll also see how data analytics can be applied to solve real problems like voltage stability and reactive power control in the grid. On the practical side, you’ll dive into advanced PLCs—how they’re configured, how to specify them, and how to use fieldbus networks and distributed I/O. You’ll get plenty of programming experience with IEC 61131-3 languages (ladder logic, structured text, function blocks, and more), while tackling real-world challenges like data handling, analog scaling, and structured programming. By the end, you’ll be ready to design robust, future-ready control solutions for modern power systems.

Main Goal

The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the knowledge to design and implement control solutions for interfacing with SCADA and for control of Electrical Power Networks. This include the ability to design and structure PLC programs for distributed electrical control.

Skills To Be Gained

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1. Develop control solutions from written specifications for control systems.
2. Specify the requirements of data acquisition in industrial use cases.
3. Assess the technologies, solutions, standards and emerging architectures in the field of industry 5.0 to address the convergence between the world of operations (OT) and that of information technology (IT).
4. Analyse and design applications for the use of data analytics for reactive power and voltage control methods in a power grid.
5. Investigate the opportunities for the digitalisation of the electrical power and its potential to drive the development of new business models.

Practical Notes

Contact TUS for information on discounted fees.

Contact details: Gerard Cahill, TUS DigiWind Manager, gerard.cahill@tus.ie