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MP4J03
NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
SEMESTER 2 EXAMINATION 2008-2009
MP4J03 MARINE ENGINEERING SYSTEMS AND CONTROL
April 2009

Time Allowed: 2 hours

INSTRUCTIONS
1.

This paper contains FOUR (4) questions and comprises FIVE (5) pages of questions.

2.

Answer ALL questions.

3.

This is a closed-book examination.

4.
Question 1 carries 40 marks and the other questions carry 20 marks each.
___________________________________________________________________________
1(a)

Sketch a ladder diagram for a time-limit acceleration type of motor starter to be

connected to a compound dc motor. Briefly describe the operating features of this type
of dc motor starter.
(10 marks)

(b)

List four types of basic thyristor power circuits and state their typical applications
(4 marks)

(c)

Give an example each for an application of automation on a marine vessel and on

an offshore oil production platform. Discuss two benefits of automation.
(4 marks)

(d)

Explain the difference between an inherent linear flow characteristics valve and an
inherent equal percentage flow characteristics valve. Identify the applications where
they can be used.
(5 marks)

(e)

When is integral control often used, and what does a wind-up mean for integral
control?
(4 marks)

(f)

The equation given below:

vcyl

Cv

p PRV Fload A piston

A piston

SG

The equation, above, describes the speed of an actuator with a flow control valve
installed upstream of the actuator. Identify the parameters in the above equation, and
explain the effects of a varying external load on the actuator speed.
(5 marks)
Note: Question 1 continues on Page 2

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MP4J03
(g)

Figure 1 below shows a simple hydraulic circuit. The connection, P, is to a line

connected to pressure (pump), and T connects to a line to tank. The line P is protected
by a pressure-relief valve.
(i)

Identify the type of actuator and flow control valve depicted in the schematic
diagram. In addition, describe the operation of the flow control valve in its
three possible positions.
(4 marks)

Figure 1 A simple hydraulic circuit

(ii)

Explain the factors affecting the maximum force that can be overcome by the
actuator. Also, explain the factors affecting the extension and retraction speeds
of the actuator.
(4 marks)

2.

The ratings of two turbine generators A and B are 300 kW, 3.5 percent speed
regulation and 600 kW, 2.5 percent speed regulation, respectively. The machines are
operating in parallel at 60 Hz, 480V. Machine A is supplying a power of 260 kW, and
machine B is supplying a power of 590 kW.

(a)

Sketch a one-line diagram for a two generator system which is connected to the loads
through the load breakers.
(5 marks)

(b)

Sketch the approximate governor-droop characteristics for both machines. Label the
curves and indicate the operating frequency.
(5 marks)

(c)

By opening the distribution breaker, it results in a remaining bus load of 150 kW.
Determine the new frequency and the active power load carried by each machine.
(10 marks)

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MP4J03
3.

Figure 2 below shows a standard Sequencing Circuit.

Cylinder A
A

Cylinder B
B

Figure 2 A Sequencing Hydraulic Circuit

(a)

It was proposed that the circuit would be used to synchronize the operations of a
clamping and bending process. Identify the components of the circuit, and briefly
describe the operation of the circuit.
(8 marks)

(b)

The operation of the sequencing circuit was indicated to be:

Cylinder A, extend
Cylinder B, extend
Cylinder B, retract
Cylinder A, retract.

A change in design requires a change in the sequencing operation. Cylinder A is to

retract before cylinder B. Redesign the circuit to produce the required sequence of
motion. Produce a modified schematic, highlighting the modifications to the original
circuit.
(6 marks)
(c)

The cylinders A and B were designed to overcome a maximum individual load of 500
kgf, at a speed of 10 cm/s. It was desired that the system pressure did not exceed 100
bars. Assuming that standard cylinders are available in diameters of 1 cm intervals,
determine the appropriate cylinder diameters and the necessary pump capacity for the
worst case scenario. Identify the worst case scenario. (1 bar = 1 x 105 Nm2)
(6 marks)

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MP4J03
4.

Figure 3 shows a feed water pump system that supplies make-up water to a boiler
drum and is fired by a set of burners. Steam is generated and supplied to other users.
Steam output

Feed water

Pump

Valve

Figure 3 A steam supply system

(a)

You are tasked to determine the instruments in a water level control loop required to
maintain water level in the boiler drum, including the controller(s) and the
measurement of inflow of feed water whenever steam is drawn from the drum.
(i)

Tag each of the instrument with the appropriate PI&D tag and draw a PI&D
diagram
(5 marks)

(ii)

Briefly describe the instruments you have identified

(7 marks)

(b)

The pump works at a fixed speed, with the pump head and flow rate as shown in
Figure 4 below.

Figure 4 A pump head-flow characteristics curve

Note: Question 4 continues on Page 5

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MP4J03
(i)

Find the Cv of a control valve for the operating conditions shown by the curve.
You may assume that flow is turbulent. Note: 100 kPa = 10.197 m H2O, and
conversion factor N1 = 0.0865.
(5 marks)

(ii)

What would be an alternative to the use of control valve if it is desired to

reduce energy usage?
(3 marks)

End of Paper

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