On the 1st semester, the project is focused on identification and/or estimation of systems for control and design. It can be systems from the chemical industry, offshore oil- and gas industry, mechanical systems, robots or other systems with identification or estimation requirements.

1st semester project examples

• Modelling and control of electro-magnetic levitation train system
• Superheat dynamic identification and estimation in commercial refrigeration systems
• Estimation of indoor climate dynamic model
• Fatigue modelling of mechanic systems (e.g. wind turbine’s drive-train system and offshore rigs)

The courses on 1st semester

In the courses, you will learn about the theoretical framework which defines stochastic processes. You will gain knowledge of the basic principles for system design, and you will become familiar with systematic methods for modelling of complex and flexible mechanical structures. There are two mandatory courses and one elective (three to choose from).

Your 2nd semester project will concern challenges regarding surveillance of processing systems. This can be a chemical process, a mechanical system or any safety-critical system. You and your project group choose the system you would like to work with. In the project, you must consider the reliability of the chosen system, determine its Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) and based on this choose an FDD solution which is to be implemented on a real-time platform and tested, either via computer simulation or hardware.

2nd semester project examples

• Online monitoring and diagnosis of power generation plant
• Wind turbine condition monitoring and fault detection
• Reliable three-phase separator level control in offshore oil & gas production
• Model-based diagnosis of bearing/rotor faults in inductive motors

The courses on 2nd semester

On the 2nd semester, all courses are mandatory, and you will learn about industrial automation processes, non-linear control theory, fault modelling and –detectability as well as the basic principles for reliability modelling and analysis.

The 3rd semester is all about choices – it has two project themes and three elective courses. You must choose one of the project themes and two of the courses.

Project theme 1: Design of intelligent reliable systems

Under this theme, you will be working with design challenges within reliability control of a system of your own choosing. As usual, it can be a chemical process, a mechanical system or any safety-critical system. You and your group must consider fault-tolerant control, and you must decide on strategies and methods for fault-tolerant design. Your solution must be implemented on a real-time platform and tested, either via computer simulation or hardware.

Project examples

• Fault-tolerant control of a coal-fired power plant
• Design of self-repairing UAV flight control
• Fault-tolerant power grid
• Reliable modelling and control of a distillation column for biofuel production

Project theme 2: Advanced control and estimation

If you choose the second project theme, you will work on a design challenge within advanced control and/or estimation. It can be a chemical process, a mechanical system or any safety-critical system. You and your group must consider advanced technology instead of basic control and estimation. Your solution must be implemented on a real-time platform and tested, either via computer simulation or hardware.

Project examples

• Model predictive control of networked power generation
• Optimal scheduling and control of a pumping station with multiple pumps and configurations
• Advanced control and optimisation of indoor climate regulation for live stocks

The courses on 3rd semester

In the courses, you can choose to work with basic subjects within advanced control with self-adjusting mechanical and optimal control technique, intelligent control methods and reliability-oriented design, or methods, tools and applications within machine learning.

There are no courses on the 4th semester, as it is reserved entirely for working on your Master’s thesis.

Master’s thesis examples

• Calibration and control of an intelligent electro-hydraulic valve
• Optimal ventilation control for living quarter at an offshore oil & gas platform
• Smart braking system for modern wind turbines
• Energy-efficient superheat control for commercial refrigeration systems
• Intelligent anti-slug control for offshore oil & gas production.

When you have finished the 4th semester, you will have the title of Master of Science in engineering in Intelligent Reliable Systems.

Are you a student at AAU? In AAU Study and Wellbeing Guidance, we can help you with, among other things, choices during your study programme, study doubts, study techniques, motivation, wellbeing, leave and study resignation or perhaps just a conversation about your thoughts regarding your study programme and wellbeing. We are happy to talk to you about anything big or small.

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Aalborg University is famous for its problem based learning which means that you work in a group on a written assignment each semester - possibly in collaboration with an industrial partner. This study method is also called “The Aalborg Model for Problem Based Learning”. The method is highly recognised internationally; including by UNESCO.
The problem based project work at Aalborg University gives you the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and competencies at a high academic level in an independent way. You get to apply theory to practice when you work to solve real-life problems, which will ensure that you are well prepared for your future career.
Learn more about PBL.

When doing project work, you work closely in groups with other students who have roughly the same academic interests and ambitions as yourself. This gives you the opportunity to cooperate, share knowledge and to explore larger and more complex academic problems than you would have been able to do on your own. Furthermore, the groups serve a social purpose and make it easier for you to get to know your fellow students.
Learn more about group work at AAU.

The Department of Energy Technology works closely with the industry; particularly some of the leading companies within the field of energy technology. This means that you have the possibility to work with some of the real-life issues and problems that companies and organisations face. This gives you the opportunity to enhance your academic competencies with an industry-oriented and practical angle.

At the Department of Energy teaching is research based. This means that your lecturers are doing research within the same academic fields that they teach. Therefore, you have access to the latest knowledge and dedicated and passionate teachers. The teaching material not only includes books but may also consist of, for example, current academic articles from journals.
Learn more about the teaching methods at AAU and the research programmes at the Department of Energy Technology.

The laboratories at the Department of Energy are of the highest standard and you will work in the best laboratory conditions with access to the latest technology.
Learn more about the laboratory facilities at the Department of Energy Technology.

Previously known primarily for its fishing industry, Esbjerg has developed into a city with two universities and more than 60 higher educational study programmes. Furthermore, Esbjerg has a lot to offer in terms of culture and leisure activities. It is not difficult to find affordable accommodation near campus and Esbjerg is cheaper to live in than most of the other university cities in Denmark.
Learn more about student life in Esbjerg.