INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

Industrial Automation

A process control system is made up of a group of electronic devices that provide stability, accuracy and eliminate harmful transition statuses in production processes.

As technology quickly progresses, many complex operational tasks have been solved by connecting programmable logic controllers and a central computer.

Industrial automation

In an automated system, a PLC controller is usually the central part of a process control system. With the execution of a program stored in program memory, PLC continuously monitors status of the system through signals from input devices.

Based on the logic implemented in the program, PLC determines which actions need to be executed with output instruments.

History of Industrial automation

Before the days of the PLC the only way to control machinery was through the use of relays.

Relays work by utilizing a coil that, when energized, creates a magnetic force to effectively pull a switch to the ON or OFF position. When the relay is de-energized, the switch releases and returns the device to its standard ON or OFF position.

So, for example, if I wanted to control whether a motor was ON or OFF, I could attach a relay between the power source and the motor.

History of Industrial automation

History of Industrial automation

The relay based control systems, the electrical enclosures to house the controls would typically be six feet wide by four feet high, mounted near the machinery.

Disadvantages are Too much work required in connecting wires, Difficulty with changes or replacements

Difficulty in finding errors; requiring skillful work force

When a problem occurs, holdup time is indefinite, usually long.

Birth of the PLC Solution "General Motors" is among the first who

recognized a need to replace the system's "wired" control board.

Increased competition forced automakers to improve production quality and productivity.

Fortunately, at that time, the concept of computer control had started to make its way into conversations at large corporations such as GM. According to Dick Morley, the undisputed father of the PLC, “The programmable controller was detailed on New Year's Day, 1968.”

Need of automation in industries

Effective process control is required to maintain quality products and safe operations.

Faster production and cheaper labor costs.

Tasks in hazardous environments, such as extreme temperatures, or atmospheres

Repeat processes, easy to print.

Replaces hard physical or monotonous work.

Need of automation in industries

Easily maintained and programmed in line with the already accepted relay ladder logic way of doing things.

Easy exchange of components and expandability.

The programming look of the PLC required that it be easily understood and used by maintenance electricians and plant engineers.

Examples- process automation

Process automation

Examples public transportation

Real-Time GPS Tracking for Public Vehicles

Arrival Forecast - Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs)

Automated Voice and Text Information System

Automated Passenger Counters

Live Video Monitoring- cabin activity

LED Signs / Annunciates

Public Information Displays (PIDs)

Public transportation

Examples- building automation

Building automation system refers to any electrical control system that is used to control a buildings heat ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Modern BAS can also control indoor and outdoor lighting as well as security, fire alarms, and basically everything else that is electrical in the building.

Green buildings

Building automation