Study and implementation of programmable logic controller

Abstract

This project work is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the history and development of Programmable Logic Controllers and its subsequent applications in different industries. In The second part PLC was implemented to control 3 different processes namely lift car controller, Liquid level controller, Temperature controller. Automation of many different processes, such as controlling machines or factory assembly lines, is done through the use of small computers called a programmable logic controller (PLC). This is actually a control device that consists of a programmable microprocessor, and is programmed using a specialized computer language. Before, a programmable logic controller would have been programmed in ladder logic, which is similar to a schematic of relay logic. A modern programmable logic controller is usually programmed in any one of several languages, ranging from ladder logic to Basic or C. Typically, the program is written in a development environment on a personal computer (PC), and then is downloaded onto the programmable logic controller directly through a cable connection. The program is stored in the programmable logic controller in on-volatile memory.The programmable logic controller has made a significant contribution to factory automation. Earlier automation systems had to use thousands of individual relays and cam timers, but all of the relays and timers within a factory system can often be replaced with a single programmable logic controller. Today, programmable logic controllers deliver a wide range of functionality, including basic relay control, motion control, process control, and complex networking, as well as being used in Distributed Control Systems. There are several different types of interfaces that are used when people need to interact with the programmable logic controller to configure it or work with it. This may take the form of simple lights or switches or text displays, or for more complex systems, a computer of Web interface on a computer running a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Programmable logic controllers were first created to serve the automobile industry, and the first programmable logic controller project was developed in 1968 for General Motors to replace hard-wired relay systems with an electronic controller.The lift controller controls the movement of the lift. The program is designed to make the lift car move to the correct floor based on floor request. The temperature controller controls the temperature of the fluid based on a set point. The level controller controls the level of a liquid in a tank.