Development of a Programmable Logic Controller Training Platform for the Industrial Control of Processes

Authors

  • Awingot Richard Akparibo Postgraduate Student, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), P. O. Box 237, Tarkwa, +233, Ghana
  • Albert Appiah Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sunyani, Polytechnic, P. O. Box 206, Sunyani, +233, Ghana
  • Oliver Fosu-Antwi Postgraduate Student, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), P. O. Box 237, Tarkwa, +233, Ghana

Keywords:

PLC trainer, interactive, less expensive, portable.

Abstract

This paper presents an interactive, less expensive and more portable Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) training platform for the industrial control of processes. The proposed system employs Delta DVP14SS2 PLC, WPLSoft software, a programming device, switches as inputs and pilot lamps as outputs. The training system gives one the flexibility to wire and program any type of inputs and outputs of one’s choice and can be easily carried in one’s laptop bag giving one the freedom to learn the PLC anywhere at one’s own comfort. The paper is also meant to enlighten beginners and experienced PLC users to build themselves PLC trainers which can enhance their understanding of the theoretical knowledge gained from school. Traffic light automation application is set up to train the Electrical and Electronic Engineering students to measure the applicability of the system. Pre-test and post test are conducted for participating students as a way of measuring the understanding level of the student before and after training. Cost analysis indicates that the individual can build the trainer on one’s own at a cost of $ 214.

Author Biography

Awingot Richard Akparibo, Postgraduate Student, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), P. O. Box 237, Tarkwa, +233, Ghana

  

References

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[9] Anon, “Review of Available Portable PLC Training”, Available at http://www.program-plc.blogspot.com/2011/04/review-of-available-plc-training, Accessed on 26th August, 2015.

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Published

2016-01-12

How to Cite

Akparibo, A. R., Appiah, A., & Fosu-Antwi, O. (2016). Development of a Programmable Logic Controller Training Platform for the Industrial Control of Processes. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 15(1), 186–196. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/1053

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2016): VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1: (January - 2016)

Section

Articles

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