PC-Based Automated Control System for Jordan Northern Grain Silo

Salem Y. Al-Agtash

Department of Computer Engineering, German Jordanian University, Amman, Jordan.

DOI: 10.4236/eng.2012.412116                

Abstract

This paper presents a PC-based automated control system operation of the Northern Grain Silo of Jordan. The system connects to a PLC (programmable logic controller) device, and combines operator interface, PLC programming and monitoring functions into one platform. The PLC portion handles direct operations control, while the PC portion handles interfacing and data intensive functions. A simulation package is developed. The package generates a graphical user interface for real-time graphic animations of the Grain Silo operation. We discuss anticipated benefits of such a system and phases of implementation.

Keywords

PC Based Automated Control System; PLC; Grain Silo; Bus Control Topology

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	C. Bernard, “Embedded Systems,” Electronic Engineering Times, No. 858, 1995, pp. 41-46.
[2]	J. Child, “Ethernet, Windows, and Web Technology Invade the Factory Floor,” Electronic Design, Vol. 47, No. 15, 1999, pp. 9-11.
[3]	K. Hong, K. Choi, J. Kim and S. Lee, “A PC-Based Open Robot Control System: PC-ORC,” Robotics and Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Vol. 17, No. 4, 2001, pp. 355-365. doi:10.1016/S0736-5845(01)00010-2
[4]	N. Konish and R. Gawel, “Factory Foremen Make Call for PC-Control Systems,” Electronic Design, Vol. 47, No. 20, 1999, p. 32A.
[5]	M. Nor and K Cheng, “Development of a PC-Based Control System for a Five-Axis Ultra-Precision Micro-Milling Machine ‘Ultra-Mill’ and Its Performance Assessment,” Journal of Engineering Manufacture, Vol. 224, No. 11, 2010, pp. 1631-1644. doi:10.1243/09544054JEM1922
[6]	K. Phillips and M. Gibson, “Internet Technology Aids Plant Operations,” Power Engineering, Vol. 102, No. 8, 1998, pp. 41-43.
[7]	R. Garber, “The PLC versus the PC,” Forbes, Vol. 160, No. 5, 1997, pp. 198.
[8]	G. Schwind, “PCs to Sweep PLCs,” Material Handling Engineering Journal, Vol. 52, No. 10, 1997, pp. 20-21.
[9]	C. M. Davidson, J. McWhinnie and M. Mannion, “Introducing Object Oriented Methods to PLC Software Design,” Proceedings of the International Conference and Workshop: Engineering of Computer-Based Systems, Jerusalem, 30 March-31 April 1998.
[10]	W. Bolton Newnes, “Programmable Logic Controllers: An Introduction,” Newnes, 1997.