If you are doing industrial production, it is usual to face the question of what is Plc and how do I use it in my machine. PLCs have come into our lives since the past age to purify your machine and your factory from human power. Its task is simply to control the work done.
If we talk about how he fulfills this task; it is the algorithm you set up regardless of the way you write the program. When we convert this algorithm to the language of the Plc brand you use or the Ladder diagram, which is the common language of all of them, we can produce solutions to all our problems.
Continuing with the subject; Although mostly digital inputs and outputs are mentioned, it is an integrated microprocessor consisting of memory, input/output, CPU, and programmer parts, evaluating inputs with programming support and assigning outputs with the features specified in the program, by making them in analog measurements based device. Plc provides the desired result by processing these data as in the program designed by the user.
PLCs, which have become indispensable when talking about automation, has gained an important place in the field of control engineering with their communication protocols and solutions in almost every field they offer.
The electrical signals that we receive from the field through sensors, switches, or control elements are processed logically within the PLC, and the necessary signals are generated and sent to the output elements that enable us to achieve the desired result at the output. The size of the data we will receive or send only determines the capacity of the PLC. PLCs can be used in all kinds of automation projects.
It can be easily programmed, maybe thousands of inputs and outputs can be controlled via a single PLC, different PLCs can be communicated with each other wired or wirelessly, information access and control can be provided via screens, remote access can be opened and updated via the internet, maintenance is easy and most importantly easy It is preferred so much in terms of machine equipment that does not cause malfunction.
Using PLC in Refrigeration Cycle and Storage Systems
The use of Plc in ice production, storage, weighing, automatic or semi-automatic transfer systems processes, primarily to provide ease of use to customers, to establish a safe system, and to detect malfunctions and to experience minimum time loss in the downtime of our machines, makes our job much easier.
In the ice production system, entering values such as thermistor, gas pressure, oil pressure, which make the system stop in case of malfunction, into Plc facilitates control. In case of any malfunction, we can have a more detailed idea about the cause.
In automatic and semi-automatic ice storage systems, the use of Plc is inevitable because motion control is performed using analog measuring devices and Modbus and CANopen communication systems in motor drives. By using both pressure transmitters and level measuring devices, we are able to bring the data we receive to the desired levels at the exit very conveniently and efficiently, as it provides PID control.
Another important feature is to create and share information screens on which engine is running in the system, which data comes from which sensor, which buttons are active, and what malfunction occurs in the event of a malfunction via HMI panels.
The use of Plc in our machines is very important for our customers in terms of ease of use and the advantages provided during technical support.
I think and recommend that these advantages are the points that should be taken into consideration not only for the ice machine but also when purchasing any machine and that these issues should be considered when choosing.
Electrical Electronics Engineer
Ferdi BÜYÜKTEPE
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fbuyuktepe/