Tag: plc

Industrial Automation

Posted on by lechuck park

From Claude with some prompting
This image depicts the hierarchical structure of an industrial automation system.

At the lowest level, the Internal Works handle the internal control of individual devices.

At the Controller Works level, separate PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are used for control because the computing power of the equipment itself is insufficient for complex program control.

The Group Works level integrates and manages groups of similar or identical equipment.

The Integration Works level integrates all the equipment through PLCs.

At the highest level, there is a database, HMI (Human-Machine Interface), monitoring/analytics systems, etc. This integrated analytics system does not directly control the equipment but rather manages the configuration information for control. AI technologies can also be applied at this level.

Through this hierarchical structure, the entire industrial automation system can be operated and managed efficiently and in an integrated manner.

Data Relay Type

Posted on by lechuck park

From ChatGPT with some prompting
The image appears to illustrate the process and key elements involved in data collection from a facility, with a focus on the intermediary step of converting or relaying data through devices such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) or DDCs (Direct Digital Controllers). These conversion devices play a pivotal role, and their functions are visualized as follows:

Data Conversion (Converter): This converts raw data from the facility into a format that is communicable across a network, ensuring compatibility with other devices through protocol or data format alignment.

Communication Gateway (PLC/DDC controller): The data relay device also serves as a gateway, managing the flow of data between the facility and the TCP/IP network, transmitting data in a form that is understandable to other devices on the network, and sometimes processing complex data.

Relay Information (Relay Info): As depicted, it defines the functional and technical details of the converter, including hardware interfaces, software protocols, data update rates, and relay connection information. This encompasses the device’s performance capabilities (maximum throughput), availability, configuration information, and relay device specifications.

Device Identification Information (Device ID info): Each relay device possesses unique identification information (address), which is a critical parameter for distinguishing and addressing devices within the network.

Relay Device Naming (Relay Device Name): Each device is assigned a discernible name for easy identification and reference within the system.

These components are crucial for standardized communication and processing of data, ensuring efficient collection and prompt handling of data. The diagram is designed to elucidate how these technical elements interact and fulfill their roles in the data relay process.

Facilities Data Collection Cases

Posted on by lechuck park

From DALL-E with some prompting
The image presents different data collection configurations in facility management systems:

  1. Direct Connection: Equipment directly sends data to the network without any intermediate device.
  2. Controller: Data is collected via a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), DDC (Direct Digital Control), or Gateway from the equipment and then sent to the network.
  3. Dedicated Meter: Specialized meters are used to collect specific data, which is then transferred directly to the network.
  4. Dedicated Meter & Controller: A setup where dedicated meters work in conjunction with a PLC/DDC/Gateway for data collection and subsequent control before networking.
  5. Internal Control System: An integrated control system manages and monitors data internally before it connects to the network.
  6. Solution System: a Standalone system that is self-contained with full functionalities for a specific operation.

This depiction emphasizes the progression from direct data routing to more complex systems involving multiple stages of data handling and integration.