Programmable Logic Controller or also known as PLC, is a durable and resilient industrial mechanical or electronic system that is used in controlling different types of mechanical and electronic applications and systems.
So how standard is a Programmable Logic Controller? Why is it so important?
Well, in this society where people are heavily reliant on technology, PLC or Programmable Logic Controller systems are found almost everywhere. It includes most factories in every industry, office, school, entertainment, or medical buildings, even in controlling the traffic lights on every street.
These systems are at the very core control of a lot of critical technologies that a lot of people do not even give a second thought to, they are invisible and so seamlessly integrated into every person’s daily life. Listed below are some examples of everyday applications, mechanical or electrical systems that are being controlled by PLCs.
Road traffic signals
It is difficult to picture out the modern world without traffic lights. The three-colored lights are understood and used by a lot of people all over the world. This ingenious and simple application of the system has a very long history in most big cities and small towns across the globe since the traffic control was first applied in 1926, in England.
How traffic lights work? Visit this site to know more.
The traffic light system that people take for granted is controlled and monitored by logic controller software and hardware, running without fuss and dependably 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You might notice when you are on the road traveling during rush hour on a busy road, it is a very different experience compared to traveling during low-traffic times.
If people crossing pressed the button to pass at the intersection, it can affect the flow of traffic. The big question is, how? Can the traffic lights see emergency vehicles and allow them to go through an intersection? Using emergency vehicle sensors, transponders, and Programmable Logic Controller circuits to manage and control the lights, the traffic flow is managed and coordinated to allow for direct and timely rescue services.
Automated car wash
In any busy city where vehicle traffic is present, there are a lot of gas stations that have touch-less or automated car wash stations. As drivers take a trip inside the automated car wash, they will find the water mixed with a cleaning solution, showering the surface of the car and scrubbing them with spinning wipers.
Each process is carefully calculated and controlled, by how many gallons or liters of soap will be used to the amount of time the tall rotating wipers spin. The work, as well as time-saving services are all automated with the help of PLCs, with as little human interaction as possible, other than pressing the button at the car wash station’s entrance.
Elevators
Elevators are very useful in today’s world since almost every structure is at least 10-story high. That is why the elevator industry is starting to rise. In every high-rise building, elevators are present. Do you still remember the times when the elevator doors open and people step inside just to find out that it was heading the wrong way? Do you wonder what or who is controlling the elevator to do so?
To give you an idea, there is a certain program running in a Programmable Logic Controller that detects the floors requesting the lift, as well as directing them in the right direction. These types of programs are sets of ladder logic directions that are loaded into the system that controls the elevator.
These controllers are not located in the lift itself, but at a precise location on the rooftop of the structure or in nearby control rooms. People usually believed that summoning elevators to their floor were performed, depending on who which comes first, but it is not the case if the lift is already moving. Most, if not all, elevators are controlled and programmed by PLCs to take the fastest route through pending button calls, as well as make the directional decision based on the program.
Automated doors
We all remember the time when people get hit by automated doors swinging open. The good news is, there are better Programmable Logic Controller controls with better sensors on both sides of the automatic door to help prevent these types of accidents.
To get more details about PLCs and how to take advantage of this technology, make sure to check out websites like https://onlineplcsupport.com for more information.
There are a lot of ways for automated doors to function, but they operate with the help of detectors, for instance, a beam of light that is being broken and causes systems to identify something in between or in front of the doors.
Conveyor belts
When paying for groceries at the nearest supermarket, lowly conveyor belts move people’s groceries into the reach of the cashier. Imagine the hassle and the inconvenience, if the system was not there to help control the conveyor belt, making the process of getting the items in front of the cashier painless and straightforward.
Larger conveyor belts can be found in places like airports or seaports where they transport a lot of people or put luggage on the carousel until someone claims it. There are also big conveyor belts that transfer materials used in construction sites. These conveyor belts are also used in a lot of manufacturing sites due to their uniform motion and convenience.
Comments are closed.