Finally completed my PLC System

easttn

Premium Member
Actually, just showing off. :D This PLC system is for a very cool reefer in the Bay Area. If you have the patience, the rule set is as follows:

1. The main pump will not run in auto mode unless the water level floats are satisfied and the sump spill alarm is not active.
2. All pumps are under the same requirements. The water levels must be correct for that specific pump before it will come on in the auto mode.
3. The manual mode overrides the float levels. If the pumps are forced on in the manual mode, the pump will turn on until the system is returned to auto, or the pump is turned back off by pressing the manual override button on the OP screen.
4. Currently, there is no manual on/off for the heating and cooling system. They function only in the auto mode, and will not turn on during manual testing of the pumps or lighting systems.
5. The main tank heat and chiller will not turn on unless the main tank pump is running and the system is in the auto mode.
6. The sump heater and chiller will not come on unless the sump tanks pump is running and the system is in auto mode.
7. The PLC comes up in auto mode to deal with possible power failures. After a power failure, the system will resume in auto mode.
8. Manual mode turns off all pumps, lights, and any automatically controlled device.
9. The ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œclean tankââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ mode stops the pumps (and temperature control systems) but leaves the lights on (based on programmed times on and off). The clean tank mode is reset and the system returns to auto by pressing the ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œAUTOââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ mode switch on the main screen.
10. The ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œEXTEND VHOââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ button on the maintenance screen turns the secondary tank VHO#1 output on for 15 minutes, then the regular program resumes.
11. The ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œFEED FISHââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ button on the maintenance screen turns the main pump off for 10 minutes, the motion #1 pump off for 11 minutes, and the motion #2 pump off for 12 minutes. (these probably are not the correct pumps/sequence, so I will change the programming to reflect control of whatever pump you need to be controlled).
12. Time based entries are in military time (i.e. 1350 for 1:30 PM). Do not enter any hyphens or colons.
13. Setting the real time clock is done by entering a 2 digit year, 2 digit month, two digit day, 2 digit hour, and 2 digit minute. The current settings are displayed in the left column, and the desired values are entered in the right column. Pressing the box on any selection in the right column will display a soft touch numeric pad for entering new values. After entering new values for all parameters, press the ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œUPDATE BUTTONââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ at the bottom of the clock setup screen.
14. Entering the desired time on/off for the lighting is done on the main and secondary lighting control screens. The current programmed time will be displayed. Press on the box to display a soft-touch screen for entering new time values.
15. The alarm reset currently monitors the door switches and sump spill alarm. More monitors can be added for temperature limits, before generating an alarm.
16. The data logging function is not yet active. I will add this to the program soon. I am sure that there will be various functions that need changed, as well as bugs to be found and fixed. Please review the system logic and provide feedback as to what changes are needed.

Thank you Jackie for all you help.

I did not post the schematic or code, so the thread does not get deleted. If you are familiar with Siemens PLCs, I'll be happy to share via PM or mail.
 
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well, i work for a company that uses a lot of AB plc's, and my Gf works for Allen Bradley in milwaukee.

so i am not familar with siemens PLCs. are they ladder logic like Ab?

i will take time to read through your post later, as I am intrigued about PLCs running tanks.
-Tom
 
horkn most PLCs you will find are ladder :)
Some may have better IDEs to write code in, but they are all basically ladder. (somebody correct me if I am wrong)
 
Bean,

About this time last year gabe21804 and I were exchanging info in this forum and as soon as the code got posted we were deleted. RC does not want any problems with sw infringement rights I guess. I see their concern, respect it, so its offline.
 
Great, you got one done.

You are going to make me go and work on mine. Youo have my email... I would like to get a copy of the code. I have most of the hardware I think, except for the touch panel display.

Right now I am too busy with setting up my new tank.

sanjay.
 
Now I remember the thread, but didn't it have something to do with copyrighted software or something?

I guess if your posting somebody elses (or copyrighted code?). If the code is all your own, I don't understand where the problem is.

But alas, it's not worth it... as those who are interested will surely contact in private. I don't want anything to do with a PLC... simply becuse I would get hooked and have to add it to my list of projects.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7361902#post7361902 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
horkn most PLCs you will find are ladder :)
Some may have better IDEs to write code in, but they are all basically ladder. (somebody correct me if I am wrong)


there are step programming, and ladder. AB, and apparently Siemens use ladder.

My gf just said that most PLC's regardless of manufacturer (at least newer PLCs) use ladder.
 
ok, now i just need to find what siemens hardware cross references to allen bradley items . I will figure this out, but i will use an AB micrologix 110, since it is ethernet ready...
 
Great project
What skills are needed to put this thing together?
What is the approximant price for the components?
Man that looks cool
Ken
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7362116#post7362116 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sanjay
Great, you got one done.

You are going to make me go and work on mine. Youo have my email... I would like to get a copy of the code. I have most of the hardware I think, except for the touch panel display.

Right now I am too busy with setting up my new tank.

sanjay.

:D This was the one I was talking about at WMC. I can't wait for Charles to send it my way:p

Charles, will the code be fine on the other unit I have now? Will the lack of touch screen produce any errors? BTW, I've had good luck on the list, might take a bit longer though to get a fair share of it pooled together.
 
Minor code changes Gresham, noting too invasive. You can look at the I/O lights to determine ststus. All alarm functions will still operate, and data logging. The panel is just for ease of monitoring. Fire up that code and complie it to the plc, see what it tells you.

I'll get you unit out about Wednesday.

Charles
 
I'll post the schematic if someone can tell me how to get a .dwg posted as a .jpg in photobucket.
 
Very nice system!
I'm running a AB MicroLogix 1500 but am only using it as a wavemaker. I've programmed it to run the sump pump for feeding delay & control my lighting but haven't used them yet. Love the touchscreen - that really inspires me to work on my system!
 
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