PLC is an industrial computer control system that continuously monitors the state of input devices and makes decisions based upon a custom program to control the state of output devices.
Almost any production line, machine function, or process can be greatly enhanced using this type of control system. The biggest benefit in using a PLC is the ability to change and replicate the operation or process while collecting and communicating vital information.
An HMI is a software application that presents information to an operator or user about the state of a process, and to accept and implement the operators control instructions. Typically information is displayed in a graphic format.
Human machine interfaces vary widely, from control panels for nuclear power plants to the screen and input buttons on a cell phone. A human user needs some way to tell the machine what to do, to make requests of the machine, or to adjust the machine. All of these devices can be utilized to send commands to a system or even an interlinked set of systems.
Supervisory control and data acquisition, a computer system for gathering and analyzing real time data. SCADA systems are used to monitor and control a plant or equipment in industries such as telecommunications, water and waste control, energy, oil and gas refining and transportation.
SCADA systems were first used in the 1960s and are now an integral component in virtually all industrial plant and production facilities.
A Variable Frequency Drive is a type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the electric motor. VFDs allow to match the speed of the motor-driven equipment to the load requirement.
A VFD is used for control of process temperature, pressure or flow without use of a separate controller. Suitable sensors and electronics are used to interface driven equipment with VFD. Maintenance costs can be lowered, since lower operating speeds result in longer life for bearings and motors.
Control panel is a cabinet which contains electrical components to control various types of devices. Components include contactors, relays, circuit breakers, fuses, isolators, indication lamps, selector switches, push buttons, transformers, overload relays, timers etc.
Control panels are used in all production lines Such as in factories to monitor and control machines or production lines. Older control panels are most often equipped with push buttons and analog instruments, whereas today in many cases HMI are used for monitoring and control purposes.
Natural resources like sunlight and wind can be used extensively to fulfil all our energy needs instead of our conventional resources like coal and fossils. In tropical regions, solar energy can act as one of the cheapest and most efficient sources of energy.