Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
709290 IFAC Proceedings Volumes 2013 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

The use of simulation software allows control engineers to design better solutions, reduce development costs and avoid possible critical errors in the process to be controlled. In addition, simulation software can be used in education to provide students with realistic problems. Although there are a host of different solutions for continuous systems, there are few simulators of industrial processes focused on automation technologies. In this work, we present a new 3D simulation software of industrial systems for programmable logic controller (PLC) educational exercises. The application includes a physics simulation engine based on videogame technology, it can communicate with PLCs using the OPC protocol, and allows the student to test their designs in real time. Moreover, an extension of the application enables the automated assessment of student work, by operating in conjunction with the Goodle GMS e-learning platform. The simulation software has been used in two process automation courses during 2011 and 2012.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Engineering Computational Mechanics