Name: Akorede Kola

Course: EEE805 Assignment

Date: 21/03/2021

1. (i.) List five major industries in which modern automation technology is utilized and give
3 reasons why
ANSWERS

In manufacturing

In storage and handling

In power generation, transmission, and distribution

In process industry

In transportation

REASONS

To improve safety

To reduce costs and prices

To improve product quality

(ii) Draw a fully labelled diagram of a programmable logic controller (PLC) showing how it
interfaces with the outside world.

Schematic representation of a PLC

What precautions are taken at the (a) input (b) output?

Precautions are

A. Remove and lock out input power from the controller and I/O before any PLC installation
and wiring begins.
B. Verify that all modules are in the correct slots. Check module type and model number by
inspection and on the I/O wiring diagram. Check the slot location according to the I/O
address assignment document.
C. Loosen all terminal screws on each I/O module.
2. Part of an automated plant requires that the speed of a rotating mixing drum be kept
constant. Describe with the aid of diagrams a way of doing this using a controller. The
controller power supply is to be maintained at 15VDC from an input of 20VDC using a
proportional controller. Design such a controller using an operational amplifier and
arbitrary reference values and a feedback network.

ANSWERS

Speed control system

Closed loop control

3. Describe the principle of operation and application of the following sensors:

(i) THERMOCOUPLE: Thermocouple works on the fact that when a junction of dissimilar
metals heated, it produces an electric potential related to temperature. As per Thomas Seebeck
(1821), when two wires composed of dissimilar metals are joined at both ends and one of the
ends is heated, then there is a continuous current which flows in the thermoelectric circuit.
Figure 2.5.5 shows the schematic of thermocouple circuit. The net open circuit voltage (the
Seebeck voltage) is a function of junction temperature and composition of two metals. It is given
by,

∆VAB = α ∆T

Where α, the Seebeck coefficient, is the constant of proportionality

(ii) RTD: RTDs work on the principle that the electric resistance of a metal changes due to
change in its temperature. On heating up metals, their resistance increases and follows a linear
relationship as shown in Figure below. The correlation is

Rt = R0 (1 + αT)

Where Rt is the resistance at temperature T (⁰C) and R0 is the temperature at 0⁰C and α is the
constant for the metal termed as temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor is usually made
to have a resistance of 100 Ω at 0 °C
(iii) Electromagnetic flow sensor: An Electromagnetic field (EM or EMF) is a physical field
produced by objects which are charged with electricity. It is one of the fundamental forces of
nature and it is very strong and detectable in objects that use electricity. However, as much as we
are surrounded by such objects we do not hear or see their EMF fields. The focus of this project
is not the effects of EMF fields on the human body, but on ways by which we can detect and
perceive EMF.

Electromagnet flow sensors

(v) STRAIN-GAUGE: The strain in an element is a ratio of change in length in the direction of
applied load to the original length of an element. The strain changes the resistance R of the
element. Therefore,

∆R/R α ε;

∆R/R = G ε
Where G is the constant of proportionality and is called as gauge factor. In general, the value of
G is considered in between 2 to 4 and the resistances are taken of the order of 100 Ω.

(vi) Load cell: A load cell (or load cell) is a transducer which converts force into a measurable
electrical output. Although there are many varieties of force sensors, strain gauge load cells are
the most commonly used type. 

4. What is the role of bridge circuits in sensors?

The role of bridge circuits in sensors is to convert the output signal of the sensors to an electrical
signal such as voltages.
5. (i) What is SCADA? List 4 areas in which SCADA is deployed and give a detailed
implementation of SCADA in one of these areas.

SCADA stands for “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition”. SCADA is a type of process
control system architecture that uses computers, networked data communications and graphical
Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to enable a high-level process supervisory management and
control.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems are essential to a wide range of industries and
are broadly used for the controlling and monitoring of a process.

Industries include:

 Oil and gas

 Transportation
 Waste Water Treatment & Management
 Manufacturing production

Consider an operation of turbine blade manufacture. The discrete steps in this operation might
be:

1. Move the cylindrical steel billets into furnace.

2. Heat the billets.

3. When a billet is properly heated, move it to the forging machine and fix it.

4. Forge the billet into shape.

5. Perform surface finishing operations to get the required aerofoil shape.

6. When the surface finish is satisfactory, machine the blade root.

Note that the entire task involves a sequence of events where each event depends on the
completion of the previous event. In addition, it may be necessary for each event to start and end
at specified time instants. Such time sequencing would be important for coordinating the
operation with other activities and perhaps for proper execution of each operation step.
(ii) The temperature of the oil of a remotely located transformer is to be monitored through
SCADA. Describe the flow of this data to the control center.

ANSWER

SCADA system collects various and different types

of data. The following types of data topologically
related to
the transformers are available:
• Measurement of transformer temperatures
o Winding temperature,
o Oil temperature,
• Measurement of transformer loading;
o Voltage measurement,
o Active and reactive power,
o Current measurement,
• Power transformer unit in operation (number of
transformer working hours),
• Tap changer operations.
SCADA system collects various and different types
of data. The following types of data topologically
related to
the transformers are available:
• Measurement of transformer temperatures
o Winding temperature,
o Oil temperature,
• Measurement of transformer loading;
o Voltage measurement,
o Active and reactive power,
o Current measurement,
• Power transformer unit in operation (number of
transformer working hours),
• Tap changer operations.
SCADA system collects various and different types
of data. The following types of data topologically
related to
the transformers are available:
SCADA system collects various and different types
of data. The following types of data topologically
related to
the transformers are available:
The important parameter we needs to monitor are:

 Transformer Temperature
 Oil Level
 Oil Quality
 Current level
 Voltage level
 Humidity
 KVA and Power Factor
 Incipient fault monitoring
 Flowchart chart to control center

(iii) What are the threats associated with SCADA and how are they managed?

Threats include

 Hackers
 Malware
 Terrorists
 Employees

These security threats could be managed or mitigated by installing next generation firewall.

6. Smart-Home Project. Automation can bring benefits of economy, security and comfort to
homes; design a scheme for a home which will include the following features.

Economy: the scheme will incorporate energy saving devices and systems. These must be
affordable.
Security: the scheme will include devices which will improve security and will replace the
present alarm system if fitted. You must state if any components of any exiting alarm system
could be used.

Comfort: the scheme should take advantage of the power of PLC to enhance comfort in the
home, including the easing of household chores such as cooking and cleaning.

ANSWER

Using FHEM server in the figure below connected to sensors (HomeMatic temperature/humidity
and motion sensors, FS20 Light Sensor and Heating Controller) and Philips smart lights. The
DHCP server has also been set up to provide connections between development station, FHEM
server and Philips HUEBridge (to control Philips HUE devices).

A schematic representation of a smart home project for economy, security, and comfort