International Journal of Engineering & Industry

ISSN: 2191-3315, Volume 3, Issue 2, page 113 - 118

Zambrut

Program Consideration of
Washing Machine System
(using SIEMENS PLC S7-1200)
Wai Phyo Aung1, San San Thwe2 & Theingi Linn3
1
Wai Phyo Aung, 2San San Thwe & 3Theingi Linn
1
Ph.D (Electronics), Department of Electronic Engineering, TU (Loikaw)
2
Lecturer, EcE Department, TU (Loikaw)
3
Assistant Lecturer, EcE Department, TU (Loikaw)
Loikaw, Kayah State, Myanmar

Abstract: This paper illustrates on the working of Automated washing machine by using
programming logic controller. Hardware used in this projects is Programmable Logic
Controller (PLC), solenoid valves, relays and functions such are timing, sequencing,
controlling , relaying and alarming were implemented. A DC Motor is implemented
because of its variation over a wide range of speed .Solenoid is used for the control of
water as an input and output valves of the machine. All the devices are fully controlled
on a few instructions once given by PLC.As a Programmable Logic Controller,
SIEMENS PLC S7-1200 is used in this expermenatal research.

Keywords:Programmable Logic Controller), DC Motor, Ladder diagram, Solenoid

valves, Relay.

1. INTRODUCTION
Now-a-days, people are living in such a tight schedule they don't have time to wash their
clothes manually as well as it is much of a time consuming. In such cases plc based washing machine
can be used which is easy, reliable and time saving. Such washing machine once given a instruction
performs its task efficiently. In this automated washing machine DC Motor is used which is capable of
working at variable speeds as per one's requirement. The main purpose of the project is to have
automated washing device which washes clothes and sheets without any human intervention.
The term is applied to machines that use water as a primary cleaning solution, as opposed to dry
cleaning. Washing includes immersing, dipping, rinsing, soaking in water or other liquids, usually
accompanied by soap, detergent or bleach. The simplest machines may simply agitate clothes in water
while switched on; automatic machine may fill, empty, wash and spin in an automated complex cycle.
(W.Bolton, 2006).

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Aung, W. P., Thwe, S. S. & Linn, T. 2019. Program Consideration of Washing Machine System ................
 International Journal of Engineering & Industry
ISSN: 2191-3315, Volume 3, Issue 2, page 113 - 118
Zambrut
2. HARDWARE SYSTEM CONSIDERATION
The three main components consists if inlet valve, motor control and the outlet valve which are
controlled by the PLC [ programmable logic controller ]. P L C controls the different operations of the
machine.[Soak, wash, rinse and spin].
According to the instructions provided by the user PLC controls the whole functioning. For
example, based on the water level set by the user, input valve remains ON for that particular time
which is set for that level. PLC reads the user's instructions and displays the status of the washing
machine using different LED.
Door lock switch remains ON during machine operation and also ensures that the door of the
washing machine is closed, if unexpectedly user opens the door, the door locks switch gets open and it
sends signal to PLC and whole operation of the machine stops.

Picture 1. Block Diagram of Washing Machine

We had designed prototype of PLC based washing machine to get rough idea of various
functioning and implementation process. For this we had used TAI software, two solenoid valve, DC
motor, four relays and few patch cords. Relay circuit is connected on the PCB as per the relay logic to
get desired output. Different motoring conditions are obtained through relay circuit. This relay's input
are connected to PLC through various patch cords and relays output is given to motor, inlet valve,
outlet valve and buzzer. Just for project purpose motor operations are being carried out in two different
valve operation, so that we get a clear image of various motoring conditions.

2.1 TIA Software PLC

Picture 2. (a) TIA S7-1200 PLC (b) Solenoid Valve

The TIA software is implemented in this project. It combines the features that demand from
TIA , such as Ethernet / IP, online editing, and a built-in LCD, plus provides an enhanced features, such

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Aung, W. P., Thwe, S. S. & Linn, T. 2019. Program Consideration of Washing Machine System ................
 International Journal of Engineering & Industry
ISSN: 2191-3315, Volume 3, Issue 2, page 113 - 118
Zambrut
as: faster High Speed Counter / PTO, higher I / O count and enhanced network capabilities.(Shubham
Chidrewar, 2018).

2.2 Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valve is an electromechanically operated valve .The valve of solenoid is controlled
by the current flowing through a solenoid : In two-port valve the flow is switched either on or off
whereas in three-port valve, the two outlet ports switch the outflow between them.
This valves are the most used control elements in fluidics. Their work is to shut off, release,
dose, distribute or mix fluids. Solenoids provide high reliability, fast and safe switching, long service
life, good medium compact design.
Solenoid valves are implemented in fluid power pneumatic and hydraulic systems, to control
cylinders, fluid power motors or larger industrial valves. Domestic washing machines use this valves to
control water entry into the machine. Solenoid valves are usually called as "solenoids."
We are using two solenoid valve one as an inlet valve and other for outlet valve. When an
external signal of 24v is provided to solenoid valve both valve operate and allows flow of water. In this
case 24v signal is provided by PLC. .(Shubham Chidrewar, 2018).

2.3 Relay
A relay is an electrically operated switch. To mechanically operate a switch many relays uses an
electromagnet, but other operating principles are also used, such as solid-state relays. Relays controls
the circuit by a separate low-power signal, or either several circuits must be controlled by one signal.
In our project we used four relays which operate at 24V. One relay is for obtaining forward motoring
condition second is for reverse motoring condition and other two relays are used for controlling inlet
valve and outlet valve. Voltage which is required to operate these relays is supplied through PLC
output. .(Shubham Chidrewar, 2018).

2.4 DC Motor
A DC motor is machine that concerts direct current [DC] electrical energy into mechanical
energy [ME]. Almost all types of DC motors have some internal mechanism, either electromechanical,
to change the direction of current flow in part of the motor.

Picture 3. DC Motor

DC motors were the firstly used, as they could be powered from existing DC lighting power
distribution systems. A Direct –current motor's speed can be controlled over an extensive range, using
either a variable supply voltage or by changing the strength of current in its field windings. Small range
DC motors are implemented in toys, tools and appliances. Larger range DC motors are used in elevator
and steel rolling mills propulsion of electric vehicles.
DC motor of 24v is used inside the washing drum for washing clothes. 24v supply is provided
to the dc motor through relay using PLC. The reverse and the forward motoring condition is achieved
using different conditions of relays. (Shubham Chidrewar, 2018).

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Aung, W. P., Thwe, S. S. & Linn, T. 2019. Program Consideration of Washing Machine System ................
 International Journal of Engineering & Industry
ISSN: 2191-3315, Volume 3, Issue 2, page 113 - 118
Zambrut
3. PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS OF PLC BASED WASHING MACHINE SYSTEM
3.1 Algorithm
Start the washing machine by pressing the 'START' switch. Set the timer for the water level by
pressing the 'LEVEL SWITCH'. The inlet valve is on for that particular time set by the timer. Ensure
that the 'DOOR LOCK SWITCH' is on.
Algorithm 1:
(1) Motor running - Forward direction for 5 sec.
- Reverse direction for 3 sec.
[This occurs for 2min.]
- Forward direction for 60 sec.
(2) Motors stops running
(3) Outlet valve remains 'ON' for 60 sec.
Algorithm 2:
(1) Again inlet valve remains ON for time set by level switch.
(2) Motor starts running - Forward direction for 60 sec
(3) Motor stops running
(4) Outlet valve remains ON for 60 sec
Algorithm 3:
(1) Motor running -Forward direction for 120 sec
(2) Motor stops running
(3) Alarm starts ringing.

3.2 Program Flowchart

When user press the START switch, one should select the water level depending upon the
quantity of clothes which are being washed. Here we are using timer to limit the level of water, as
output of timer is given to the inlet valve. For example for level 1, timer is set for 15 sec and for level
4, timer is set for 60sec, which means when user selects water level 4 then inlet valve remains ON for
60 sec. Further after water gets filled in the drum to the set level, PLC ensures that the door lock switch
is ON i.e. door of washing machine is closed. After that motor starts rotating based on the algorithms
set in stage 1 i.e. in forward and reverse direction. In this stage soaking and washing of clothes takes
place.
After completion of stage 1 drain valve opens and removes all the water from the drum. In
second stage again water is allowed through inlet valve up to the level set by the user, and motor starts
to rotates as per the algorithms set in the program, and further water is drained out through outlet valve.
In this stage rinsing of clothes takes place. In the third stage motor rotates in forward direction with no
water in the drum. Thus remaining water from clothes get drain out due to centrifugal force, this
process is known as spinning. After completion of all the three stages, motor stops and alarm goes ON.

Picture 4. Proposed Flowchart of a System

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Aung, W. P., Thwe, S. S. & Linn, T. 2019. Program Consideration of Washing Machine System ................
 International Journal of Engineering & Industry
ISSN: 2191-3315, Volume 3, Issue 2, page 113 - 118
Zambrut
4. RESULTS
TAI software is used for the following testing purpose.
 Drag-and-drop editing
 Diagnostics
 Database editing
 Reporting
The result ladder diagram for our program consideration of a model PLC based Washing
Machine is shown in Picture 5.

Picture 5. Ladder Diagram

5. CONCLUSION
PLC is being extensively used for various applications for atomization. So use of this
technology to carry out different washing operations in washing machine [soaking, rinsing, spinning,
etc. with precise control has been achieved. This experimental based research paper can be carried out
the experience of using SIEMENS PLC S7-1200 and improve the used of Industrial Automation
Processes.

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Aung, W. P., Thwe, S. S. & Linn, T. 2019. Program Consideration of Washing Machine System ................
 International Journal of Engineering & Industry
ISSN: 2191-3315, Volume 3, Issue 2, page 113 - 118
Zambrut
6. RECOMMENDATION
The first author of this paper serve as a supervisor to do this experimental research paper. This
research paper carried out mainly case study of PLC which was teaching in Fifth Year Electronic
Engineering Course. By this paper, both the teachers and students are sucessfully practice the system
considerations, software approach and Ladder Diagram Programming for a PLC based project.

7. REFERENCES
1. V.V.S. Madhuri , Naveen Yerrathota "Automatic washing machine using PLC," International
Journal of Latest trends in Engineering and Technology: Vol 7 issue 2, July 2016.
2. Shubham Chidrewar1, Vaibhav Redekar2, “PLC Based Washing Machine”, International
Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), Volume: 05 Issue: 10 | Oct 2018
3. W. Bolton, “Programmable Logic Controllers”, Fourth Edition, Copyright @ 2006, W. Bolton.
Published by Elsevier Newnes. All rights reserved.
4. www. literature . rockwellautomation.com
5. www. Wikipedia.org.

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