PLC programming for student assignments

Hi!

I'm new in this forum (and also in this PLC business).. I've a problem. I need to give a small project to 8 undergraduate groups for plc programming. Just a simple program that just need I/O, timer and counter. Can you suggest some applications that I can give to the students?

Thank you.

hey...

u can go for some simple sequences..

1) push button1 on -- time delay -- lamp on -- push button 2 on -- lamp off

2) 5 cars passed into gate, gate door output should close..

like this u think of very simple exercises..

have a nice day...

Thanks Haiaru123..

Maybe I can tell more about this student's project. A group will contain about 5 to 6 peoples. And the duration for this project is about 4 weeks. So, I need some suggestion about project that possible for 4 weeks work done by at least 5 peoples.

My favourite example project for training is level control using two pumps in a tank with simple level control using the following simple I/O depending on hom much I/O you have to play with on your PLC.

Inputs:

Start (High Level) Float switch
Stop (Low level) Float switch

From the control panel:
Manual Start PB
Manual Stop PB
Fault Reset Pushbutton
Pump 1 Running Contactor Feedback
Pump 2 Running Contactor Feedback
Pump 1 Overload Contact Feedback
Pump 2 Overload Contact Feedback
Duty Select Auto
Duty Select Pump 1 manual
Duty Select Pump 2 manual
(On a 3 position selector switch)

Outputs:

Start Pump 1 Contactor
Start Pump 2 Contactor
Pump 1 Running Lamp
Pump 2 Running Lamp
Pump 1 Fault Lamp
Pump 2 Fault lamp


Generally I tend to start off with the basics and progress in stages eg:

Manually controlling latching the pumps on from the pushbuttons
Run the pumps from the level switches
Generate Faults from the Overload and contactor fail to energise etc
Duty/standby rotation (timed, by number of starts or on duty fail)
Duty/Standby Assist (by adding in further level switches)
Hours run counters etc.
Add in some valve control etc etc,

the possibilities are boundless, just need a little imagination. This small application should give you a basic grounding in programming with timers counters and basic latching circuits etc.

Cheers,

Lee

Will they be learning the plc programming tool as well as designing the program ? is this 4 weeks of 5 days with 5/6 people = 100/120 man days ?

The classic traffic lights is a good starter, it can be extended with a pedestrian crossing, different priorities, time of day, PIR sensors ect.

Or Siemens have the ready built car-wash example with step 7.

Traffic light

The classic traffic lights is a good starter, it can be extended with a pedestrian crossing, different priorities, time of day, PIR sensors ect.

Click to expand...

That is propably the best way of introducing the concept, students can relate to this very easily.

We did a very basic bottling line,complete with display on a HMI.. Worked quite nicely as well.. There was conveyer a filler load and unload positions, use a counter to count the amount of fills..

Regards

Rheinhardt

Thanks for all..

Actually, the student were taught about basic command of the plc. The project will be done in 4 weeks with 5 peoples in a group. So, so far you've suggested:

1. Traffic light
2. Bottle counting
3. Level control using 2 pumps

Is there any other suggestion. Actually I need about 8 - 9 projects. I couldn't think one because I'm also still learning this stuff.

Hope I don't bother you all. Thanks..