The thesis presents a demonstrational implementation of process control, using the PackML standard. As a controlled process a simulation model of an existing modular production system was developed and used. The application is installed on a programmable logic controller and supported by a graphical user interface on an industrial operator terminal. The demonstration system is intended to be used as a tool for study purposes at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering.
PackML is an industry standard that provides the appropriate terminology and a consistent set of concepts for control and supervision of production processes. At its earlier stages of development the standard was intended for automating machines in mass production applications, but with years of development it has proved to be suitable for standardization of all types of automated operations.
The simulated process is comprised of five workstations and includes a multitude of control concepts that are used in modern production systems. The structure and operation of the process are described in detail along with corresponding simulation model program structure. Thanks to its modular structure and configurable simulation parameters the applicability of the model is not limited to the present application, but can be arbitrarily transferred or extended to other purposes. Graphical user interface consists of process components animation.
Process control by means of the PackML standard is based on the grounds which Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has set in its demonstration project. The integration of the process within the framework of the standard is carried out and presented, while the fundamental building blocks of the control are upgraded with software logic for controlling the process. The result is a process control application that succinctly summarizes all the rules of the standard and demonstrates one of the ways of control implementation. A basic user interface for operating the process is built and presented.
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