Design and implementation of a remote access PLC training set

In this study, PLC training set has been designed and developed. The system supports “hands-on” PLC programming laboratory exercises in industrial automation area for distance education; yet architecture allows clients to access and control the set via the Internet. A Web site has been designed in order to facilitate interactivity and to support PLC programming and control, using ASP.NET. And a client-server software was implemented using the VB.NET. In this proposed architecture, pilot experiment constitutes of Induction Motor, Frequency Converter and Encoder tripart controlled by Siemens Simatic S7-200 PLC controller by the help of SIMATIC Step 7 Programming Software as an example for demonstrating the effectiveness of the set. An IP Camera allows monitoring the devices and pilot application behavior. By working with this novel remote accessible training set, students and researchers not only carry out experiments but also learn how to work on system and program. Moreover, it offers an effective learning environment for distance education, and provides a safe and economical solution for multiple users in a workplace to enhance the quality of education with less overall cost.