PLC based control of remote laboratory experiments

Today new terms like ldquodistance learningrdquo, ldquoremote laboratoriesrdquo, ldquovirtual learning environmentsrdquo etc have emerged. The TUT Department of Electrical Drives and Power Electronics has launched design project of remotely controlled electrical drives laboratories where students can make experiments on real objects. Designing a remote laboratory presumes finding solutions to problems regarding technical and security requirements as well as the integration into a wider distance learning environment. As mentioned the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) based control of remote laboratory experiments is quite a complex solution, however it provides some advantages in the electrical drives remote laboratory.