Virtual Lab for Automation

Carlos Cardeira

Automation Virtual Lab Goals

• Provide Students access to PLCs without need of presence in the physical laboratory

• Allow students to self organize their schedules and do the labs in their own time

• Have a real lab component where the virtual lab results should be tested and verified

• Keep reasonable costs

PLCs Choice

• Schneider Zélio PLC– Low cost– Small size– Available for lending– Can be deployed in the

classroom, even in a theoretical class

– Software includes simulation

– Software available and free of charge

Virtual Part

• Students download the software from the Schneider site

• Make the program• Correct the syntax and

make a ready to work program

Virtual part

• When the Program is ready to work students simulate the program

• Check for project errors

Movie

Virtual Part

• Simulate the program as if the PLC were present

Movie

Real Setup

Example

Example

Conclusions

• Virtual PLC at home• Real PLC at home or

class• Low Cost• Available for lending• Presents a practical

solution for automation courses without needing large labs

• Increases students autonomy

• Less dependent of laboratory schedules

• Easily usable even in theoretical courses

• Compatible with Bologna style of teaching