Abstract:

Today the automation systems are physically and logically complex and require Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), when communicating with field devices. To study industry automation a good complex teaching equipment is needed to practice PLC application in real industrial conditions. In addition to the materials of the course, e-learning course provides good and detailed support. It is used by students for self-studying.

At the moment for training in Industrial Automation e-learning courses are developed in two teaching courses named Programmable Logic Controllers and Automatic Systems Design.
Two basic versions of e-learning courses are prepared. The first course is programming of Siemens PLCs. It is divided into the following steps:
• Development of the algorithms and programming;
• Simulating, testing and debugging the program in PLC;
• Testing the program in software environment.

The second kind of study - the Automatic Systems Design course - is provided with training systems. The programs for PLC can be tested by means of the hardware employment. The laboratory consists of several working benches and separate control unit (PLC) for each working bench. Each PLC is connected to the different types of working benches. Each working bench is also equipped with industrial sensors and the real controlled systems model. The controlled systems models behavior is similar to the behavior of the real controlled systems (1st order, time delay, etc).

The course considers the bases of PLC systems creation which are used at the field level of the industry automation. The course studies methods and principles of construction, installation, programming and search of malfunctions in these systems. PLC in control systems with open and closed control loops, the software PID controller implementation and "auto tune" feature, data processing on the basis of open protocols are also considered.

E-learning course is designed in the Moodle environment. Features of Moodle environment can be used in real-world applications as a multipronged approach involving self-study, interactive on-line webcasts and homework assignments with a mentor on call.

The course consists of 8 modules for a semester. All modules involve practical components for self-testing or group activity. There are initial preliminary materials for each module with homework or problems to be handed in. Initial preliminary materials set is delivered in electronic (PDF) format in advance and via on-line presentations in Camtasia Studio.
Group discussions are conducted using an interactive Hot-Potatoes option in Moodle environment. Assignments are also submitted via Moodle environment.

This e-course is also used for control practitioners, engineers, and technicians during the life-long learning.

Keywords:

e-learning courses, PLC systems, Moodle environment.