Interactive Water Level Control System Simulator Based on OMRON CX-Programmer and CX-Designer

Abstract

Abstract— Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an essential component in industrial automation where it acts as the backbone of the system. In line with Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0, most industrial and manufacturing sectors move towards automation systems. Preparing university students about automation and PLC fundamental knowledge and skill is crucial before graduation, where the preoccupied knowledge will enhance graduate employability. Fulfilling this task, universities have to prepare the necessary equipment in the laboratory for teaching and learning purposes. The problem arises when certain universities with budget constraints cannot purchase the equipment for the PLC embedded system as huge costs have to be borne by universities. Thus, an alternative approach has to be taken where the main objective of this paper is to develop an interactive water level control system simulator as a substitution of the expensive automation PLC embedded system for teaching and learning purposes. OMRON software, namely CX-Programmer and CX-Designer used to design and develop an interactive water level control system simulator. In addition, the interactive water level control will be embedded with a PLC component that replicates the actual automation system laboratory equipment. Moreover, universities with a limited budget can utilize the tool for teaching and learning purposes of the PLC and automation system, which is the main contribution of this paper. Keywords—Water Level Control System, Programmable Logic Controller, Simulator, CX-Programmer, CX-Designer.