Web Based PLC Integrated Process Simulator

Programmable logic controllers (PLC) are ubiquitous devices used mainly to control industrial processes. They ensure easy implementation and efficient operation of control loops, by means of solutions that have become standard in the field of automatic control. At present PLCs have the possibility to communicate with various devices such as human-machine interfaces (HMI), frequency converters, different types of industrial sensors, etc. Communication is achieved through various protocols: Ethernet, OPC, Modbus, CAN, etc. An important challenge is the proper programming of PLCs, their efficient communication with the controlled devices, along with the high-performance operation of the entire automation system in which they are integrated. In this context, this work aims to showcase a solution for developing and testing control applications by means of process simulation.We develop a solution that uses OPC as means of communication and an industrial process modeled and simulated with the help of Web technologies to achieve an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed solution, a synthesis of the results obtained through experimental testing is presented,with an emphasis on the proposed arhitecture and the different adopted solutions and technologies integrated in to it. At the end some recommendations are formulated to suport further implementation.