Equivalent Logic in PLC Programming
Written by Neal Babcock
If you understand basic electrical diagrams, it is much easier to understand ladder logic.
In fact, that was the whole idea behind ladder logic. It was supposed to look, and work, like real electrical circuits Read more
Wind Turbine And Wind Generator FAQs
Written by Neal Babcock
How Does A Wind Turbine Work?
A wind turbine, which is usually installed at the top of a tower, collects energy from the wind and converts it to electricity.
In other words, the wind spins the propeller which is attached to a generator. As the generator spins, it produces electricity. Depending on the generator, the electricity that is produced may or may not be compatible with your existing 120 V AC system. Many times, especially with homemade units, the generator will produce 12 VDC.
In a typical residential application, the home will use power from the wind turbine and the local utility at the same time. If the wind is blowing above what is known as “cut-in” speed, then the generator is spinning fast enough to produce electricity for the home.
If the wind is not blowing fast enough to turn the propeller, then all of the homes electrical needs are supplied by the utility company.
Typically, this is done automatically. You don’t have to run out and flip a switch when the wind starts to blow or when it stops to blow.
At the current prices of wind generators, it would be difficult to economically justify purchasing a wind generator that supplies 100% of the homes needs, even if the wind is blowing hard.
What Is The Cost Savings?
A wind turbine can lower your electrical bill buy as much as 90%. However in reality, savings of 30% or more realistic. It depends on the part of the country in which you live, much like solar power.
Look at the climate in your area regarding the average wind speed. You can get a pretty good idea of how cost-effective your wind turbine will be, based on this data.
What Size Turbine Is Best For My Needs?
The average home uses approximately 9000 kWh for electricity every year. That works out to about 760 kWh per month. Again, depending on the average wind speed in your area, a turbine rated in the range of 6-12 kW would be required to make a decent contribution to meet this demand.
Should I Consider Buying A Wind Turbine?
This certainly depends on where you are.
Some residential wind turbines can be pretty large and may not be suitable for urban or suburban homes. You may have HOA considerations.
However, as turbines become smaller and more effective, there may be a viable solution available for your home.
How Will Wind Turbines Help The Environment?
Wind turbines produce very little pollution and by using wind power you can offset pollution that would have been generated by your utility company. Over the life of a wind turbine, a small residential unit can offset approximately 1.1 tons of air pollutants.
Don’t I Have To Take Wind Measurements For A Year?
For most residential systems the cost of taking wind measurements is not justified. Wind resource data published by the U.S. Department of Energy is sufficient for an experienced evaluator to predict wind turbine performance. In very hilly or mountainous areas, however, it may be best to collect wind data before purchasing a system to ensure that your site is not in a sheltered area.
Will My Utility Allow Me To Hook Up A Wind Generator?
Current federal regulations require utilities to connect with and purchased power from small, that is less than 80 MW, wind energy systems.
Of course, the best way to find out the answer to this question is to simply call your utility company.
Will I Have To Change The Wiring In My House?
You won’t have to change any of the existing wiring, but you might want to add an extra breaker panel as part of the wind turbine system.
Do I Have To Install A Tower?
Usually, an 80 foot or higher tower is supplied with commercial wind turbines However, the choice is yours. The higher the better.
How Much Does A Wind Generator System Cost?
Commercial wind turbines can cost anywhere from $5000-$20,000 depending on the size, application and service agreements that may have been made with the manufacturer.
How Much Maintenance Is Required For A Wind Turbine?
Most wind turbines have very few moving parts and do not require any regular maintenance, as they are designed for a life span of up to 20 years.
Is A Wind Turbine A Good Investment?
Most commercial wind systems will read who their investments through utility savings within eight years. This varies on local conditions, the cost of local electricity and the initial price of the wind turbine.
Color Blindness, SCADA and HMI
Written by Neal Babcock
When you are designing an HMI or a SCADA display, you have to consider color blindness. Read more
RSLogix 500 Addressing in an Allen-Bradley PLC
Written by Neal Babcock
There are a number of addressing schemes used by PLC manufacturers. Let’s take a quick look at how memory locations (including hardware I/O) are accessed with RSLogix 500. Along the way, I will define some terms. Read more
PLC Training Books
Written by Neal Babcock
Beginner’s Guide to PLC Programming
How to Program a Programmable Logic Controller
Look around in any modern manufacturing facility and you will find PLCs, or Programmable Logic Controllers. You have seen all the names; Allen-Bradley®, Modicon®, Texas Instruments®, Siemens® and so on. Large companies and small companies use these types of computers running ladder logic programs to automate and control their manufacturing processes.
Understanding how these PLCs work is very important to anyone who works with industrial equipment. Fast and efficient PLC training is the best way to learn the ladder logic of PLCs. It will help you in your current job or help get you the job you want. More
PLC Programming with RSLogix 500
How to Program an Allen-Bradley SLC 500 with Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix 500
RSLogix 500 is used with the Allen-Bradley SLC 5/01, SLC 5/02, SLC 5/03, SLC 5/04, SLC 5/05 and MicroLogix PLCs
Rockwell Automation and its line of Allen-Bradley SLC controllers have been the dominant force in PLCs (programmable logic controllers) for many years. Their influence and market share continue to rise. Hundreds of thousands of processes and machine control applications are controlled by the Rockwell’s SLC™ 500 and their RSLogix™ PLC software.
This book teaches you, step by step, how to use the ladder logic of RSLogix 500™ with the Allen-Bradley® family of SLCs. More
PLC Programming with RSLogix 5000
How to Program Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs with Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix
RSLogix 5000 is used with the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs
ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers are the latest and most powerful addition to their line of PLCs (programmable logic controllers). Many processes and machines worldwide are controlled by the Rockwell’s Allen-Bradley PLCs and their RSLogix 5000 software.
This book teaches you, step by step, how to use RSLogix 5000™ with the Allen-Bradley® ControlLogix or CompactLogix families of PLCs. More
How to Program RSView32
How to Program an HMI and SCADA System with Rockwell Automation’s RSView32
In today’s industrial environment, controlling the logical operation of a machine or a process is only half the solution, though. A reliable Human Machine Interface, or HMI, is just as critical.
RSView32 provides an inexpensive but powerful solution. Not only can RSView32 work as HMI software, it can also function as a full fledged SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) system. More
How to Troubleshoot with a PLC
How to Diagnosis and Correct Problems with RSLogix 500 and RSLogix 5000
Troubleshooting is how engineers and technicians find and correct problems in a mechanical or electronic system.
It is a necessary skill for all those who are responsible for building or maintaining industrial systems and equipment. It is apart of their daily lives. Understanding ladder logic is an important part of troubleshooting automated systems.
“How To Troubleshoot With A PLC” teaches you how to troubleshoot a system that is controlled by a PLC. It shows you how to interpret ladder logic to quickly find the problem with a machine. More
