Abstract:
Modem laboratory apparatus facilitates students to measure required data with a
reasonable speed and accuracy in experiments and researches. However, for purchasing
modern laboratory apparatus may cost several million rupees. Therefore, this study has
examined the possibility of updating existing apparatus to modern one by applying
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software and microcontroller. In
the field of automation and control engineering,widely applied technology is SCADA
systems. The modern SCADA systems consistof high cost PLC systems, Sensing
equipment and application software. In order to reduce the cost associated with this^__
modernization process,the present study introduces low cost SCADA system using
Arduino controller, low-cost sensing equipment and an open source software of
LabVIEW. Arduino controller is the main functional component in the system and it
controls all the sensing equipment and controlling devices. LabVIEW software is used
to monitor and to control the Arduino controller. The present low cost SCADA system is
applied to an existing conventional air conditioning apparatus in the Department of
Mechanical and Manufacturing and the modernized one provides measuring of data at
high accuracy and a user friendly graphical interface in which variation of all necessary
parameters related to the air conditioning process are displayed in graphical manner.
