HVAC Hardware Modeling Using Programmable Automatic Controller

The primary purpose of this project is to use the donated programmable logic controllers (PLC) from Schneider Electric to develop experiments for a future lab class at Cal Poly. Our goal as the first group working on this project is to develop an experiment where the PLC can control the HVAC system based on temperature and humidity sensors and user inputs to maintain a desired consistent temperature. The PLC will be controlled using Unity Pro XLS/Control Expert software for simulations. The overall purpose of the experiments will be to demonstrate the potential of the PLC to minimize manual intervention while operating electrical devices. The end result of the project was that we successfully emulated an HVAC system utilizing DC Brushless Motor computer fans and the PLC. Much of the project also involved learning how to use the Unity Pro XLS/Control Expert software, designing a Functional Block Diagram in Control Expert based on the logic we want the PLC to act upon, designing the hardware setup with the drivers and temperature sensors, constructing the system, and ultimately implementing the PLC with the HVAC