Full course description
Day 1: Fundamentals of Electricity and Electrical Circuits
This day will provide hands-on knowledge of basic electrical concepts including voltage, current, power, resistance, capacitance, inductance, and motors. Ohms law, series and parallel circuits, and other fundamental electrical topics will be explained and practiced. This knowledge will be used to introduce common electrical devices. Students will also practice how to use and apply instrumentation such as multi-meters to make measurement and troubleshoot student-built circuits.
Day 2: Fundamentals of Control Devices, Electric Motors, VFDs, and Troubleshooting
During the second day, the course will provide students an understanding of the operation and application of various transducers, proximity detectors, switches, relays, contactors, contacts, starters, and concepts of control networks. Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) systems will be introduced with an emphasis on its use and troubleshooting techniques.
Day 3: Fundamentals of Ladder Diagrams and Troubleshooting
Day three will provide students with an understanding of the operation and application of ladder logic concepts. Basic ladder logic symbols, control circuits, and operation will be introduced to aid the student in troubleshooting real-world scenarios. The laboratory will focus on the application of circuits likely to be encountered.
Day 4: Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers
Day four focuses on programmable logic controllers (PLC) and their implementation into manufacturing systems. The student will be introduced to a typical PLC control panel, its components and their functions, panel construction, and a basic understanding of PLC controlled automation systems. Instruction will also include basic PLC software familiarization and implementation of ladder logic circuits into live PLC hardware.
Day 5: Introduction to Programmable Logic Controller Troubleshooting
The final day of the course will apply the concepts learned in the previous four days to demonstrate troubleshooting procedures. Concepts will be reinforced through hands-on activities. Human Machine Interface (HMI) will be introduced if time permits. The Petra automation model will be used to create troubleshooting scenarios for the student where they will apply real-world troubleshooting techniques to find and correct faults.