Development of SCADA experimental systems through student projects to enhance the automation curriculum in a manufacturing engineering technology program

Abstract

The use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in industry is on the rapid increase, especially with developments of modular instruments and sensors that are easily controlled through Ethernet or other industry network standards. The need for skilled personnel to implement and utilize these systems is also increasing. Courses which incorporate SCADA applications are offered widely across the nation and in many colleges. These courses often include theory and laboratory component in which students learn how to implement and program these systems. By providing an experiential education in manufacturing systems automation in an engineering technology curriculum, students are better prepared upon entering the workforce. However, most SCADA experimental hardware and software are often very expensive and many colleges cannot afford them. This paper presents the development of a hybrid low cost experimental system. It is based on National Instruments low end data acquisition card with LabView™ as the software interface. The rest of the system is built from a collection of inexpensive sensors and output devices to simulate a temperature control system. The hardware is designed and built by the students. Also presented in this paper are the details of the hardware; and the results of a survey that was carried out to determine how well this approach satisfied the academic goals and what challenges the students faced as they worked on these projects. This approach enables academic programs with limited funding to provide important hands-on experience in automation to students, thus enabling them to enter the workforce better prepared. The paper also demonstrates the effective utilization of limited resources to provide more access to practical academic programs. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2007.