Custom PLC Control Systems
Phone: (503) 231-4808, Fax: (503) 230-0572, E-mail
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See where our equipment is located on a typical passenger car
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are extremely common in a large number of industrial control systems. This includes railroad passenger cars, where they can be used for everything from destination sign controls to HVAC controls to data aquisition and management. To date, Northwest Rail Electric has constructed a number of systems incorporating PLCs. All of these have been constructed and programmed to the specifications of the ultimate customer, and are therefore highly customized. These are only a few examples of control systems that we have produced for various applications.
Northwest Rail Electric NW-DD-DAQ-PLC records an extensive array of operating data on one of our customer's passenger cars, and reports it to the car shop computer system by wireless network.
Features of Various Systems
Here is a list of some of the various features that have been incorporated into Northwest Rail Electric PLC systems over the years:
- Control of HVAC System
- Control and Status Indication of Under-Car Generator
- Traction / Propulsion Controls and Related Auxiliary Systems (examples below and at right)
- Cooling Fan Speed and HVAC Blower Speed using Variable Frequency Drive and PLC
- Data Aquisition and Error Logging of HVAC System Operation
- Computer Network Connection from On-Car System to Car Shop Computer System using Shop Wireless Network
- Computer Network Connection from On-Car System to Remote Monitor by Cell Phone Connection
- Custom Enclosures including viewing windows to allow viewing of System Status Indicators without opening the enclosure. The example pictured at the very top of this page illustrates this type of system: on the left is the system with the enclosure cover in place with compontent indicators visible through the window, and on the right is the same system with the enclosure cover removed.
- On-car controls have been built with switches, touch screen panels, or an industrial computer with a rack mount system specifically designed by Northwest Rail Electric to fit inside the car electric locker door (see below for an example).
Other items in our Custom Products Area:
Custom Products Index
Recent Custom Products
Custom Passenger Car Locker Packages
Custom Control Systems
Custom Generator and Power Packages
Custom HVAC Units, Parts, and Systems
Custom Yard Power Packages
Passenger Car Services - sometimes we get involved in more than just providing electrical and air conditioning parts.
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