PLC Controlled House

[Mark Parsons]

I suspect others have done this before me. Since this is still a work in progress, I appreciate all discussion and ideas.

My method of making a house very intelligent is to add a low cost PLC. My off-grid log cottage has numerous systems requiring monitoring and control. I had issues cutting large sections out of the logs to accommodate multi-gang switch boxes. It seemed like a loss of R-value for a low tech solution of selecting each light circuit. By using one switch at each ingress point and the PLC, I can turn on any light I wish from any switch. Just flick the switch a programmed number of times to get the programmed lighting scene I wish. If the bathroom light is on for more than 30 minutes - the PLC turns it off. Of course, this time setpoint may change if my wife decides on longer baths...;) Maybe I'll just program a second flick of the switch to select a 1 hour delay.:rolleyes:

The PLC will perform battery monitoring, amp-hour calculations and energy management control functions. It will also perform DHW system differential temperature for drainback system pump control. The attached schematic is not entirely complete, but gives the intent. I hope it is legible at this resolution.

What say you?

Mark

[Paul Bailey]

Good luck with this . Home automation is a growth industy. I've been working Plc's since the beginning.. the AB Plc-2,3,5,5-15 ,5-40 and now control logix. and of course all the servo drives in there line up as well. Oh it's 1394 heaven where I work.!!!!Paul

[Mark Parsons]

Greetings Paul,

Got you beat maybe... ;) I started with the original AB PLC. Big box with a whopping 2K of non-volatile magnetic core memory. It was only a little vintage at the time. PLC 2 was state of the art technology back in the early 80's when I got into the industry. Programming with a T-1 terminal.:eek: How times have changed. :D 1394's with GML - oh joy....:rolleyes:

Any advice for me on my intention of using a PLC to control many systems of my cottage?

Thanks,
Mark

[Paul Bailey]

The Plc 3 was the Big Box. It replaced the Reliance Automate 32 where each input /or output card (1 input)was replaced replaced separately and it was the size if a VHS casette tape.. Motion is stearing in the direction of controlmotion again by AB. Lots of Freq drives about as well. Really where would industry be today without these control capabilities. Well and then theres comunication...... another story. Are these SSR's in the Panel Paul

[Mark Parsons]

Hi Paul,

I assume you mean Solid State Relays? All outputs are DC direct from the AB transistor output card. Since all lights are 12V CFL max 15W, each circuit only draws a little over 1 amp. I still ran 12GA wire to keep voltage drop down. The wiring scheme took more wire than conventional. All switch and lighting circuits run to the enclosure terminals instead of from switch to light. Since I have 3 different voltages in use I also colour coded all the wiring. It is all NMD-90 cable, the 120V to receptacles is outer sheath colour white as normal, the switch wire is blue outer sheath 24VDC and the lights are yellow outer sheath 12VDC.

I have the PLC and all terminal blocks on DIN rail in a NEMA12 enclosure in the basement mechanical room. The low voltage disconnect is a 75A contactor with adjustable hysteresis circuit and a low wattage coil - Newmar LVD12-75. The motion and light sensors are solid state 24V units mounted around the house.

The analog mux relays will be contact type unless you can direct me to a better method of multiplexing analog signals. Being a naturaly frugal person I didn't see the need to buy any more analog input channels. The signals will not change very fast so just switch through them and record the data for program decisions. I have used this multiplexing method in the past and the relays last a few years before mechanically dying. They aren't seeing any electrical load. Another non-contact method would be preferable. Without building a circuit board and utilizing an integrated circuit, I don't know of any other option.

Thanks.
Mark

[Mark Parsons]

Here are some links to learn more about using PLCs and other home automation products / services.

Online PLC training resources:
http://www.online-tech-training.com/gb/plc_v2/?gclid=CMrvk_qkrIoCFQrMPgodvUm4uQ
http://www.thelearningpit.com/

Detailed information resource section for the AB 1100:
http://www.ab.com/programmablecontrol/plc/micrologix1100/index.html

Another option for 12V systems:
http://www.airpax.net/site/control/modules/index.html

Instrumentation options - measuring temperature, pressure, flow, etc.:
http://www.omega.com/

Occupancy sensors:
http://www.wattstopper.com/products/productline_list.html?catindx=1

Canned systems and packages:
http://www.homeauto.com/main.asp
http://www.smarthome.com/

[John Allen]

Thanks for the resource links!! I'll be working through those soon.

ja

[John Allen]

Does anyone have any experience with Echelon products?