See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/302214785

LADDER Program Solution for Multi-Probe Monitoring and Control in Simple

Cooling Process

Conference Paper · June 2016

CITATIONS READS

0 542

2 authors, including:

Tomislav Spoljaric
Polytechnic of Zagreb
9 PUBLICATIONS   29 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

PLC/SCADA systems in cooling processes View project

Parameter identification View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Tomislav Spoljaric on 08 May 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 LADDER Program Solution for Multi-Probe
Monitoring and Control in Simple Cooling
Process
Tomislav Špoljarić*, Mirko Špoljarić**
*University of Applied Sciences - Department of Electrical Engineering, Zagreb, Croatia
**Frigo-Ing d.o.o., Kašina, Croatia
tomislav.spoljaric@tvz.hr, frigoing@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT - Simple cooling process is a thermal
process that usually takes place in industrial
refrigeration systems used for storage of different types
of goods. This type of process is based on control that
usually uses one or two temperature probes for
temperature reference. It is also a static process that
consists mostly of two repeating cycles: one of
refrigeration and one of defrost. Multi-probe control
uses more than two temperature probes set in different
areas of a cold room. In this type of control
temperature reference can be calculated via mean
value algorithms with different weight factors attached
to different probes. This type of control can be used in
storage of sensitive goods since the accuracy of
temperature measurement is greatly increased with
number of probes.
I. INTRODUCTION
A simple cooling process is a self-repeating
process consisting of a single refrigeration period and
a defrosting period, if one is needed. It has predictable
control flow and is used in situations where
temperature of ambient air is used as a monitoring
signal for controlling the operation of main elements
of a refrigeration system: compressor, condenser
fans, evaporator fans and defrosting heaters.
Temperature is central characteristic in a
refrigeration regulation. Almost all refrigeration
systems have the purpose of reducing the
temperature, whether it is an ambient air temperature
or directly a temperature of a goods being cooled,
stored or frozen. Other characteristics associated with
refrigeration systems are fluid pressure, heat transfer
and cooling and electrical power of a system. Large
scale refrigeration systems comprising of a several
compressors connected in a multiset with several cold
rooms rely also on a pressure control. These systems
are driven by simple regulating devices with pressure
as a reference and act independently from
temperature regulation.
In today’s increasing demands for quality of
goods, a refrigeration control needs to be expanded
with multi-probe control technique. Here, several
temperature probe readings in the same cold room are
used in adequate algorithms for gaining a greater
accuracy towards a real temperature of ambient air or
goods being stored.
II. SIMPLE COOLING PROCESS
A. Basic elements of a refrigeration system in a
simple cooling process
Basically, a refrigeration process is a heat
transferring between ambient air and a refrigerant
which flows through refrigerant circuit. This circuit
consists of basic elements: compressor, evaporator,
condenser and expansion valve. As in every pipeline,
additional valves are required. Usually in
refrigeration systems solenoid valves are used for
automated refrigerant flow control and shut-off
valves are used for manual control.
Refrigerant that flows through a circuit changes
its physical condition and pressure. In liquid form it
will absorb heat when it evaporates and it is this
conditional change that produces cooling in a
refrigerating process. Heat will be taken up from the
surrounding air and evaporation will occur at a
refrigerant temperature corresponding to
atmospheric pressure. This is analogous to the
original temperature: it is pressure dependent. This
stage of process takes place in a device called
evaporator.
To maintain a lower pressure and with it a lower
temperature it is necessary to remove vapor. This is
done by the compressor, which sucks vapor away
from the evaporator. In simple terms, the compressor
can be compared to a pump that conveys vapor in the
refrigeration circuit.
The refrigerant gives off heat in the condenser,
and this heat is transferred to a medium having a
lower temperature, usually air. The amount of heat
given off is the heat absorbed by the refrigerant in
the evaporator plus the heat created by compression
input.
Liquid from the condenser runs to a collecting
tank, the receiver. This can be likened to the tank
mentioned under section 3.1 on the evaporator.
Pressure in the receiver is much higher than the
pressure in the evaporator because of the
compression (pressure increase) that has occurred in
the compressor. To reduce pressure to the same level
as the evaporating pressure a device must be inserted
to carry out this process, which is called throttling,
or expansion. A device used for such operation is
usually an expansion valve. By suddenly reducing
pressure a conditional change will occur and a liquid
will evaporate which takes place in evaporator. This
makes the refrigeration circuit complete [2].
Figure 1. Simplified diagram of a refrigeration circuit and basic
elements of a refrigeration system [2]
B. Simple regulation techniques in a simple
cooling process
In today’s refrigeration systems, mostly low cost
regulators are used as temperature regulating devices
for small and medium scale systems. These devices
are based on simple electronic PIC technology with
implemented simple algorithms for calculating the
difference between temperature probe reading and a
reference. Some regulators may implement a virtual
probe reading, meaning that they use mean value of
two probes and may use a percentage calculation for
defining a priority of a probe. These regulation
techniques are defined as follows:
𝜗𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 = 𝜗𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑒
𝑤1 ∙ 𝜗1 + (100 − 𝑤1 ) ∙ 𝜗2
𝜗𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 = ∙ 100
2
In a most simple manner a reading from a probe is
used as a regulating information: the difference
between probe reading and reference temperature
𝜗𝑟𝑒𝑓 is used for switching the components on and off.
Usually a temperature hysteresis is used for avoiding
unwanted frequent switching which may cause
failures in switching equipment. Some regulating
devices have loaded algorithm for management of
two probes. With percentage factor that defines
priority of a first probe, this algorithm presents a
“virtual probe”. This term is defined by calculation of
a mean value with a percentage factor (2).
Compressor switch state
ON
OFF
ϑref ϑref +Δϑ
Temperature [°C/K]
Figure 2. Diagram of a compressor switching state according to
room temperature – direct mode
As shown on Fig. 1 refrigerating elements (such as
compressor) are switched on if a logic condition
𝜗𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 > 𝜗𝑟𝑒𝑓 + ∆𝜗 , and after successful cooling
operation they are switched off when 𝜗𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 ≤ 𝜗𝑟𝑒𝑓 .
This type of control in refrigeration is known as
direct mode.
Defrosting is needed when required room
temperature needs to be maintained below 0°C (in
some cases even below +5°C), due to icing on
evaporator section. This is done by switching the
electrical heaters that need to be inserted into the
evaporator section or, when electrical defrost is not
available, by defrosting with hot gas. Defrosting is
done separately from other refrigeration system
elements (compressor, fans, etc.) and is regulated by
a separate temperature probe that is inserted in
evaporator [3]. This type of control is known as
reverse mode.
Defrost switch state
ON
OFF
ϑref ϑref +Δϑ
Temperature [°C/K]
Figure 3. Diagram of a heater switching state according to
evaporator temperature – reverse mode
(1)
According to time, simple cooling process is a
(2) static process where one (refrigeration) or two
periods (refrigeration and defrost) alternate from time
when a system is switched on until it is switched off.
Diagram of such a process is shown on Fig. 4.
on
process state
off
time
Tr Td
Tc Tc Tc
refrigeration process state
defrost process state
Figure 4. Time flow diagram of a simple cooling process
A repeating time cycle duration is described
with simple equation:
𝑇𝑐 = 𝑇𝑟 + 𝑇𝑑 , (1)
where 𝑇𝑟 is a refrigeration period duration and 𝑇𝑑
is a defrost period duration. When refrigeration
process is active, temperature regulation according to
room temperature probe is active. When defrost
process is active, temperature regulation according to
evaporator temperature probe is active [3].
C. Multi-probe monitoring and control in a simple refrigeration control. This hysteresis is used for
cooling process switching between one probe and three probe
Certain goods require strict quality control. This control. If temperature in certain section of a room
requires more accuracy in temperature monitoring deviates above that security hysteresis, one probe
and regulation. One way to ensure strict temperature regulation takes over. Basically, refrigeration control
control is with duct probes which are jabbed or is then referenced only from deviating section’s
inserted into a product, and in this way a goods’ probe reading. This is particularly useful in moments
temperature control can be monitored with after the room door closes (after managing the goods
satisfactory accuracy. The problem with this type of by the operator). Cold room is cooled quickly, and
control is in the type of goods controlled and cooled. heat is transferred properly across the room when a
With meat, fish, fruit and vegetables this is plausible, three probe regulation takes over.
but with certain solid and liquid products, such as Defrost control uses only one PT100 probe and
pharmaceuticals, drinks or even blood for blood switches heaters on evaporator according to that
banks, this type of control is impossible. So, an probe.
indirect type of accurate temperature measurement Humidity probe (4-20mA) is used only for
needs to be implemented. monitoring of ambient humidity.
Other way to gain temperature accuracy in cold A. Program flow
rooms used for storage is to ensure more than two
LADDER program was made with VisiLogic
measurement places. The problem with this type of
software package that is specifically made for PLC
regulation is a that specific regulators do not support
Series Vision made by Unitronics®. LADDER
more complex control than with one or two probes.
Program is divided into main routine and several
This is where PLC needs to be implemented as a
subroutines. Main routine is executing initially, and
main regulating device.
somewhere in its code it is possible to call for
PLC’s have several inputs and outputs and they
subroutine, part of the program which code is
can be modular. Additional modules can be added
divided from main routine’s code. This can be
for specific purposes, such as analog input modules
helpful when dividing a code by its practical use, and
used for measuring devices (voltage, current,
when a subroutine needs to be called for more than
resistor, thermistor), digital input modules for
one time.
alarming purposes (switching failures) or digital
output modules used for switching appropriate
actuating devices. PLC’s are also useful for
connection to BMS (Building Management Physical input reading
Systems) since they have the possibility to connect
to main plant monitoring system through several
industry protocols via appropriate connection LADDER program running
modules. Specific refrigeration regulators do not
have that possibility and are often limited to one type
of connection protocol, usually a protocol specific to Physical output updating
the manufacturer of that regulator.
In this article a system with PLC as a controlling
HMI program running
device is observed. Cold room for storing
pharmaceutical products is monitored with five
probes of which three temperature probes are used Communications processing
for refrigeration control, one temperature probe is
used for defrost control and a humidity probe is used
only for monitoring a humidity level.
Figure 5. LADDER program running in PLC sequencing
III. LADDER PROGRAM FOR MULTI-PROBE diagram
CONTROL AND MONITORING
LADDER Program running
In this section a LADDER program review is
Main Routine Subroutine 1 Subroutine 2
given. This program is used for controlling the
Net 1 Net 1 Net 1
ambient conditions of a cold room used for storing
medical products. Demands for such control include Net 2 Net 2 Net 2

temperature monitoring of three sections of a cold Net 3

CALL
Net 3
CALL
Net 3

room and regulation of switching refrigerating ... ... ...

elements according to these three measurements. A RETURN RETURN
Net i Net j Net k
simple mean value algorithm which incorporates
weight factors is used in program. Also a specific
demand was implementation of a security Figure 6. Subroutine call and return in LADDER program
temperature hysteresis for each probe used in workflow
B. Main routine For temperature monitoring a IO-PT4x module
Main routine is composed of several call with four PT100 inputs is used. 12-bit values are
subroutine orders after a power up bit and a physical stored in memory integers with 0.1°C resolution
input connected to first digital input of PLC. First (25°C equals to integer of 250, -10.3°C equals to
subroutine consists of reading and processing analog signed integer of -103). Since no linear block is
inputs: humidity and temperature probes. Second needed, as in case with active inputs, only a
subroutine consists of orders for loading and comparison block is introduced for triggering an
processing timers for regulation. Third subroutine is alarm, as shown on Fig. 9. This section is same for
used for alarms. Fourth subroutine is used for all four PT100 probes with MI100, MI101, MI102
regulation, and fifth is used for sending and and MI103 as values read from probes 1 to 4 and
receiving data from HMI display. This workflow is corresponding alarm timers are addressed in TD1 to
processed continuously until first digital input is set TD 4, and set to trigger after 2 seconds. Limits for
to 0. Then a program stops, and a cooling process is triggering are -50°C and 120°C.
terminated. TD1
[00:00:02.00]
C. Subroutine 1 – input data
EN ENO
Loading and processing analog input data starts A<B
with humidity probe loaded to linear block which
MI100 A
gives an output as memory integer. In this way 4-
20mA active input set to address MI4 is converted to D# -500 B
integer form as 10 bit (4mA equals to integer of 204,
20mA equals to integer 1023). Output is given in
integer form: 0%rH equals to integer of 4 and 99%rH EN ENO
equals to integer of 990. These are the limits of linear
A>B
measurement given by active humidity probe. When
MI100 A
output integer shows value below 0 or above 990, an
alarm is triggered for probe failure after a time set
D# 1200 B
for alarm. This is done with compare block.
Humidity probe loading and processing is shown on
TD1 MB7
Fig.7 and Fig. 8. [00:00:02.00] temp.pr1.fail

EN ENO S

LINEAR Figure 9. Comparison block for triggering an alarm in a case of

Y temperature probe 1 failure
MI4 MI104
X Also, a mean value with weight factors is used
for defining a virtual probe reading. Since weight
Figure 7. Linear block for processing humidity probe reading factors are limited from 0 to 100, a linearization
block needs to be implemented - minima are same:
TD0 zero, and maximum of output is 100 times smaller
[00:00:02.00]
than input integer.
EN ENO
MB7
A<B
A EN ENO
MI104
A MUL B = C
D# 0 B MI100 A C MI120

MI110
B
w.f. 1
EN ENO
A>B
Figure 10. Multiplier block for assigning a percentage priority to
MI104 A probe 1

EN ENO EN ENO
D# 990 B
ADD LINEAR

D Y
MI120 A
MI130
TD0 MB6
X
[00:00:02.00] hum.pr.fail MI121 B

S MI122 C

Figure 8. Comparison block for triggering an alarm in a case of Figure 11. Addition of three values and linearizing the
humidity probe failure summation
D. Subroutine 2 – timers F. Subroutine 4 – regulation and writing to outputs
In this subroutine a block called LD TP (load In regulation subroutine first networks define the
timer) is used three times with preset values situation when a process is disabled. Alarm
(refrigeration, defrost and alarm reset period). One triggering and manual disabling of bit that starts the
such block is shown on Fig. 12. process (via HMI display or physical input) are
responsible for this part of code. All process bits and
EN ENO
timers are reset when these conditions are met.
LD TP
MB4 MB38
TD14 Start bit alarm stop bit
A B ML6
[06:00:00.00] R

MB40
Figure 12. Load timer block for refrigeration time
refrigeration bit
R
Operand A contains value from address TD14
with preset value that equals to 6 hours and moves it MB41
Defrost bit
into operand B on address ML6 which will be
processed in HMI display subroutine. ML6 is 32-bit R

value of time with base in 10 milliseconds. This

Figure 14. Resetting alarms and process bits
subroutine has two more LD TP blocks with T2 and
T3 as operands A and ML7 and ML8 as operands B. When a single shot impulse occurs in MB4 bit, a
In this way on addresses ML6, ML7 and ML8 are refrigeration bit MB40 is set on positive change of
stored refrigeration time, defrosting time and pause impulse. MB40 activates refrigeration timer TD14.
interval. Pause interval is preset to two minutes and When TD14 counts off impulse occurs, refrigeration
defrosting interval lasts for half an hour. bit is reset and defrost bit MB41 is set. MB41
E. Subroutine 3 – alarms activates defrost timer TD15. When TD15 counts off
impulse occurs, defrost bit is reset and, by setting
Alarm managing is simple. All switching
MB40 bit again, cycle repeats itself until start bit is
equipment is connected to digital inputs which are
set to zero. This type of process is shown on Fig. 15.
directly read and written to appropriate memory bit MB4 MB40
addresses (MB#). Probe failures are discussed in Start bit refrigeration bit
previous section. Also, high and low temperature P S
alarms are introduced, and they operate in same
manners as probe failure detection shown on Fig. 8, MB40 TD14
refrigeration bit [06:00:00.00]
but in case of extreme temperature alarm new
memory integer addresses are introduced and
compared with comparison block. If extreme TD14 MB40
temperature occurs a new timer address is used for [06:00:00.00] refrigeration bit
triggering appropriate alarms. Also if one of these P R
alarms occur, process stops by resetting the memory
bit that starts cooling process (in this example it is MB41
defrost bit
MB4).
I0 MB4 S
Start input Start bit
R
MB41 TD15
defrost bit [00:30:00.00]
MB14
probes fail

TD15 MB41
I1 [00:30:00.00] Defrost bit
compressor fail
P R

I2 MB40
evaporator fail refrigeration bit
S
I3
heater fail Figure 15. Continuous cooling cycle

As a reference in refrigeration, two hysteresis are

MB38 introduced: standard hysteresis for reference (MI12)
alarm stop bit
and security hysteresis (MI13). Add block for
reference and standard hysteresis gives output in
Figure 13. Resetting the start bit in alarms’ subroutine address MI25. Additional add block for MI25 and
security hysteresis MI13 gives output in MI26.
These integers are later used as regulation references MB41 O2
in two modes of regulation. Comparison block Defrost bit heater output
dictates which mode is enabled. If one of the probes EN ENO S
deviates out of limits above temperature defined in A<B
MI26, regulation is set to work by that probe’s MI103 A
reading. Otherwise, regulation works through mean
MI27
value of prioritized probes. Tgref B

EN ENO MB41 O2
ADD Defrost bit heater output
MI113 MI25
A C R
reference ref+dT EN ENO
MI12 A >= B
dT B
MI103 A

EN ENO MI28
Tgref+2 B
ADD
MI25 MI26
A C
ref+dT ref+dT+dTs
Figure 17. Regulation process for defrosting
MI13
dTs B

MB40
G. Subroutine 5 – HMI display
O0
refrigeration bit compressor output This subroutine is used for loading and receiving
S
EN ENO
data blocks such as memory integers, memory bits
A>B
and output status into a graphical interface via HMI
MI130 A
display. In this article a PLC+HMI all-in-one device
MI25
ref+dT B V430-J-RH2 was used and a graphical interface was
MB40 MB7 O0 programmed in same software package as is a
refrigeration bit temp.pr1.fail compressor output
S
LADDER program. On Fig. 18 a monitoring screen
EN ENO
A>B
setting is shown. On Fig. 19 alarm screen setting is
MI100 A MB16 shown.
mode 2
MI26
ref+dT+dTs B

MB8
temp.pr1.fail
EN ENO
A>B
MI101 A

MI26
ref+dT+dTs B

MB9
temp.pr1.fail
EN ENO
A>B
MI102 A
Figure 18. Monitoring screen on HMI display
MI26
ref+dT+dTs B

MB40 MB16 O0
refrigeration bit mode 2 compressor output
EN ENO R
A <= B
MI130 A

MI25
ref+dT B

Figure 16. Regulation process for refrigeration

Defrost control is defined in a similar way. Only

a standard hysteresis is used. Heaters are switched on
during defrosting period if evaporator temperature Figure 19. Alarm screen on HMI display
falls below referenced temperature. They are
switched off if temperature grows above the sum of H. Additional subroutine – Communication settings
defrost reference and hysteresis (2°C fixed). If a MODBUS or PROFIBUS network connection
is present, a configuration block needs to be
implemented after a power up bit on a start of the
workflow, and on last place a subroutine for
managing network variables is defined. This is used
for monitoring via main managing system, usually a assigned to a probe placed near entry door, so the
BMS server. cooling regulation will always operate with that
condition.
As result, overview of LADDER program’s flow
Cold room
is shown on Fig. 20 in a form of diagram.
entry door
...

temp. probe 1
Physical input reading hum. probe

Subroutine 1 – input data

processing

defrost probe
Subroutine 2 – timer definition

Storage section 1
temp. probe 2
Subroutine 3 – alarms definition

Evaporator section
Main routine
Subroutine 4 – regulation and

Storage section 2

6500mm
outputs management

Subroutine 5 – HMI display

management

HMI program running

temp. probe 3
...

Independent
Figure 20. Program flow diagram of a LADDER solution to a
temperature
simple cooling process with multi-probe monitoring and control measurement points

IV. TESTING OF A MULTI-PROBE LADDER

PROGRAM – EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 4500mm

A. Cold room description
Described program was tested in a real cold
room control system used for storage of
pharmaceutical and medical products, with 85% of
its storage capacity fulfilled. Dimensions of a room
and placement of various equipment is shown on
Fig. 21. Independent temperature measurement was
done with IR thermometer with ±1% accuracy
deviation for ambient temperatures above 0°C
(Fluke® 568). Independent measurements were first
used for determining the best place for probes.
Afterwards, with cold room in operation,
independent measurements were used for
determining the deviation between storage section
temperature and temperature read by the PLC
probes.
Since a multi-probe monitoring and control in
described way was implemented in real cooling
system, first task was to find appropriate weight
factors for probe priority assignments. After few
tests, weight factor of 45, 30 and 25 percent were
used as satisfactory when parallel temperature
measurement tests were made. Weight factor was
chosen smaller with distance of installed probe
farther from the entry door, since the cold air tends
to flow out of the room when entry door opens. This
makes the temperature of the space closer to the
entry door higher than the rest of the room with
opened door. With that in mind, a higher priority is
Figure 21. Disposition of a cold room used in testing
TABLE I. WEIGHT FACTOR ASSIGNMENT
Room probe (address) Weight factor (address)
Temperature probe 1 45% (MI110)
(MI100)
Temperature probe 2 30% (MI111)
(MI101)
Temperature probe 3 25% (MI112)
(MI102)
B. Cold room in operation – testing description
Testing period lasted for 10 hours (600
minutes). Temperature measurement resolution was
5 min per reading. During a testing period, one
defrosting operation occurred (at 360th minute) and
lasted for 10 minutes. Starting temperature was
16°C. Doors were opened three times: at 160 th
minute, 320th minute, and 5 minutes before the
ending of a test, and they were left open for 10
minutes. During these periods independent
measurements were taken in storage places (as
shown in table II). Deviations were mostly below 6%
with few peaks above that percentage. Also opening
the door of room resulted in higher temperature in
space closer to the door, because the cold air in that
place got out first. This resulted in higher
temperature reading from temperature probe 1.
These peaks in readings are shown on Fig. 22.
 When temperature rose above 6°C, regulation
according to room temperature probe 1 took place. It
lasted until reading from mentioned probe fell under
2°C. Then, after reading probes 2 and 3, and given a
satisfactory input under 6°C to PLC from each
probe, a three probe regulation was restored. Results
can be seen on Fig. 22 and Fig. 23. Regulation probe
is the term which defines the measuring value.
According to difference between this measuring
value and temperature reference system regulation is
set. Regulation probe can be presented by each of
temperature probes (if one of them deviates above
reference and hysteresis) or by mean value
calculation with weight factors which includes all Figure 23. Regulation probe and cooling/defrost state readings
during the testing period
three probes’ readings, as described in previous
section.
Compressor states in cooling mode of
operation and door status is shown on Fig. 24.
Temperature movement in higher peaks can be seen
as result of opened door. Compressor state according
to regulation probe measurements shows satisfactory
operation of compressor and with it the operation of
other refrigerating elements of the system.
TABLE II. REGULATION PROBE DEVIATIONS FROM
INDEPENDENT MEASUREMENTS
measurement 1 [°C]

measurement 1 [%]

measurement 2 [%]
measurement [min]

measurement 2[°C]
Regulation probe

Deviation of reg.

Deviation of reg.
Time point of

Figure 24. Regulation probe and compressor/door state readings

Temperature

Temperature
reading [°C]

probe from

probe from

during the testing period

V. CONCLUSION
This type of control has proven to be a
160 5 5.2 3.17 5.1 1.19 challenge since control with more than two probes
165 6.4 6.5 0.85 5.8 -10.01 has not yet been implemented in standard
170 8.7 8.7 -0.51 8.5 -2.8 refrigeration regulators. Installed PLC that was
320 4.3 4.5 5.76 4.2 -1.29 described in article has also proven to be on a
325 5.8 6 3.18 5.5 -5.42 satisfactory level according to task given to it. But
330 9.5 10 8.9 8.9 -6.02 even with low cost PLCs, such as one used in this
595 6.2 5.9 -4.3 6 -2.67 case, a price for such control equipment presents a
600 8 8.3 3.23 7.6 -5.47 high demand for end user. Standard refrigeration
controllers are low cost and storage systems usually
do not demand regulation via more than two probes.
This is the main reason why PLCs are not present
more often in refrigeration market.
Trending time-temperature curves in form of
graphs can be also monitored, but in these article
they were not presented since BMS system which
receives data via MODBUS communication
protocol covered that area of monitoring in testing
system. In local monitoring mode these trend curves
can be very useful for end user.
Further possibilities include installment of
frequency converters on fans for fine regulation of
speed and with it a fine regulation of condensing and
Figure 22. Readings from three temperature probes during the suction pressure levels. Indirectly, this means a fine
testing period regulation in temperature may be obtained with these
devices. Since heuristic approach to weight factor
definition was used in testing it would also be
interesting if weight factors could be obtained using
 intelligent software systems used for data
processing, such as fuzzy control or neural networks,
but this research also requires adequate time and
finances and with little possibility of significant
development in accuracy.
Described system that was installed in a real
cooling system, a cold room used for storage of
pharmaceutical products, was inexpensive and
challenging. And today it is very successful in
playing a part in regulation of a simple, yet
demanding, cooling process.
REFERENCES
[1] “SM2 Cold Rooms, Pliva: Strojarski projekt – tehnički opis
rada regulacije i nadzornog sustava”, project’s technical
description, Frigo-Ing d.o.o., Kašina, 2015.
[2] “Refrigeration – An Introduction to the Basics”, lecture
notes, Danfoss, Nordborg, 2007.
[3] Jagetić G., Habazin M., Špoljarić T., “PLC/SCADA systems
in automation control design for individual quick freezing
process in cooling tunnels”, 38th International Convention,
MIPRO, Opatija, 2015.
[4] Špoljarić T., Fruk M., Vujisić G., “Program Solutions for
The Complex Cooling Process Via LADDER Logic”, 37th
International Convention, MIPRO, Opatija, 2014.
[5] Vision OPLC: technical description, www.unitronics.com
[6] IO-PTx module: technical description, www.unitronics.com

View publication stats