Sustainability in Manufacturing: The Role of PLCs in Building Greener Factories
Building and construction is, unfortunately, one of the least eco-friendly industries on the planet. As the 2022 Global Stats Report for Buildings and Construction reports, the sector accounted for a whopping 37% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions in 2021 alone. Thankfully, cutting-edge technology is finding ways to put a dent in this percentage, and the rising role of PLCs has the potential to significantly lower construction-related CO2 emissions by enabling builders to construct eco-friendly, sustainable factories.
How do PLC's Work?
1. Enhanced Efficiency Across Industrial and Construction Tasks
PLC stands for programmable logic controllers. They are specialized computers that can monitor and control machinery and manage automated processes to ensure optimal results. PLCs have long been used in a multitude of industries for repetitive tasks such as cutting, welding, and assembly. They have also been used for jobs such as machinery control, product inspection, security management, and energy management. Moreover, construction companies are now embracing programmable logic controllers and using them to build green, sustainable factories while keeping overhead costs as low as possible.
2. Waste Reduction Through Precision Control
PLCs reduce wastage by managing material production equipment. Because they are more precise and accurate than humans, PLCs can ensure that construction-related tasks such as concrete mixing, stone cutting, and rebar processing are error-free. This reduces waste that would otherwise wind up in a landfill. At the same time, it also reduces power consumption as construction equipment operates for a shorter time period than it would otherwise.
3. Smart Energy Management on Construction Sites
PLCs also manage energy consumption on a construction site by managing lighting and cooling/heating on the site. A PLC technician can program the device to lower lights or adjust heating/cooling depending on the number of people in a particular area. This lowers a construction company's electric bill while maintaining optimal comfort and convenience for construction workers and others on the site. Furthermore, PLCs can turn machines on or off based on peak power times, maximizing power use during off-peak hours while minimizing it during on-peak hours.
4. Lower Emissions Through Remote Supervision
PLC systems help reduce fossil fuel consumption by enabling construction managers to supervise projects remotely rather than being physically present on-site. The PLC can be programmed to provide any type of information the manager needs in real-time to ensure that construction is on schedule; there are no mistakes in material selection, preparation, or usage; and machinery is in good working order. If something goes wrong, the PLC can not only sound the alarm but also take corrective measures to address the issue. PLC systems also reduce the need for large work crews, as many jobs are done by machines rather than humans. This plays a vital role in environmental sustainability, as every gallon of gas burned by the average passenger vehicle releases a whopping 8,887 grams (about 20 lbs.) of CO2 into the environment.
5. Data-Driven Sustainability and Smarter Construction Decisions
PLCs also play a key role in sustainability by collecting and assessing valuable data throughout the construction process. Construction companies can use the information PLCs provide to analyze the pros and cons of various sustainable construction materials. They can use the data to determine the best design for a new factory, which construction machinery to use and how to use it, how to dispose of waste without harming the local environment, and much more. Furthermore, as time goes on and a PLC collects a growing trove of data and information, companies building green factories can re-assess their operations to include cutting-edge technology and technological developments to improve sustainable factory design and construction.
PLC technology still has a lot of unlocked potential that could, in the near future, make sustainable factory construction even more eco-friendly and efficient than it is right now. Soon, these devices may be able to simulate various problematic scenarios (i.e.; equipment breakdown or power outages) while construction is ongoing. What's more, they may be able to not only detect problematic situations but use their data to create and implement solutions without human guidance. Furthermore, experts predict that by the year 2030, over half of PLCs will have embedded AI. This would enable construction managers to collect, assess, and analyze a huge amount of data and make data-driven decisions based on information from a host of similar green factory construction projects.
The Role of PLC Technicians in Sustainable Construction
PLCs have much to offer. Their capabilities are amazing. Even so, they're only as good as the program that runs them. Thus, PLC technicians play a vital role in sustainable construction.
As a PLC technician, you'll need to install the right programs based on how the device will be used and run simulations and tests to ensure the device is working properly before it's put to work on a construction site. You'll need to maintain the device and monitor how it works. If something goes wrong, you'll need to troubleshoot the device and repair it. You may also need to recalibrate PLC devices for use for specific projects, adjusting programming and parameters to meet the needs of a specific project. Furthermore, you'll need to be aware of applicable federal, state or provincial/territorial, and local zoning laws, codes, and regulations to ensure the PLC is compliant with all relevant laws.
Are you interested in a job with high demand and plenty of opportunities to create a sustainable, eco-friendly world? If so, George Brown College offers a PLC Technician Certificate Program that can put you on the path to success. Contact us today for more information at 1-888-553-5333 or by email at [email protected].