40220130405013

International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING &
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 4, Issue 5, September – October (2013), © IAEME
TECHNOLOGY (IJEET)
ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print)
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online)
Volume 4, Issue 5, September – October (2013), pp. 130-140
© IAEME: www.iaeme.com/ijeet.asp
Journal Impact Factor (2013): 5.5028 (Calculated by GISI)
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IJEET
©IAEME

GPS AND PLC – HMI BASED LAVATORY FLUSH CONTROL IN INDIAN
RAILWAY COMPARTMENTS
Dr. A. Selwin Mich Priyadharson
Associate Professor, School of Electrical, Vel Tech Dr. RR & Dr. SR Technical University,
Avadi, Chennai, TamilNadu, India– 600 062.

ABSTRACT
This paper emphasize on controlling the process variable parameters such as flow and level
with real time implementation of solenoid valve control in lavatory flush outlet in Indian railway
compartments. This work uses Trimble GPS (Global Positioning System) studio and B&R
Automation studio PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) with HMI (Human Machine Interface).
GPS is used to find exact location of the train (whether train is in station or not) and after acquiring
data GPS will send digital signal to automated PLC - HMI to open/close the electrical actuator,
solenoid valve for controlling the lavatory outlet. When solenoid valve is closed minimum water
level is maintained in the storage tank by level switch for cleanliness in the storage tank. Moreover
in lavatory motion detector is placed so that if anyone used toilet and left without flush, sensor will
detect and send signal to PLC and it will automatically flush out with certain amount of water.
The prototype model is provided with low level in the storage tank and depending on the GPS
and motion detector outputs the ladder logic is actuated. This innovative work uses GPS and PLC –
HMI with 3 digital inputs and 2 digital outputs to control the miniaturized process depicted in the
work. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated by simulation and the results of the
proposed scheme are highlighted.
Key words: GPS, PLC - HMI, Level switch, flow and level control, solenoid valve, lavatory flush
outlet.
1. INTRODUCTION
Gallons of water are utilizing for cleaning the stations. The Indian Government is spending
500 crores for cleaning tracks in Railway stations. Maintenance cost involved is high.

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The main objective of this innovative work is to reduce the cleaning process in stations and to
decrease the budget included for maintenance in railways and also to give a good eco-friendly
environment in stations. This work focuses with the intention of overcome the mentioned problem by
maintaining cleanliness in stations and to keep stations tidy by using Trimble GPS (Global
Positioning System) studio 1.0.10 and B&R Automation studio version 2.7 PLC with HMI.
Binjammaz et al [1] discussed that GPS receivers are used to provide vehicle position and
velocity data. Shoab et al [2] described that in Current Scenario GPS is very popular device among
people for tracking and navigation purpose. GPS data can be further used for analysing the trip,
elevation profile etc. There are so many GPS data formats and different GPS receivers support
different formats. Bertran et al [3] presented the electromagnetic interference effects on the
performance of locomotive onboard Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers due to the railway
environment. And he concluded that the reliability of a low-cost GPS receiver for train positioning
even if the train equipment has been designed at the threshold of the current normative. Dewang
Chen et al [4] demonstrated that Satellites are currently being used to track the positions of trains.
And he developed a nonlinear combinational data reduction model for a large amount of railway
Global Positioning System (GPS) data to decrease the memory space and, thus, speed up train
positioning. Yaping Lei et al [5] designed a new railway crossing warning system based on GPS and
GPRS to ensure the railway safety and improve the passing efficiency in railway crossing,.
Jiang et al [6] described from the safety requirements of train positioning in high-speed
railways, based on the consideration of signal availability and fault-tolerant performance, an
integrated train positioning system is formed by integration of GPS and Compass. Gerlach et al [7]
described that for certain types of railway lines replacing the equipment for precise train positioning
along the track by suitable low-cost sensors and a digital map on the train can result in a more costefficient railway operation. Tsunashima et al [8] used a GPS system and a map-matching algorithm
to pinpoint the location of faults on tracks.
Fararooy et al [9] identified existing and developing technologies for accurate train
localisation in open space and tunnels and their applications, and attempt has done to match
appropriate techniques, in terms of their cost and performance specifications, to the applications for
different types of railway and other mass transit systems. The location techniques discussed include
GPS, track circuits, radio navigation, and magnetic transponders. Wei Shangguan et al [10] described
that the research on low-cost train control system is one of the most important part in train traffic
field, using GPS data could realized real-time, safe and reliable train positioning. Nejikovsky et al
[11] described a recently developed remote monitoring system, based on a combination of embedded
computing, digital signal processing, wireless communications, GPS, and GIS technologies. Haitao
et al [12] proposed a positioning algorithm based on a Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial
navigation system (INS) is, so that the navigation accuracy of high speed trains is improved
Furthermore, the INS/GPS integrated navigation system based on the information of GPS and INS is
modeled and simulated, and the algorithm using Kalman filter (KF) is designed. Stadlmann [13]
presented a new kind of train control system for branch lines which are operated by radio-based
operational train control. It is based on data radio communication between central computer and
trains, cab signalling in the trains, and autonomous determination of train location using GPS and an
odometer.
Barmada et al [14] approached first to the design of PLC system onboard trains Durmus et al
[15] designed interlocking and signalization design for a sample railway yard is achieved by
Automation Petri Nets (APNs) which is an extended type of PNs. They described that once the
model is obtained using APNs then it can easily be implemented into a programmable logic
controller (PLC). Hai Wan et al [16] represented Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as a typical
class of embedded software systems widely used in safety-critical industrial applications, such as
railways, automotive applications, etc. Eris et al [17] described that today the relay based railway
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interlocking systems are changing into programmable software interlocking systems. And purposed
to develop a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) program for the signal function blocks by using
formal methods and make a comparison between them. Chen et al [18] discussed that Programmable
logic controllers (PLCs) have been widely used in safe-critical systems, such as railway, nuclear
power stations and petrochemical plants. Mutlu et al [19] explained that Interlocking systems are the
core components of railway signalization systems and designed a new environment to test the
reliability of the PLC based interlocking systems. Cheung et al [20] demonstrated that the application
of solid state relays and programmable logic controller (PLC) has been widely adopted with the
development of the power electronic components and became the emerging norm in the railway
industry for new generation of passenger train. Gang Xu et al [21] designed a two-lane automatic
antifreeze fluid sprinkler of railway coal conveyor. By means of the control of PLC, their device
realized the even, automatic, and short-range spraying of antifreeze fluid for five inside surfaces and
the coal seam in the train wagon.
In order to utilize the robustness and advantages of the GPS and PLC – HMI, lavatory flush
control in Indian Railway compartments using GPS and PLC – HMI is proposed.
The present paper is organized as follows: Section 2 deals with the B&R PLC for Indian
Railway compartments. Section 3 deals with GPS. Section 4 deals with visualization. Section 5
deals implementation of prototype model. Section 6 describes the simulation studies of lavatory
outlet opening and closing by solenoid valve as actuator for lavatory flush control in Indian Railway
compartments. Section 7 gives the summary & conclusions.
2. B&R PLC FOR INDIAN RAILWAY COMPARTMENTS
When train is at 1 km before reaching the station, it receives signal by GPS receiver and GPS
receiver will send digital signal to the PLC. Consequently with the automation of PLC, the solenoid
valve will close automatically that is lavatory outlet closed. Vice versa when train leaves from the
station of about 1km, with the automation of PLC, the solenoid valve will open automatically that is
lavatory outlet will open. Using GPS and PLC - HMI, opening and closing of the lavatory outlet by
electrical solenoid valve was done with more perfection.

Figure.1. B&R Programmable Logic Controller
Figure 1 represents the B&R Industrial Automation PLC. Using this PLC the control action is
performed. This PLC of B&R Industrial Automation inbuilt with 3 digital inputs and provides 2
potential free outputs to control the miniaturized process depicted in this work. Here this PLC is
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utilized for auto operation of Lavatory flush control in Indian Railways so that it can be programmed
depending on the operational requirements. Its a digitally operating electronic apparatus which uses a
programmable memory for the internal timing, counting and arithmetic to control through digital or
analog input/output modules, various types of machines or process.

Programming device
I/O Bus
Power
supply

CPU

Memory

I/O System modules

Input Device

Output Device

Figure.2. Hardware components of B&R PLC
The Hardware components of B&R PLC system is shown in figure 2. It has
• Processor unit(CPU)
• Memory section
• Input/output sections
• Power supply unit
• Programming device
• System buses
3. GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
GPS is space-based satellite navigation system and it gives the position of the train on which
it as placed with respect to the latitude and longitude of the earth. The basis [22] of the GPS
technology is a set of 24 satellites that are continuously orbiting the earth. These satellites are
equipped with atomic clocks and sent out radio signals as to the exact time and location. These radio
signals from the satellites are picked up by the GPS receiver. Once the GPS receiver locks on to four
or more of these satellites, it can triangulate its location from the known positions of the satellites.
The system provides critical capabilities to railways and is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS
receiver.
GPS Receiver used in this work is Trimble studio GPS module SR 92 and it is shown in
figure 3. The GPS receiver calculates its position by precisely timing the signals sent by GPS
satellites high above the Earth. Each satellite continually transmits messages that include
•
the time the message was transmitted
•
satellite position at time of message transmission

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Figure.3 GPS Module
The receiver uses the messages it receives to determine the transit time of each message and
computes the distance to each satellite using the speed of light. Each of these distances and satellites'
locations define a sphere. The receiver is on the surface of each of these spheres when the distances
and the satellites' locations are correct. These distances and satellites' locations are used to compute
the location of the receiver using the navigation. This location is then displayed, perhaps with
a moving map display or latitude and longitude. The GPS receiver used is a higher performance, low
power satellite based model. It is a cost effective and portable system which accurately detects the
location .The GPS data sheet and GPS codes gives the features and descriptions of the GPS receiver
used is shown in Table I and II.

Feature

Table .I GPS Datasheet
Description

Frequency

L1, 1575.42 MHZ

Channels

20 channels all in view tracking

Tracking

-159 dbm

Time

1 microsecond synchronized to GPS time

Maximum speed

514 meter/second maximum

Main Power Input

3.0 ~ 5.5 DC input

Supply Current

< 80 mA

Back up Power

3 V rechargeable Lithium battery up to 500 hours
discharge
GPS Datum (GPS Coordinate Systems) WGS - 84

Software

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Table .II GPS Codes
Feature
UTC time of the fix
hhmmss.dd

Latitude coordinate
Xxmm.dddd
Character derothing
<N/S>
Longitude coordinate
yyymm.dddd
Character derothing
<E/W>
Fix valid Indicator
V

Description
hh = hours
mm = minutes
ss = seconds
dd = decimal part of seconds
xx = degrees
mm = minutes
dddd = decimal part of minutes
Either N = North or S = South
yyy = degrees
mm = minutes
dddd = decimal part of minutes
Either E = East or W = West
0 = Fix not valid
1 = Fix is valid

Figure. 4. GPS Programming in Trimble GPS Studio
GPS programming is done in Trimble GPS studio and it is represented in figure.4. From GPS
figure.
receiver, data is obtained and it is given as input to the PLC. Obtaining data from GPS is shown in
figure.5 .Programming part is done in Excel in GPS software is shown in figure 6 Finally GPS is
ming
6.
interfaced with PLC using PC is shown in figure.7.

Figure. 5. Various types for obtaining data from GPS Receiver
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Figure. 6 Programming in Excel in GPS Software

Figure. 7. Interfacing GPS with PC and PLC
4. VISUALIZATION
Visualization is the process of designing a Human Machine Interface (HMI) used to operate
the PLC with ease. A variety of devices have been in past for interfacing the machine to provide an
easy control of the operations. The most modern technique involves the use of touch screen to give
the inputs.

Figure. 8. HMI displays start/stop button
Touch screen are considered more superior to the other interfacing devices since it is very
easier to give inputs to the PLC. Moreover the prototype model and its operations are visualized in
HMI and the advantage is monitoring and supervising the depicted work in trains in an effective and
easy way. Whenever any operations are being performed it is displayed on the screen and thus
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enables the user to keep track of what is happening. Figure 8 represents start/stop button in HMI for
the designed prototype. The process can be start/stop at any time by pressing the button.
Softwares for creating the visualization are specific for a PLC and provided by the B&R
Industrial Automation Pvt. Ltd (Austria). Thus the software automation studio proprietary software
for the PLC is used along with it. The automation studio provides a user friendly interface for
creating and calibrating the touch screens. It has various dynamic features such as profiler, logger,
and program watch that helps the user to carry in the programming task as well with ease and it helps
for the easy correction of the mistakes made.
5. IMPLEMENTATION OF PROTOTYPE MODEL
The block diagram of Hardware set up and Experimental set up is shown in figure 9 and 10.
From lavatory, water and wastes is allowed to pass through the storage tank to drain out by solenoid
valve 1 as lavatory flush outlet.
Main Water
Supply

Railway
Compartment
Lavatory

Solenoid
Valve 2

Waste water
Pure water

GPS
Receiver

Level Switch
Output

Storage
Tank

PLC
PP 45

Motion
Detector

Solenoid
Valve 1

Drain Out

Figure.9. Block diagram of Hardware set up

Figure.10. Experimental Set Up

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Pure water is taken from main water supply to the lavatory through solenoid valve 2 and
finally it is taken to the storage tank. Motion detector, level switch in storage tank and GPS Receiver
are the inputs to the PLC. Depending on the motion detector and level switch outputs, the solenoid
valve 2 is opened/ closed at various sequence. And also based on the location of the train from GPS
Receiver, the solenoid valve 1 is opened/ closed.
6. SIMULATION STUDIES
As trial we took from Avadi to Chennai central. Particularly we selected 5 stations – Avadi,
Annanur, Ambattur, Villivakkam and Basin bridge. Keeping Avadi as starting point, from Avadi
Annanur, Ambattur, Villivakkam and Basin bridge comes at 2, 3.2, 5.5 and 8.5 kms respectively.
The closing and opening of the solenoid valve was done 0.5 km before reaching the particular station
and 0.5 km after going ahead of the station respectively. The lavatory flush outlet operation result is
shown in figure 11.

Solenoid Valve Output

1

0
0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Railway Distance (Km)

Figure.11. Lavatory Flush Outlet Operation

7. CONCLUSION
The result of this paper highlights the robustness of the GPS and PLC – HMI based lavatory
flush control in Indian Railways compartment. The closed loop response of the GPS and PLC – HMI
based lavatory flush control shows satisfactory transient response with perfection in control action
for the taken 5 stations. Because of this work the cleanliness can be easily and automatically
maintained in trains and railway stations which will reduce the budget amount for maintenance in
railways and also this system will save gallons of water.
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