Train Crossing Control Simulator – Proeon Systems
Company Information
Proeon Systems is a specialist systems integrator, supplying control and safety solutions for complex and critical applications. We provide specialist, industrial-grade control and safety solutions. Our systems combine hardware, software, control and functional safety engineering with service and support.
Providing complete solutions to clients across the global energy sector in renewables, oil & gas, nuclear, utility/national infrastructure sectors, ensuring cyber security of safety-critical assets. The company employs around +70 people, operating across the energy sector and several other highly regulated industries, for clients across the UK and Europe.
Project Overview
Proeon Systems Ltd works within the energy sector delivering automation, control, and safety systems. This project focuses on the development and testing of a Train Crossing Control Simulator, providing an introduction to industrial control systems used in real-world environments.
The project is designed to help students understand how control panels, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are used together to safely control automated systems.
Project Aim
To understand the fundamentals of industrial control and automation systems by developing, programming, testing, and documenting a train crossing control simulator.
What You Will Investigate
• The basics of industrial control systems
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), including inputs and outputs
• Sequencing, control logic, and automation software
• How control systems are designed, tested, and documented
What You Will Do
• Carry out problem solving linked to control and automation tasks
• Write reports and technical documentation
• Develop and test control software using a simulator
• Identify and understand the properties of electrical components within a control cabinet, including:
– MCBs
– Relays
– Contactors
• Carry out heat and power calculations for a control panel
• Learn how documentation is developed and maintained in industry
• Perform point-to-point testing on a simple control panel
• Use Siemens TIA Portal for basic PLC and HMI programming and configuration
• Develop maintainable PLC code suitable for an industrial environment
• Structure and comment software in line with company procedures
• Test control software using the simulator
• Research the properties of Human Machine Interface (HMI) panels
• Design and develop HMI screens for the simulator
Science, Engineering and Technical Understanding
• Learning how industrial control and automation systems operate
• Understanding electrical components used in control panels
• Applying electrical and power calculations in a practical context
• Developing and testing PLC software
• Understanding how human–machine interfaces support safe system operation
Planning and Organisation
• Plan tasks related to software development, testing, and documentation
• Organise technical information clearly and accurately
• Follow structured procedures for software development
• Test systems methodically and record results
• Manage tasks independently
Skills Developed
• Basic awareness of control and automation
• Engineering awareness
• Problem solving
• Independent working
• Communication skills
• Graphic design or Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills
Final Outputs
• A completed train crossing control simulator
• Tested and structured PLC and HMI software
• Supporting technical documentation and reports
• Evidence of system testing and calculations
Reflection and Evaluation
Your report may include:
• What you learned about control and automation systems
• How PLCs and HMIs work together in an industrial system
• Challenges encountered during software development and testing
• How you ensured software was structured and maintainable
• What you would improve or develop further if the project continued
https://www.crestawards.org/resources/crest-gold-student-guide