Generic Crane and Hoist Automation with the Application of Advanced Control Architectures

Crane and hoist systems can potentially benefit from contemporary advances made in electronics based enabling technologies and control systems engineering. This paper describes the design and implementation of a modular distributed control system for crane and hoist automation in manufacturing and construction. The distributed control platform has been realised using the FIP-Fieldbus and the open machine control integration platform UMC (Universal Machine Control). The technology is evaluated on a gantry crane ‘demonstrator’ which embodies control features such as; anti-swing, condition monitoring, tele-operation, automatic load coupling/decoupling, and automatic cycling. The project has successfully proven the applicability of modular distributed control systems for industrial automation and has substantiated the benefits of designing, implementing and maintaining control systems using an open machine control platform.