cRIO Machine Control with Backup Generator

[JimMacD]

All,

I'm looking to implement some logic on my cRIO process controllers to deal with power failures and backup generators.

Basically, the cRIO is doing temperature datalogging and PID control of a cell connected to an oil heater. If the power goes out, the oil heater will shut off, but the cRIO will remain on UPS battery power for a while. We are looking into purchasing a backup generator for the oil heater, which the cRIO would need to turn on again once power is restored (either through line voltage or the generator).

I'm wondering if anyone has had experience doing this before.

[Brian_A]

Hi JimMacD,

The community will probably be better able to help you out if you define your question more. What are you specifically concerned with or what part of implementing the backup generator would you like more assistance with. 

Cheers,

<Brian Aswege | Applications Engineering | National Instruments> 

[JimMacD]

What I want to focus on is the Logic to implement on the cRIO. This would probably include what I/O to be concerned with, what types of safety checks to be concerned with, and a general layout of the actions the cRIO should take.