INTRODUCTION

Population growth on earth is rapid as days pass. This can be witnessed in places such as
universities. Hence, parking lots are becoming more scarcer. People are congesting cars in small
spaces which end up difficulty in traffic congestion or space problems. To overcome this
problem, engineers have always been researching on various creative solutions. One of the best
and effective solutions they have managed to come out with is by inventing Automated Car
Parking System (APS). APS is the process where the car parking platform is able to aid in
arranging cars by itself to minimize the amount of space used to compared to conventional car
parks. Similar to multi-storey parking, an APS allows parking in multiple levels stacked. The
APS takes advantage of mechanical structures to transport cars to and from parking spaces.
There are many types of APS system, but the best APS system for Multimedia University
(MMU) is Tower system. This system consists of 4 floors, a vehicle elevator with a parking
space either side of the elevator shaft.

OBJECTIVE
The main purpose or objective to implement APS in Multimedia University (MMU) is to :

o Reduce unnecessary congestions and delay

o Convenience for all the users
o Cars and users contents are protected from damage, theft, and vandalism
o Monitor tyre pressure
 CONTENTS

I. Problem Statement

The most common problem faced by MMU students, staff, and lecturers are insufficient
space of car park. Traditional method of allocating spaces for car park is not effective
anymore, as the growth in usage of vehicles is increasing each day. The peak of the
demand can be seen during exam periods, club activities or when any form of event that
demands the attention of visitors presence. When such turnout occurs, the parking lots
are congested and the people opt to park in road sides which are not meant for parking.
This causes insufficient space for pedestrians to walk.

Other than that, once vehicles are in the car park, they will slow down to search for an
empty parking space. This slow moving traffic will cause the queue of cars to be longer.
Hence, traffic jam will occur.

Security also one of the main concerns in everyday life of the society. Individual
regarding their status also faces frequent vandalism problem. Slashes tyres, scratches on
car body and smashed mirrors and windows are the most common vandalism.

Automated car park is the best chances to avoid or overcome the inconveniences.
Automated car park is important in MMU as being a major and crowded hub where
students and others alike travel by cars to gather.
II. Solution

1. What is the type and name of software should involve?

The most suitable software to operate the car park is Ladder Logic. This software
controls every object that can be run with the aid of Programmable Logic
Controllers (PLC).

2. Is the software new and need to be created?

No, Ladder Logic is not something that is new. This software is already been
created and proven of its worth in industrial based usage and heavy machinery
control. Ladder Logic is a worthy choice when it comes to controlling machines
that perform heavy tasks in our design.

3. How does the software works?

Ladder Logic is PLC programming software that allows controlling the sequential
and processing or manufacturing operation required. Ladder Logic is useful for
simple yet critical control systems or relay circuits. It has also been adapted to be
used in complex automation systems. Often the Ladder Logic program is used
with an HMI program operating on a computer workstation.

Ladder logic can be thought of as a rule-based language rather than a procedural

language. A rung in the ladder represents a rule. When implemented with relays
and other electrochemical devices, the various rules execute simultaneously and
immediately. When implemented in a programmable logic controller, the rules are
typically executed sequentially by software, in a continuous loop (scan).
By executing the loop fast enough, typically many times per second, the effect of
a simultaneous and immediate execution is achieved, if considering intervals
greater than the scan time required executing all the rungs of the program.
Proper use of programmable controllers requires understanding the limitations of
the execution order of rungs.

Below show the steps of how Ladder logic works together with PLC system

Step 1: Once programming software is loaded, a new file can be generated to

construct the ladder diagram. The commands will automatically be
generated.
Step 2 : Select the from the popup menu, go to device type and press setup.

This allow to choose PLC that using to control.

Step 3 : The generated Ladder Logic program will look like the diagram below.
The green sections indicate that the corresponding logic is ON and
now it able to function.
4. What type of hardware is used and are the hardware in the market?

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), combs, conveyors, lifting arms, tyre

pressure monitoring system (TPSM) and pallets are the hardware used to operate
the car park. Yes, these hardware are in the market for many years excluding
which need to created.

5. How does this hardware work?

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

As mentioned, PLC system runs with the help of Ladder Logic program. PLC
role is as logic-level control abound in modern commerce and industry. The
purpose of PLC is to relay electromechanical as logic elements, which able to
emulate the interconnection of many relays to perform certain logical tasks.
PLC has many input terminals, through which it interprets high and
low from sensors and switches. It also has many outputs terminals, through
which it outputs high and low signals to power lights, solenoids, small
motors, and other devices lending themselves to on/off control.
 Combs

Combs are fingers that hold the car in position so that the car can be moved to
the automated parking space. When a vehicle is ready to park, a section of the
parking module is lowered to allow conveyor with the combs to drive
underneath the vehicle and causes friction that will hold the car in position.
The combs are then raised through the gaps in the floor to lift the vehicle
before the conveyor returns to the parking mechanism to place the vehicle.

Conveyors
Also known as rollers, are used to transfer vehicles.
 Lifting arms

This mechanism is used to cradle the vehicles tires when lifting so it can be
placed on the platform.

Pallets

Car pallets are common methods in transferring the vehicle from one place to
another. The vehicle is parked onto the pallet in the parking module. The
system then moves the pallet to the right destination.
 Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

TPMS is attached on the combs of the Automated Car Park. The TPMS
detects the pressure of the tyre. If the pressure is low, the sensors emit a low
frequency radio signal to vehicles on board computer. This message will be
shown when user retrieve their car.

6. Who and how are users involved?

The users that commonly demand for parking spaces in universities like MMU are
the staffs that work, the respected lecturers, higher managements officials,
students and visitors. These users will involve when they want to park the car by
swiping their identification card in order to park their car.

7. How does the technology works?

The management could replace existing parking spots with new buildings. The
system will be controlled by PLC as well as the other components. It will be run
using computer with the aid of Logic Ladder program for mode of control.

The users need to swipe their ID to place their cars in allocated platform within
the automated car park. This triggers the PLC and the other components. The
 pallets and combs hold the cars in a stationary position to avoid mishaps. This
system will consist of a vehicle elevator with a parking space either side of the
elevator shift. The parking module will be located on the ground floor and once
the vehicle is parked on it the elevator ascents the platform to one of the parking
levels and deposits the vehicle sideways. In this project, there are 4 floors. If a
floor is fully parked with cars, a red light will be on to signal that refer to the floor
is full. The elevator will then proceed to the next floor to park the car. A green
light will indicate there is vacant space for the elevator to park the car. A reverse
process occurs for retrieval.

The conceptual design of the car park can be seen as above

Above shows the flowchart of how the system will work based on our assumption
8. How will the technology work perfectly into the problem situation?

Automated Car Park (APS) required less building volume and less ground area.
But it does not decrease the number of cars can be park. Instead, from 200 up to
500 cars can be park in it. This will avoid parking lots be congested and the
people to park at the road side.

Besides, users dont have to worry about their car or their belongings in the car.
APS is a fully secured building. Only technician are allowed in the building.
Cases such as vandalism can be avoided as the cars are perfectly protected inside
the automated car park building. Minor scratches on car body or accidental mirror
damaged can be prevented.
III. Prototype
Group Members
 Conclusion

At the end of this research, we draw a conclusion that Automated Car Park is reliable system to
reduce daily traffic. Automated Car Park concept is recommendable aspect that could be
implemented in MMU for convenience of all the users. It is reliable and effective way of
reducing any unnecessary congestions and delay in searching for parking spot. It helps reduce
volume of space taken by vehicles and promotes a greener option for parking.

The usage of PLC system combined with the conventional mechanical components that in the
Automated Car Parks that exists today will help ease the amount of work needed to park and
fetch the cars from their spots. Combined with the touch of the simple yet powerful Ladder
Logic programming the effort needed for control will be a lot lesser and more less sophisticated.
Maintenance for this parking lot would not amount as much as the components pre exist and
being mass produced. The creativity in aligning this components and implementing the software
in accordance to the concept is the only effort needed to realize this system in near future.
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