Industrial instrumentation practices in engineering programs using virtual environments. Case Study: Transmitter-Controller Current Loop

Abstract

Learning in times of pandemic represented a challenge for teachers and students, due to the difficulties generated by social distancing. During the Covid-19 pandemic, learning processes in educational institutions used multiple computer and electronic media. As for engineering programs, laboratory practices were discarded in many cases. This work develops a computer application with non-immersive virtual reality, applying a physical/actual laboratory guide in a virtual environment, in which a current loop for an Endress+Hausser PMD75 differential pressure transmitter had to be configured. This application was developed by students and the tutor of the AR/VR research incubator in conjunction with the teacher of the Industrial Instrumentation course, who acted as a client. The Unity3D game engine was used to simulate a tank, a cabinet and industrial instrumentation to measure the pressure at the bottom of the tank. Student were allowed to carry out the wiring of the different instruments inside the cabinet, and the configuration of the transmitter via a hand-terminal; In addition, the application includes a record of student events and interactions for future analysis. The perception of the application was evaluated through a survey applied to 43 students. The results showed that this tool, although it is a valuable support during virtual courses, and provides a first approach to real practice, the student requires interaction with real instruments. Therefore, the tool becomes a valuable complement prior to practices in a real laboratory.