Automated Parking System Using PLC Technology

Abstract

Parking infrastructure is an essential urban facility that must be adequately provided in all cities. However, the increasing number of vehicles has led to significant congestion, making it challenging for drivers to locate available parking spaces, particularly during peak hours. This situation underscores the growing need for fully automated parking systems, which have become a priority for modern cities globally. The primary objective of this paper is to propose and develop a fully automated parking system that minimizes human intervention while addressing these challenges and ensuring real-time parking availability in everyday life. A prototype system was designed using a programmable logic controller (PLC), incorporating a display screen located outside the parking area to monitor vacant spaces and provide drivers with real-time information on their locations. The system features two gates—one for entry and another for exit—along with two sensors to detect the presence of vehicles and multiple sensors to identify available parking spots. When space is available, the system triggers the gate to open, and if the parking facility is full, the PLC signals the gate to remain closed, marking the lot as fully occupied. This automated process significantly reduces the time and effort involved in searching for vacant parking spaces. The prototype underwent extensive testing in various scenarios and demonstrated robust performance, effectively addressing the issues associated with manual parking and congestion.