Networked Abatement Control with Master Failover Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing abatement system fails to continue operation when the system control device stops or communication between the control device and abatement devices is disrupted, causing the entire system to halt, even though individual abatement devices can still function.
Innovation Solution
The system is designed with multiple abatement devices and corresponding system control devices that communicate through a network, where one control device acts as a master and others as slaves, allowing them to switch roles or operate independently if communication is lost, ensuring continuous abatement treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single system control device centrally manages all abatement devices, then centralized control and coordination is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when the control device fails or communication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the centralized control function into multiple independent system control devices, each capable of managing its associated abatement device. This segmentation allows the system to continue operating even if one control device fails, as other control devices can take over or operate independently in stand-alone mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of control devices from a fixed master-slave relationship to a dynamic state where any control device can transition to master mode or stand-alone mode based on communication status. This parameter change enables flexible adaptation to failure conditions while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple system control devices are provided with master-slave configuration, then system reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each system control device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating as a master control device, a slave control device, or in stand-alone mode. This universality reduces the need for specialized hardware for different roles, managing complexity through software-based functional differentiation rather than physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master-slave configuration is made dynamic rather than static. Control devices can automatically transition between master and slave roles, or switch to stand-alone mode based on real-time communication status. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the control architecture by eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If slave system control devices can switch to master mode or stand-alone mode upon communication failure, then system reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to autonomous decision-making
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple control devices with the capability to assume master roles or operate in stand-alone mode before any failure occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when communication failure happens, the transition to backup modes is automatic and immediate, maintaining abatement continuity without requiring complex real-time decisions that would reduce operational predictability.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of system control devices respectively include network interfaces for communicating with each other via a network. One of the plurality of system control devices functions as a master system control device, and the remaining system control devices function as slave system control devices. The master system control device transmits a control command to the slave system control devices by means of the network interface. The slave system control devices receive the control command by means of the network interfaces and supply an operation command to abatement devices in accordance with the control command. When unable to communicate with the master system control device, the slave system control devices either function as master system control devices or enter stand-alone operation mode.