Cloud-Based Simulation Models for Industrial Automation Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently managing modifications and upgrades due to frequent changes in system components, which can impact performance, and there is a need for a systematic approach to predict and evaluate the effects of these changes.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based simulation generation service analyzes industrial data to generate simulation models, predicting the response of industrial automation systems to modifications, and evaluates their impact using operation simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If industrial devices and assets are frequently added, removed, switched, replaced, reconfigured, or updated to improve system adaptability, then the system can respond to changing requirements, but the complexity of managing these modifications increases and performance impacts become harder to predict
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating simulation models that predict the effects of modifications before they are actually implemented. This allows stakeholders to evaluate potential impacts on system performance, reliability, and efficiency ahead of time, enabling informed decision-making about which modifications to proceed with and how to sequence them optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates virtual copies of industrial devices and systems in the form of simulation models. These digital twins replicate the behavior and characteristics of physical assets, allowing modifications to be tested and evaluated in the virtual environment without risking actual system disruptions. This copying approach simplifies modification management by providing a safe testing ground.
2Reliability
If comprehensive analysis of modification impacts is performed to improve system reliability, then the accuracy of performance prediction increases, but the time and computational resources required for evaluation increase
Solution Approach 1:
By creating virtual simulation models that replicate physical systems, the invention enables comprehensive analysis to be performed on copies rather than actual systems. This allows thorough evaluation of modification impacts without the time costs and risks associated with testing on live systems, maintaining high prediction accuracy while reducing evaluation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary simulations and analyses before modifications are implemented, identifying potential issues and optimization opportunities in advance. This upfront evaluation prevents costly rework and delays during actual implementation, improving overall reliability while managing evaluation time effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud-based simulation generation service collects industrial data from multiple industrial customers for storage and analysis on a cloud platform. The service employs a simulation generator component that analyzes data to facilitate generating a simulation model that simulates an industrial automation system, including simulating or emulating industrial devices, industrial processes, other industrial assets, or network-related assets or devices, and their respective interrelationships with each other. The simulation generator component also analyzes modification data to facilitate generating a modified simulation model that simulates the industrial automation system based on the modification. The simulation generator component performs operation simulations using the simulation model or modified simulation model to facilitate determining whether making the modification is appropriate, determining or predicting performance of a modified industrial automation system, determining compatibility of a modification with an industrial automation system, or determining or predicting performance of the industrial automation system when processing a work order.