Containerized Edge Computing for Secure Plant Data Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing management, updating, and deployment of analysis and optimization programs in industrial plants are inefficient due to the need for manual software and hardware manipulation, making it difficult to adapt, update, or replace these programs across multiple plants.
Innovation Solution
An edge computing device with a container computing unit and process container that runs independently of the industrial plant's hardware and software, allowing for effective management and processing of plant process data, and utilizing a protocol converter for secure and efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analysis and optimization programs are deployed on site as part of the plant hard- and/or software structure, then data security is improved, but adaptability and ease of updating are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the analysis and optimization programs into containerized modules that can be independently managed, updated, and deployed. Each program is encapsulated in a container that can be selectively updated without affecting the entire plant control system, thus maintaining data security while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary deployment mechanism that acts as a bridge between external program sources and the plant control system. This intermediary layer enables secure program distribution and installation without requiring direct access to the plant's internal hard- and software structure, thereby maintaining security while facilitating easy updates.
2Reliability
If manual manipulation of software and hardware is required on site, then program functionality is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service deployment of analysis and optimization programs through automated container management. Programs can be deployed, updated, and replaced automatically without requiring manual on-site manipulation of software and hardware, thus maintaining functionality while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary preparation of programs in container format before deployment to the plant. This pre-packaging allows programs to be tested, validated, and prepared in advance, enabling rapid deployment without time-consuming on-site manual configuration or installation.
3Power
If processing programs are integrated with plant hard- and software, then data processing capability is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments processing programs into independent containers that maintain full data processing capability while being isolated from the plant's core hard- and software. This segmentation allows each program to be managed, operated, and maintained separately, significantly improving ease of operation while preserving processing power.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to an edge computing device 120 for processing data 112 acquired with respect to a production process of an industrial plant comprising a plant control system 110, wherein the control system comprises a server 111. The device comprises a first unit 125 configured to be communicatively coupled to the server for receiving the data from the system. A second unit 121 is configured to provide a container runtime environment 122 configured to run a container on the second unit. A process container 123 is configured to run on the environment, wherein the process container comprises a program configured to process data acquired with respect to a production process of the industrial plant when running inside the process container. The first unit is communicatively coupled to the second unit for providing the received data to the environment, wherein the program is configured to process the provided data.