DCS Component Impact Analysis via Graph Traversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools are unable to quickly analyze the potential impact of changes in network communication devices on the interaction of field devices within distributed control systems (DCS), particularly in terms of interdependency across different domains such as control, network communication, and monitoring/supervisory domains.
Innovation Solution
A system analyzer comprising a data collecting unit, a model generating unit, and a model analyzing unit that uses a graphic representation with nodes and directed edges to model DCS components and signals, allowing for depth-first or breadth-first searches to determine the effects of changes on DCS components, and transmitting this information to an operator interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used to analyze DCS component interdependencies, then analysis thoroughness can be maintained, but analysis time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the DCS system in the form of a computerized model that replicates the infrastructure, components, and interconnections. This model can be analyzed computationally without affecting the actual system, enabling rapid what-if scenarios and impact analysis that would be time-consuming to perform manually on the real system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual analytical methods with automated computerized algorithms that perform graph-based traversals and impact propagation calculations. The system automatically processes the model data structure to determine component interdependencies and potential impacts, substituting human manual analysis with machine-based computational analysis.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive modeling of all DCS components and interconnections is performed, then analysis accuracy improves, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DCS model into distinct data structure components: nodes representing individual components, edges representing interconnections, and hierarchical levels representing different system layers. This segmentation allows the complex system to be processed in manageable units while maintaining the ability to analyze overall system interdependencies through graph traversal algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized data model as an intermediary layer between the actual DCS system and the analysis tools. This model serves as a simplified representation that captures essential interdependencies without requiring full complexity of the underlying system, enabling efficient analysis while preserving accuracy.
3Productivity
If rapid impact analysis of component changes is implemented, then maintenance decision-making speed improves, but analysis depth and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-building and maintaining an updated computerized model of the DCS system that continuously reflects the actual infrastructure and component interconnections. This pre-prepared model enables rapid impact analysis when changes occur, as the computational framework is already in place and only needs to process the specific change scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the computerized model is continuously updated with actual system data, and analysis results are fed back to validate and refine the model. This ensures that the model remains accurate and reliable for rapid analysis while maintaining consistency with the actual DCS system state.
Data Source
AI summary
A system analyzer and a method for analyzing an impact of a change in a component of a distributed control system (DCS) are disclosed. The system can collect and store data representing the DCS components and their interconnection as well as signals of the DCS components. The DCS can be graphically modeled with nodes and directed edges, wherein a node represents either a type of DCS component or a signal of a DCS components, and wherein an edge is an “influence”-edge, or a “contains”-edge. Information on a change of a DCS components is received, a depth first or breadth first search is performed over the “influence”-edges and “contains”-edges and determine unchanged DCS components which would be affected by a malfunction, a removal or a taking out of operation of the at least one DCS component, and information on the affected DCS components is transmitted to an operator interface.