Network Edge Interface for Remote Industrial Asset Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oil and gas production assets often operate in remote locations with limited or no network communications infrastructure, making data retrieval and control of well-site equipment challenging due to lack of reliable communication protocols and data formats compatibility between equipment and backend networks.
Innovation Solution
A modular network edge device is introduced to interface between backend networks and operational assets, using asset templates to configure communication protocols and data formats, allowing for autonomous real-time control and data processing, and enabling operation in various communication modes to adapt to network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If operational assets are deployed in remote locations without network infrastructure, then coverage and accessibility are improved, but communication reliability and data retrieval capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A network edge device is deployed at remote well sites to act as an intermediary between operational assets and backend networks. This edge device includes a communication interface that can operate in multiple modes (direct network connection, store-and-forward, or autonomous operation) to ensure reliable data retrieval and control signal transmission even when traditional network infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable.
2Loss of time
If network edge device processes and formats data locally, then network latency is reduced and real-time control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into three distinct layers: operational assets (sensors and equipment), network edge devices (for local data processing and protocol conversion), and backend networks (for centralized management). This segmentation allows the edge device to perform necessary data formatting and protocol conversion locally using asset templates, reducing network latency while keeping each component's complexity manageable through clear division of responsibilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asset templates are used to configure communication protocols, then adaptability to different assets is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Asset templates serve as pre-configured communication blueprints that define data formats, protocols, and processing rules for different types of operational assets. Instead of manually configuring each asset from scratch, the system copies and applies appropriate templates to match asset types, significantly reducing configuration complexity while maintaining high adaptability to various communication protocols and data formats.
4Extent of automation
If autonomous operation mode is enabled at network edge device, then operational independence is improved, but control precision from backend network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network edge device implements dynamic operation modes that can switch between autonomous operation and backend-controlled operation based on network availability and operational requirements. In autonomous mode, the device processes data locally using asset templates for immediate responses. When network connectivity is restored, the system dynamically transitions to backend-controlled mode for centralized monitoring and precise control, ensuring both operational independence and control precision are maintained appropriately.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for communicating between an operational asset and a backend network that include the actions of receiving first data from an operational asset through a first communication interface that is configured to communicate with an operational asset, and where the first data is formatted according to a first data format that is specific to the operational asset. Processing the first data according to an asset template to generate second data, where the second data includes the first data and being formatted according to a second data format that is specific to the backend network. Causing the second data to be transmitted to the backend network by a second communication interface that is configured to communicate with a backend network.