Electrical Library Interface for Modular Plant Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular plant engineering systems lack the ability to efficiently integrate and configure electrical information for modules, particularly in industries with energy-intensive equipment, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption management.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that extends the MTP configuration file by incorporating an electrical library interface, allowing for the configuration of electrical information through electrical placeholder elements, connection types, and property information for devices within the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrical engineering methods are used for modular plants, then electrical information can be configured, but the engineering process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process by introducing distinct electrical placeholder elements (connection type elements, port type elements, symbol elements, property elements) that divide the complex electrical configuration into manageable, standardized components. Each element type handles a specific aspect of electrical information, making the overall configuration process more systematic and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses template-based configuration where standardized electrical placeholder elements are copied and reused across different modules. The electrical library interface provides pre-defined element types that can be instantiated multiple times with different parameters, eliminating the need to create electrical configurations from scratch for each module.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical information is integrated into MTP configuration files, then energy consumption can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal electrical library interface that can represent multiple types of electrical information (power supply, consumption, connections) using a unified set of placeholder elements. This multi-functional interface handles diverse electrical configuration needs through consistent element types, reducing the apparent complexity despite the comprehensive information being captured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity by organizing electrical information as configurable parameters within standardized element structures. Electrical properties are represented as adjustable parameters (voltage, current, power consumption) that can be modified without changing the underlying configuration structure, allowing energy optimization through parameter tuning rather than structural changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical placeholder elements are added to configuration files, then electrical functions can be configured, but the learning curve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical library interface as an intermediary layer between the user and the detailed electrical configuration. This library provides a standardized set of placeholder elements that mediate the interaction, allowing users to configure electrical functions using consistent, pre-defined element types rather than dealing with raw, complex configuration syntax directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of electrical configuration elements into standardized categories and types within the electrical library. Common electrical functions and their corresponding placeholder elements are prepared in advance, allowing users to select and instantiate pre-validated element types rather than creating electrical configurations from scratch, reducing the cognitive load despite the added capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method (100) for configurating an electrical information (10) of at least one module (30) using an engineering tool (40), wherein the at least one module (30) is used as a representation of a modular industrial plant (70), the method comprising: - creating (102), by the engineering tool (40), a configuration file (50) to configure the at least one module (30); - configuring (104) the configuration file (50) by adding an electrical library interface (52) to the configuration file (50) for being able to configure the electrical information (10) of the at least one module (30), wherein the electrical library interface (52) comprising at least one of the following electrical placeholder elements (54) to be able to configure an electrical function of at least one device (32) of the at least module (30): ∘ an electrical connection type element (56) providing a representation of an electrical power cabling connection of the at least one device (32) used in the at least one module (30); ∘ an electrical port type element (58) to be assigned to the at least device (32) in order to connect the at least one device (32) of the at least one module (30) to the electrical connection type element (56); ∘ an electrical placeholder symbol (60) representing an electrical element; - determining (106) a symbol element (62) in the electrical interface library (52) of the configuration file (50) by using at least one of the electrical placeholder elements (54), wherein the symbol element (62) represents the at least one physical component (64) of the device (32) in the at least one module (30) for which the electrical information (10) is added; - adding (108) an electrical property information (20) for the determined symbol element (62) in the engineering tool (40) to configure the electrical information (10) for the at least one device (32) of the at least one module (30).