Field Control System Schedule Adjustment via Communication Time Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field control systems face challenges in maintaining scheduled operations due to varying communication times between equipment in complex networks, leading to deviations in equipment schedules and suboptimal plant control.
Innovation Solution
A field control system that collects and affixes time stamps to measured result packets, measures communication times, and adjusts operation schedules based on these times to ensure accurate synchronization and control loop performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If field equipments operate with predetermined schedules in complex networks, then control loop operations can be organized systematically, but communication time variations cause schedule deviations and reduce control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The configurator measures actual communication times between field equipments and uses this feedback information to calculate and adjust schedule offsets, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for communication variations and maintains control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts schedule parameters (offsets) based on measured communication time variations, changing the timing parameters to compensate for network conditions and maintain stable control loop operations
2Ease of operation
If communication times between field equipments are not considered, then schedule setting is simple, but schedule deviations occur and control performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The configurator automatically measures communication times and calculates schedule offsets without manual intervention, making the system self-configuring and maintaining reliability while keeping operation simple for users
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of communication times during system setup or calibration phase, establishing baseline data that is used to pre-calculate appropriate schedule offsets before normal operation begins
3Measurement precision
If communication times are measured and schedules are adjusted dynamically, then control precision is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configurator is designed to perform multiple functions including communication time measurement, schedule calculation, and offset adjustment within a single device, avoiding the need for separate specialized components and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The configurator acts as an intermediary device that centralizes the complexity of communication time measurement and schedule adjustment logic, shielding other field equipments from complexity while maintaining precise control
4Ease of operation
If fixed schedules are used without adjustment, then system operation is straightforward, but communication time variations cause measured values to miss target values
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed schedules to dynamic adjustable schedules that adapt to actual communication conditions, allowing straightforward operation while maintaining precision through automatic offset adjustments based on measured communication times
Data Source
AI summary
In a field control system in which a plurality of field equipments that are operated in a previously set schedule and constitute a control loop perform a packet communication via a network, there is provided a configurator for collecting measured result packets to which a time stamp of each field equipment is affixed respectively, grasping at least any one of communication times between respective field equipments based on the time stamp, and adjusting operation schedules of respective field equipments in response to the communication times.