Field Device Current Adjustment for Wireless Adapter Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional field devices in process automation technology face energy inefficiencies due to limited current flow through the fieldbus communication interface, leading to unnecessary power consumption and energy losses, especially when transitioning between operational and standby modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow the current flowing through the fieldbus communication interface to be freely adjusted based on the power requirement of the field device, enabling an energy-saving mode by setting the current to low values during standby and high values during active measurement or action, eliminating the need for voltage transformation and reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the current flowing through the fieldbus communication interface is limited to predetermined values for standard operation, then the field device can operate in conventional modes with stable power supply, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily during standby periods and voltage transformation losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current adjustment by allowing the field device to operate in two distinct modes: a first operating mode with a first predetermined current value for standard operations, and a second operating mode with a second predetermined current value for energy-saving operations. The control unit dynamically switches between these modes based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match actual workload demands while maintaining stable communication interface operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (current value) flowing through the fieldbus communication interface based on operational state. By switching between a first predetermined current value during active operations and a second predetermined current value during standby or low-activity periods, the system reduces voltage transformation losses and power consumption without compromising the functionality or adaptability of the field device.
2Loss of energy
If the field device is temporarily switched off during standby periods to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but start-up delays occur and additional energy is wasted during frequent shutdown and restart cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a timer unit to monitor the duration of standby periods. When the timer detects that a predetermined time period has elapsed without significant activity, it triggers a transition to the second operating mode with reduced current. This periodic assessment allows the system to maintain a continuously powered state while still achieving energy savings during extended idle periods, avoiding the start-up delays associated with complete shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely switching off the field device during standby periods, the patent applies partial action by reducing the current to a second predetermined value that maintains the device in a low-power operational state. This partial power reduction achieves significant energy savings while keeping the device ready for immediate operation, thereby eliminating start-up delays and avoiding the energy wastage associated with frequent cold starts.
3Power
If voltage transformation is performed in the wireless adapter to provide sufficient power during minimum current operation, then the field device receives adequate power during active operations, but considerable energy losses occur during the transformation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring two distinct current values that are optimized for different operational states. The first predetermined current value is set for active operations where full power is required, while the second predetermined current value is optimized for standby or low-activity periods. By having these values pre-determined and switching between them based on operational state, the system avoids the need for dynamic voltage transformation during operation, thereby eliminating transformation losses while ensuring adequate power supply when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operation of a field device (2) for process automation with a fieldbus communication interface (4), to which a wireless adaptor (8) is connected, wherein the field device (2) can be supplied with electrical power from the wireless adaptor (8) via the fieldbus communication interface (4), characterized in that a current which flows via the fieldbus communication interface (4) is not limited, as a result of which it can be set freely, corresponding to a respective power demand.