Field Device Parameter Optimization for Industrial Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and time-consuming process of parameterizing field devices in industrial automation systems, often requiring manual adjustment of numerous parameters, which can be daunting for customers and may lead to reduced functionality due to interdependent parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that reduce the number of parameters by identifying and optimizing only the 'actually used' parameters, allowing user-specific adjustments and storing comments for future reference, while utilizing cloud computing for centralized data storage and access via networks or mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all parameters of a field device are made available for customization, then the device can be fully adapted to specific applications, but the parameterization process becomes extremely complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The complete parameter set is segmented into two categories: actually used parameters (visible and editable by customers) and not actually used parameters (hidden from customers). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by presenting only relevant parameters to users, reducing complexity while preserving full adaptability through the backend system that manages all parameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If many parameters are provided for customization, then the device can be precisely configured for different applications, but the time required for parameterization increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The actually used parameters are extracted from the complete parameter set and presented separately to customers. This extraction allows precise configuration of relevant parameters while eliminating time consumption associated with navigating and managing the complete set of several hundred parameters.
3Reliability
If parameter interdependencies are managed through multiple parameters, then precise control is achieved, but the number of parameters and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary between the customer and the complete parameter set. It manages parameter interdependencies internally while presenting only the actually used parameters to customers, thereby maintaining control precision without increasing customer-facing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a system for optimizing the operation of at least one of a plurality of field devices (F1, F2, F3) in an automation technology plant (A), which are used in different applications, wherein the method comprises the following steps: ascertaining application information (Ai) and device types of the plurality of field devices (F1, F2, F3), wherein the application information (Ai) from each of the plurality of field devices (F1, F2, F3) describes the latter with regard to the application of the respective field device; classifying the application information (Ai) from the plurality of field devices (F1, F2, F3) and storing the classified application information (Ai); ascertaining parameter sets (aP. sP) from each of the pluarlity of field devices (F1, F2, F3), wherein the parameter sets (aP, sP) comprise multiple parameters (P1, P2, P3) and each parameter (P1, P2, P3) is assigned a parameter value or a parameter value range, and each field device has at least one current parameter set (aP) and at least one standard parameter set (sP), and storing the parameter sets (P); comparing the current parameter sets with the standard parameter sets (sP) for the purpose of determining actually used parameters (P1', P2') of a device type for an application; operating the field device (F1) on the basis of the actually used parameters (P1', P2').