Field Device Parameter Templates for Faster Plant Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field device configuration and management in industrial plants is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need to configure numerous parameters for each device, often requiring physical connection to process control systems, which lengthens commissioning time and complicates the management of complex relationships among field devices, device classes, and parameters.
Innovation Solution
A plant device management system that includes a device description file storage and a device parameter set manager, comprising a creator tool, configuring tool, template manager, and auditor, allowing for the efficient creation, modification, and assignment of class parameter sets to registered and non-physical field devices, enabling configuration into various applications and comparison with physical devices to optimize parameter management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all parameters are configured for each field device using traditional methods, then complete device configuration is achieved, but the configuration process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by creating device templates with default parameter sets before actual device commissioning. Configuration files are prepared in advance based on device type and model, allowing parameters to be pre-configured and stored for later automated application, thus eliminating the need to manually configure all parameters during the actual commissioning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates reusable device templates that serve as copies of standard device configurations. These templates contain pre-defined parameter sets that can be copied and applied to multiple devices of the same type, eliminating redundant configuration work. The template mechanism allows configuration data to be replicated across multiple instances without manual re-entry.
2Reliability
If field device configuration is performed only after physical connection to process control systems, then accurate device parameters are obtained, but device commissioning time and project execution time are lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary device configuration and parameter setup before physical connection to the process control system. Configuration files are created and validated in advance using device description information, allowing engineering activities to proceed parallel to physical installation rather than sequentially, thus reducing overall commissioning time while maintaining parameter accuracy through subsequent validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces configuration files and device templates as intermediary elements between device specification and actual device commissioning. These intermediaries allow configuration data to be prepared, validated, and stored separately before being applied to physical devices, decoupling the configuration process from the physical connection process and enabling earlier engineering activities.
3Ease of operation
If thousands of field devices across multiple device classes are managed individually, then detailed device control is achieved, but significant challenges arise in managing complex relationships among devices, classes and parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments device management into hierarchical levels: device classes, device types, and individual devices. Each level has its own configuration templates and parameter sets. This segmentation allows standardized management at the class and type levels while maintaining the ability to customize individual devices, reducing overall management complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates universal device templates that can serve multiple device instances across different applications. A single template can be instantiated and applied to numerous devices of the same type, providing a universal configuration approach that simplifies management. The template mechanism enables one configuration design to serve many purposes and device instances.
Data Source
AI summary
A plant device management system, which is configured to efficiently manage parameter information for field devices, in order for plant engineering, operation and maintenance is disclosed. The plant device management system includes, but is not limited to, a device parameter set manager, which is configured for creating class parameter set, configuring class parameter set, assigning class parameter set, auditing parameters and so forth. The device parameter set manager of the plant device management system may include, but is not limited to, a device parameter set creator tool, a device parameter set configuring tool, a device template manager and a device parameter auditor.