Fieldbus Connection Verification for Wind Turbine Sub-Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex nature of wind turbine fieldbus networks makes it challenging to verify connections between computing units and devices during manufacturing and maintenance, requiring extensive device drivers and communication protocols that need frequent updates and specific knowledge of hardware configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program product that utilize a program element with a list of possible network components and devices, along with a library of software elements to establish a communication path, allowing for verification of connections in a sequenced manner without requiring detailed knowledge of specific hardware constellations, enabling the use of a single program element across various wind turbine models and sub-assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated software is developed for each hardware configuration, then connection verification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and software maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test program that can verify connections across multiple hardware configurations and fieldbus networks. The program element includes a library of software elements that can adapt to different network topologies and device types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated software for each configuration while maintaining verification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses configurable parameters within the program element to adapt to different hardware configurations. By changing software parameters rather than developing entirely new software, the system maintains accuracy across variations while avoiding the complexity of multiple dedicated software solutions
2Reliability
If comprehensive testing of all network components is performed, then connection reliability is improved, but testing time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection verification process into discrete, sequential steps that test individual network components and communication paths. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently verify each component's connectivity while maintaining overall connection reliability, rather than performing exhaustive testing of all possible paths simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of the program element with a library of software elements before actual testing begins. This preliminary action prepares the testing framework in advance, allowing comprehensive reliability verification during execution without consuming excessive testing time
3Measurement precision
If detailed knowledge of network layout is required for testing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The program element automatically discovers and adapts to the network layout through its library of software elements. The system performs self-configuration by identifying network components and their relationships during the verification process, eliminating the need for operators to have detailed prior knowledge of the network topology while maintaining verification accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to verification of connections between a computing unit, such as a test computer, and a device, e.g. a sensor or transducer, in a fieldbus network of a subassembly of a wind turbine. The fieldbus network comprises a plurality of network components. One of the network components comprises a program element. The computing unit is arranged for forwarding a request to the program element to verify the connection from the computing unit to a selected device, the request comprising a sequence of selected network components between the computing unit and the selected device. The program element is arranged to establish in a sequenced manner a communication connection between the selected network components and the selected device, and to provide a response as to whether or not the connection exists.