Frequency Converter Parameter Control via Local Approval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frequency converters' settings are often altered remotely without the local user's awareness of the converter's operational status, potentially leading to critical phase disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where frequency converter parameters are communicated through a communications system, requiring approval from a local terminal device user before being applied to the frequency converter, ensuring safe and controlled parameter changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If frequency converter parameters are altered remotely without local user approval, then service and maintenance efficiency is improved, but the risk of disrupting critical operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice and maintenance efficiencyVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a local terminal device as an intermediary between the remote support tool and the frequency converter. This intermediary receives parameter change requests from the remote tool, obtains local user approval, and then executes the changes only if approved. This mediator structure enables remote service efficiency while preventing unauthorized changes during critical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If frequency converter parameters are changed remotely, then remote support capability is improved, but awareness of actual status or operating phase is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote support capabilityVSAvoidawareness of operating phase
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the local terminal device receives and displays information about incoming parameter change requests from the remote support tool. This feedback loop provides the local user with awareness of what changes are being proposed and the current operational context, enabling informed decision-making while maintaining remote support capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3101777B8Communicating of frequency converter parameters
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A method comprises receiving, in a local terminal device of a communication system, a set of instructions related to a frequency converter, the set of instructions having been transmitted from a remote terminal device via at least one network node. The local terminal device displays information on the received set of instructions. The local terminal device may detect a predetermined user input, and in response to the detecting, the local terminal device causes transmission of control data to the frequency converter via a communications link established between the local terminal device and the frequency converter, if the user input indicates that the user of the local terminal device approves the execution of the set of instructions in the frequency converter, the control data commanding the frequency converter to execute the set of instructions in the frequency converter.