Hierarchical HMI for Power Plant Control Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power generation plant computer interfaces are disorganized, making it difficult and time-consuming for operators to navigate and locate critical information, especially during urgent situations, as information is scattered across multiple interfaces and requires quick access to control parameters.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical human-machine interface (HMI) system with a four-level screen interface hierarchy, providing a structured and logical organization of information based on power generation processes, allowing operators to quickly access critical information and controls through a layered approach, facilitating efficient navigation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional computer interfaces are used to present power plant information, then information can be displayed on multiple display interfaces, but it becomes difficult and time-consuming for operators to navigate and locate critical information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates previously scattered information across multiple display interfaces into a single unified display interface. This includes combining plant overview information, component details, operational parameters, and control functions into one integrated screen, eliminating the need for operators to navigate between multiple interfaces and reducing time to locate critical information
Solution Approach 2:
The unified display interface is organized into multiple hierarchical levels (Level 1 through Level 4) that segment information by detail and functionality. Level 1 provides overall plant status, while lower levels provide progressively more detailed component and parameter information. This segmentation allows operators to access appropriate levels of detail without being overwhelmed by all information at once
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display interfaces are used to present different operational characteristics and controls, then comprehensive information is available, but the interfaces become disorganized and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to organize information, creating four distinct levels of detail and functionality. This hierarchical structure adds an organizational dimension that allows comprehensive information to be systematically arranged, making navigation intuitive and ease of operation while maintaining complete information coverage across all levels
3Device complexity
If conventional interfaces require navigation through multiple screens to access control parameters, then detailed control is possible, but response time during urgent situations is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The unified display interface pre-organizes and pre-presents all critical control parameters and operational information in a single view. During normal operation, operators can familiarize themselves with the layout and location of controls. During urgent situations, this preliminary organization eliminates the need to navigate to different screens, enabling immediate response while maintaining the comprehensive control structure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for controlling power generation plant operations via a human-machine interface. In one embodiment, a method can provide: receiving a user selection of a power generation plant component in a first navigation menu of a human-machine interface (HMI); based at least in part on the user selection, generating a second navigation menu of the HMI; receiving a subsequent user selection of a subcomponent in the second navigation menu of the HMI, wherein the subcomponent is associated with the power generation plant component; generating a control region for the HMI, the control region operable to manipulate the subcomponent; receiving a user input for the control region; and based at least in part on the user input, facilitating manipulation of one or more operations of the subcomponent.