Distributed Task Allocation for Idle Industrial Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in industrial systems often operate with idle computing power due to time-limited tasks, leading to inefficiency and significant power consumption even when inactive.
Innovation Solution
A method where field devices are coupled to a task distribution unit, allowing them to receive and process calculation tasks during idle periods, utilizing existing computing power and increasing efficiency by dynamically distributing tasks based on available resources and idle status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If field devices operate continuously to control the industrial plant, then reliability of control function is improved, but computing power utilization deteriorates due to idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
Field devices are designed to perform multiple functions: their primary function is controlling the industrial plant, and their secondary function is processing calculation tasks during idle periods. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware resources to serve dual purposes, improving overall system efficiency without compromising control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A task distribution unit is introduced as an intermediary component that manages and distributes calculation tasks to field devices during their idle periods. This mediator coordinates between the control system and computational tasks, ensuring that control functions remain reliable while computing power is effectively utilized.
2Reliability
If field devices remain in idle state during non-control periods, then control function performance is maintained, but energy consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of leaving field devices idle during non-control periods, the system continuously assigns calculation tasks to maintain productive operation. This ensures that the computing power remains actively engaged in useful work, eliminating wasted energy from idle states while maintaining control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Field devices serve themselves by processing calculation tasks during their own idle periods. The system allows field devices to autonomously execute computational tasks when not required for control functions, thereby improving energy efficiency without external intervention or additional hardware.
3Manufacturing precision
If field devices are used solely for control functions, then control precision is maintained, but system versatility deteriorates due to unused computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The field devices are configured to handle both control functions and general-purpose calculation tasks. This universal design allows the industrial plant control system to precisely control processes while simultaneously performing data analysis, simulations, or other computational tasks, thereby enhancing system versatility without compromising control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the allocation of computing resources based on real-time needs. When control precision is critical, field devices focus on control functions; when idle, they transition to processing calculation tasks. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to adapt to varying requirements while maintaining both precision and versatility.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the distributed calculation of computational tasks using field devices (12a, 12b, 12c) of an industrial plant (10), wherein several field devices are coupled to a task distribution unit (16) via a data connection (14), the field devices each control the industrial plant in an operating state, at least one of the field devices receives a computational task from the task distribution unit in an idle state and switches to a computational state in which the computational task is processed.