Process Module Simulation Models for Reliable Multi-Vendor Orchestration

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Solution Overview

Problem

When combining different types of process modules from various vendors, assessing and understanding the module behavior and their interactions is challenging due to lack of detailed information from the module vendors.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to generate a simulation model of process modules, which includes a state model, control logic, and process connection information, and links or extends this model with a Module Type Package (MTP) to provide comprehensive details on module behavior and interactions, ensuring compatibility and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If process modules from different vendors are combined to create modular process plants, then productivity and customization are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unknown module behavior and interaction details

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates simulation models that are copies of the actual process modules, allowing virtual testing and verification of module behavior and interactions before physical implementation. This copying approach enables assessment of reliability without compromising the benefits of using modules from different vendors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary simulation and testing of process modules and their interactions before actual deployment. By conducting virtual commissioning and behavior assessment in advance, potential reliability issues are identified and resolved before the modules are physically combined, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining productivity benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If detailed information about process modules is obtained from vendors, then reliability is improved, but loss of information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying solely on vendor-provided information, the patent creates comprehensive simulation models that copy and represent all relevant module details, behaviors, and interactions. This digital copy ensures complete information availability without loss, while maintaining reliability through accurate representation of module characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3608741B1Method associated with a simulation model of a process module, computer program product, and non-volatile data storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3608741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3608741B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3608741B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure describes a method associated with a simulation model of a process module (60). The process module (60) is configured to execute at least one module service and the process module is interlinkable or interlinked with further process modules in an automated process engineering plant to carry out a technical process in a cascade of module services. The method comprises Providing (S10) a process logic specification of the technical process; Providing (S11) a control logic specification of the process module; Providing (S12) a state engine of the process module from a configuration of the at least one service; Providing (S13) a process connection information of the technical process; Generating (S14) at least a part of the simulation model from a combination of the process logic specification, the control logic specification, the state engine and the process connection information; and Linking (S15) at least a part of the generated simulation model to a module type package (25) for the process module (60), or extending a module type package (25) for the process module (60) by at least a part of the generated simulation model. The disclosure further relates to a non-volatile data storage medium containing a simulation model of a process module obtained via the method. Yet further, the disclosure relates to a computer program product corresponding to the method.