Plant Control System Networked Controller Data Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant control systems face challenges in efficiently providing process information from one process information device to different controller devices, particularly due to geographic separation, which complicates physical connections, and there is a need for improved configuration and maintenance of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A system where controller devices communicate via a network to forward process information from a first controller device to a second device without direct physical connection, using a first controller device-side interface to interface with process information devices, maintaining configuration information, and creating virtual process information devices at secondary controller devices based on configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If process information devices are physically connected to each controller device, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to geographic separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between process information devices and controller devices. Instead of direct physical connections, data is transmitted through the network infrastructure, which acts as a mediator that enables communication without requiring direct physical links between each device pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects process information devices to various controller devices, enables data transmission across different geographic locations, and provides a universal interface that can handle multiple types of devices and controllers through standardized protocols.
2Ease of operation
If direct physical connections are made between process information devices and remote controller devices, then data access is enabled, but maintenance and configuration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network serves as an intermediary that simplifies maintenance and configuration. Instead of physically accessing remote devices for maintenance, operators can configure and monitor system parameters through the network using standardized interfaces, making maintenance as easy as local device maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical connection systems with electronic communication networks. Configuration and maintenance tasks that previously required physical access to devices are now performed through software interfaces over the network, substituting mechanical operations with electronic control.
3Loss of information
If multiple physical connections are established for process information distribution, then comprehensive data availability is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network provides a universal data distribution infrastructure that can serve multiple controller devices simultaneously. A single process information device can transmit data to multiple controllers through the network, eliminating the need for separate physical connections to each controller and reducing overall installation cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual connection requirements into a single shared communication network infrastructure. Instead of establishing separate physical connections from each process information device to each controller device, all devices share the common network infrastructure, combining multiple functions into a unified system.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aspect relates to a plant control system (10) for controlling at least one plant process running in at least one plant, the system comprising first and second controller devices (12, 14) communicatively coupled with each other, wherein the first controller device (12) is configured to interface with at least one connectable process information device (20), the connectable process information device (20) providing to the first controller device (12) process information associated with the plant process running in the plant, and wherein the second controller (14) device is configured to: (a) obtain from the first controller device (12) the process information provided by the connectable process information device (20) to the first controller device (12), (b) interface with the plant control system (10), and (c) process the obtained process information and to provide to the plant control system (10) processed information associated with the at least one plant process.