Distributed Process Control Computing for Shared Backup Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process control systems require one-to-one redundancy between primary and backup components, leading to increased costs, complexity, and rigidity, as well as laborious reconfiguration when adapting to changing system demands.
Innovation Solution
A distributed computing environment is implemented, allowing compute nodes with varying hardware and operating systems to collaborate and back up applications, using allocation algorithms to distribute data and applications, and providing a communication channel for seamless failover and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one-to-one redundancy is implemented between primary and backup components, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared backup component that can serve multiple primary components simultaneously. The backup component is configured to take over control of any failed primary component through dynamic reconfiguration, making it a universal backup resource rather than requiring dedicated backup for each primary component. This reduces the number of backup components needed while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple backup functions into a single shared backup component. Instead of having separate backup components for each primary component, the backup component is combined into a single unit that can assume the identity and functionality of any failed primary component through dynamic reconfiguration of control modules and communication pathways.
2Stability of the object's composition
If one-to-one redundancy is implemented, then system stability is improved, but the amount of redundant hardware increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared backup component can assume the functionality of any failed primary component, providing system stability without requiring dedicated backup hardware for each primary component. This universal backup approach maintains stability while reducing redundant hardware quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup component creates a dynamic copy of the failed primary component's control logic and configuration through software-based reconfiguration rather than requiring physical duplicate hardware. This allows system stability to be maintained through virtual copying rather than physical redundancy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional process control systems are reconfigured to meet changing demands, then system adaptability is improved, but reconfiguration time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where control modules can be automatically reallocated and reassigned based on real-time system conditions and failures. The system can dynamically adjust its architecture without manual intervention, allowing rapid adaptation to changing demands and reducing reconfiguration time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-reconfiguration through automated detection of failures and automatic allocation of backup resources to replace failed components. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual rewiring and configuration changes, reducing reconfiguration time and labor while improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
High availability and data migration in a distributed process control computing environment. Allocation algorithms distribute data and applications among available compute nodes, such as controllers in a process control system. In the process control system, an input/output device, such as a fieldbus module, can be used by any controller. Databases store critical execution information for immediate takeover by a backup compute element. The compute nodes are configured to execute algorithms for mitigating dead time in the distributed computing environment.