Remote Terminal Unit Self-Configuration via Cloud Model Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators at hydrocarbon well sites face challenges in configuring, commissioning, and maintaining remote terminal units (RTUs) due to remote locations and lack of technical support, leading to inefficiencies in hydrocarbon production and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based computing system is used to communicate with RTUs, enabling them to send attributes and control actions, with model data stored within the RTUs for self-configuration and operation, allowing real-time data analysis and control adjustments to optimize hydrocarbon production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If RTUs are deployed at remote hydrocarbon well sites, then monitoring and control coverage is improved, but access to technical support and configuration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The RTU is equipped with self-configuration capabilities through embedded model data and automated commissioning processes. The device can automatically detect its environment, configure itself based on pre-stored models, and commission without requiring on-site technical personnel, thus resolving the contradiction between remote deployment and configuration accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
Model data and configuration parameters are pre-loaded into the RTU during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation enables the device to automatically configure itself upon deployment at remote locations, eliminating the need for on-site technical support during initial setup and operation
2Reliability
If traditional configuration methods are used for RTUs, then device functionality is achieved, but commissioning time and technical support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RTU performs self-commissioning by automatically detecting connected well devices, retrieving their identifiers, and configuring itself based on pre-stored model data. This self-service approach maintains full device functionality while dramatically reducing commissioning time and eliminating the need for technical personnel on-site
Solution Approach 2:
All necessary configuration data, device models, and commissioning parameters are pre-prepared and stored in the RTU before deployment. This preliminary action enables rapid automatic commissioning upon installation, resolving the contradiction between ensuring proper device functionality and minimizing commissioning time
Data Source
AI summary
A remote terminal unit (RTU) may control one or more operations a well device associated with a hydrocarbon well. The RTU may include a processor that sends one or more attributes regarding the RTU, the well device, the hydrocarbon well, or any combination thereof to a cloud-based computing system. The processor may then send model data including one or more instructions regarding cloud services to be performed by the cloud-based computing system based on data provided to the cloud-based computing system from the RTU. The processor may then send a request to perform one or more control actions for the operations of the well device to the cloud-based computing system, control the operations of the well device based on the control actions when an approval of the request is received from the cloud-based computing system, and send the data to the cloud-based computing system.