Semantic Modular Automation Support for Plant Pipeline Engineering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular automation systems for industrial plants lack comprehensive support during the automation engineering phase and control engineering phase, particularly in real plant environments, and do not effectively address operational and production planning needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular automation support system that includes a computing device with a processor configured to perform computer-implemented methods, utilizing a semantic data model for abstract representations of modules and pipelines, enabling automation engineering and control engineering support through a module library, pipeline generation engine, optimization component, and simulation tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If modular automation systems use prefabricated modules for simplified engineering, then ease of manufacture is improved, but comprehensive support for real plant environments and control engineering phases is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by collecting operational data from real plant environments and using it to continuously improve the modular automation support. The system learns from actual plant performance and adjusts recommendations, creating a closed-loop system that enhances reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through iterative improvements based on real-world data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by providing comprehensive support during both automation engineering and control engineering phases before actual plant operation. It pre-configures modules, validates designs, and prepares control strategies in advance, ensuring that the modular system is thoroughly tested and optimized before deployment, thereby enhancing reliability without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
2Productivity
If modular systems provide automation engineering support, then productivity is improved, but support during control engineering phase and plant operation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The modular automation support system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple phases of plant development and operation. It provides automation engineering support for module configuration, control engineering support for plant operation, and continuous optimization capabilities. This universal system handles diverse tasks across different stages, enhancing both productivity and adaptability through a single integrated platform.
3Ease of operation
If the system uses semantic data models for abstract representations, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semantic data model acts as an intermediary layer between the complex underlying system architecture and the user interface. It provides abstract representations that simplify user interaction while maintaining the complexity of the modular system internally. The semantic model translates complex system states into understandable representations, enabling ease of operation without reducing the sophisticated functionality of the modular automation system.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a modular automation support system for modular plants. The system comprises an automation engineering support system (100) comprising a feedback processing component (110) configured to modify the operation of one or more other components (104-108) of the automation engineering support system (100) based on user feedback.