Semantic Module Library for Automated Modular Plant Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular plants require significant engineering effort for module integration, ensuring input and output flow compatibility, calibration, and alarm management, which is time-consuming and resource-intensive for plant operators.
Innovation Solution
A resource management system utilizing a database with a module library of semantic modules, providing extended descriptions and usage data to facilitate optimal module selection and automatic pipeline generation, optimizing plant performance and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modules are integrated manually into the overall plant by the plant engineer, then the plant can be assembled with individual modules, but the integration process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining modules with standardized interfaces and characteristics before integration. The module library stores pre-configured module definitions that include input/output flow specifications, calibration parameters, and alarm settings. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual configuration during plant assembly, as modules can be directly instantiated from the library definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by using module library definitions as templates that can be repeatedly instantiated. Instead of manually creating each module configuration from scratch, the system copies proven module definitions from the library, ensuring consistency and reducing integration time. The library acts as a repository of reusable module blueprints that can be deployed across multiple plant configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modules are integrated manually with individual configuration, then custom plant setups can be created, but error-prone unit-in-plant setups occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing validation mechanisms that check module configurations against the library definitions. The system automatically verifies that module parameters, interfaces, and connections conform to the standardized definitions, providing immediate feedback when errors or inconsistencies are detected. This automated validation prevents erroneous configurations from being deployed, significantly improving setup accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically configure and validate module integrations without manual intervention. The module library definitions contain all necessary configuration data, and the system autonomously instantiates modules, configures their parameters, and verifies their compatibility. This self-configuration process eliminates human errors associated with manual setup while maintaining full customization capability.
3Reliability
If extensive engineering effort is invested in module integration, then input and output flow compatibility can be ensured, but plant operator resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized module library that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The library definitions encompass input/output flow specifications, calibration parameters, alarm settings, and validation rules in a single unified structure. This universal framework ensures flow compatibility across all modules while eliminating the need for separate engineering efforts for each configuration aspect, thereby preserving operator productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by transforming module configurations into standardized, parameterized definitions stored in the library. Instead of manual engineering for each module, the system uses parameterized templates that automatically adapt to different plant configurations. This parameterization approach ensures flow compatibility through consistent parameter management while dramatically reducing the engineering effort required.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is a need for more effective resource planning for modular plants. There is therefore provided a resource management system for modular plants. The system comprises a database providing a module library of semantic modules representing respective modules in a module pool, at least one said semantic module comprising a semantic description of the respective module, wherein the semantic description comprises abstract data according to a semantic data model, and wherein the abstract data describes attributes of the respective module not found in a standard description file for the module. Based thereon, the system facilitates automated generation and optimization of module pipelines.