DE102017216948A1 - Digital twin model for the procurement and representation of machine condition and fact surveys - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes a digitally stored three-dimensional model of a machine, in particular a generator, in which the model comprises the current state with all the available information of the machine, the information is divided into different categories and a selected category of information can be blocked for reproduction. This allows the manufacturer to give an external customer an insight into selected details of the machine. The model is the only valid reference of the machine condition during the lifetime for service, retrofitting and spare part procurement / spare part production.

Description

The invention relates to a digitally stored three-dimensional model of a machine, in particular of a generator.

When selling, creating and servicing generators, customers want to know how the machine is built, how the components are arranged to each other and how the service staff will perform certain tasks. In many cases the verbal and / or written explanation is not sufficient and the customer can not understand what and how the service is carried out in his machine.

So far, only a three-dimensional model of the machine is available during the design phase. Any deployment takes a long time and may require measuring the current machine condition before, for example, making spare parts.

The invention is based on the problem to provide a working means for a machine that provides up-to-date technical details for different demands on information depth.

The problem is solved by an article having the features of claim 1.

The invention provides a so-called digital twin of the machine, which begins with the original design, receives its first update during measurements of vendor parts, then receives the next update during manufacturing (based on in-house QA data, 3-dimensional laser measurement during the manufacturing process) notable deviations from the design dimensions) and will be continuously updated by available information from Customer Service / Changes / Damage / Findings / Findings.

The inventive three-dimensional model of the machine thus also contains the subsequently installed changes.

The invention provides an illustrative tool that shows, on the one hand, the particular customer-related details, but not all the raw data and / or the confidential details.

When new personnel are to inspect a new or a rare and / or remotely located machine type, it is endeavored to go through the various drawings to understand accessibility, the course of test leads, and task specific disassembly or assembly operations. Here, the invention provides a tool for illustration to plan these tasks and to instruct new personnel.

Suppose an engineer is instructed to install new measuring equipment in a machine that is currently in operation. He is busy dimensioning the connection lines and determining the correct position for the sensor, but has limited three-dimensional information about the machine design or accessibility or connection of the measuring device and parts that were installed during the previous inspection. Here, the invention provides a tool for illustrating the current machine condition of all installed parts and all modifications since the handover.

Assuming a change to the machine that is currently in operation must be urgent. The data of installed parts that have been installed since the transfer is stored in the database, but not in the three-dimensional design model of the originally designed machine. In addition, due to the change in the manufacturing process (for example, the progression of generator bends during impregnation and the packing process), the real positions of elements are different from the documented design. As a result, the machine must be stopped, opened and surveyed in order to collect the necessary spatial data, to manufacture the necessary accessories or spare parts and to connect the original and the subsequently manufactured parts. Only after these measurements can the new parts be manufactured.

The invention provides for this a three-dimensional model of the instantaneous machine design and / or condition to enable early replacement part production. The stored three-dimensional model of a component can be used as a basis for the production of the replacement part, for example using 3D printing / selective laser melting SLM.

The digital twin according to the invention has the property of displaying or hiding different categories / levels of information or specific parts adapted to the needs of the customer or the needs / limitations of third party personnel and further to personnel of the original manufacturer with all the necessary documentation to support.

1. 1. Der digitale Zwilling in interner Ausführungsform. Zusammenfassung von Hauptpunkten (wie zum Beispiel interner Prozesse, wichtiges Know-how) zentraler Projekte/Regionen/ kritischer Länder (beispielsweise aufgrund von Embargo) für internes Personal (digitaler Zwilling intern-sichtbare Ebene - umfasst alle Informationen, die für internes Personal des originären Herstellers benötigt werden).
2. 2. Digitaler Zwilling in externer Ausführungsform. Zusammenfassung von Hauptpunkten (wie zum Beispiel Vorzügen, Bezugnahmen auf zentrale Projekte/Regionen/kritische Länder, wegen Embargo) als Kundenversion (digitaler Zwilling externe Ebene - stark beschränkte Kundenebene mit stark begrenzter Information und Detaillierungsgrad, mit der weiteren Möglichkeit zur Beschränkung als: Kunde in Angebotsphase/Kunde als Eigentümer und Regionen-bezogenes Kunden-Ranking, das die Embargoinformationen wiedergibt und so weiter).

First, two principal types of constraints are set:

1. 1. The digital twin in internal embodiment. Summary of key points (such as internal processes, important know-how) of central projects / regions / critical countries (eg due to embargo) for internal staff (digital twin internally visible level) - includes all information relevant to internal staff of the original manufacturer needed).
2. 2. Digital twin in external embodiment. Summary of key points (such as privileges, references to key projects / regions / critical countries, due to embargo) as customer version (digital twin external level - highly limited customer level with very limited information and level of detail, with the further possibility of restriction as: customer in Offer phase / customer as owner and region-related customer ranking, which reflects the embargo information and so on).

The personnel can see the assembly task during the training (not the entire machine, but the exact condition / assembly status that reflects the upcoming / trained assembly task).

This digital twin is the only authoritative model and is available with certain restrictions for all departments to avoid any departure from information based on the use of expired information.

For each part in the model, all possible information is linked, for example the parts list for B-SOL, assembly instructions, tool numbers and more.

Example of desired mappings of findings (see figures): the model has a level / category in which markers are displayed on areas where findings have been detected and photographs are present ( 1 ). The enlargement of the model marks a specific area ( 2 ). This marker links to a list of photos in which the same mark is placed over the photo on the surface of the machine part. In the figure shown it is the surface of a generator rod. Here, a kind of compass can be added to indicate the orientation of the particular photograph.

Advantageously, an integrated 3D model is provided, which allows a fast and precise treatment of findings for the preparation and execution of tasks and spares the downtime (trained personnel, all available information for spare parts are linked to the 3D model and the error avoiding inconsistencies (such as misallocation of findings to inaccurate equipment, wrong decisions based on facts in the office, inaccurate liaison management).

The better the illustration and the documentation, the faster and better the service is given as the key to customer acceptance, for the acquisition of new orders and service orders.

Communication with the customer and the internal staff becomes faster and more efficient.

The tool / software can be used for turbines (both gas turbines and steam turbines and the generator, but also for various other equipment such as wind turbines, transformers, gearboxes, medical equipment and so on).

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

• 1 sieben Generatorstäbe und einen Link auf ein Foto am Ort des Generatorstabes mit einem Befund,
• 2 das verlinkte Foto aus 1 mit einer Vergrößerung der Oberfläche eines Generatorstabes und Ausrichtung des Fotos,
• 3 das verlinkte Foto aus 1 mit einer Vergrößerung der Oberfläche eines Generatorstabes, Ausrichtung des Fotos und Zeitpunkt des Fotos.

The invention is explained in more detail below as an exemplary embodiment in a scope necessary for understanding with reference to figures. Showing:

• 1 seven generator bars and a link to a photo at the location of the generator bar with a result,
• 2 the linked photo 1 with an enlargement of the surface of a generator rod and alignment of the photo,
• 3 the linked photo 1 with an enlargement of the surface of a generator rod, orientation of the photo and time of the photo.

When findings are detected, they are measured, photographed, and stored in reports, sorted by machine time, machine area, and item number where the finding was made. For example, the rod No. 10 of the generator at the end winding has a result for the insulation maintenance. If this machine is serviced a few years later, another technician will be on site and will try to detect if the findings have changed since the last inspection. To do this, he begins by localizing the earlier findings on the actual machine element. For this he locates this specific area of the machine, this specific bar and then that specific surface of the bar, locates the direction of the previously taken photos and compares the actual state with the photographed state from the last inspection and takes new photos. After the findings are collected, the data is transferred to engineering where decisions are made in the office based on a comparison of the photos taken on site. Thus, the invention provides a tool that maps the findings of the surface and the orientation of the elements.

The present invention has been explained in detail for illustrative purposes with reference to specific embodiments. In this case, elements of the individual embodiments can also be combined with each other. The invention is therefore not intended to be limited to individual embodiments, but merely to be limited by the appended claims.

Claims (9)

Digital stored three-dimensional model of a machine, in particular a generator, in which the model comprises the current state with all available information of the machine, - the information is divided into different categories, - A selected category of information for a playback is lockable. Digital three-dimensional model behind Claim 1 characterized in that - the information is categorized into a category customer view and a category manufacturer view, - a read access restricted to the category information customer view is available. Digital three-dimensional model according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an information 1 is given as a graphical representation of a considered element and at the presentation of this element, a link / link to an information 2, comprising the type of information 2, in particular photo, can be displayed. Digital three-dimensional model according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information 1 and the information 2 are each a photograph. Digital three-dimensional model according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information is a photograph and itself represents data concerning the orientation of the element shown. Digital three-dimensional model according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information is a photograph and itself represents data concerning the photo time of the element shown. Digital three-dimensional model according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stored three-dimensional information of an element of the machine serves as a direct input variable for the production of this element by means of an automatic manufacturing method. Digital three-dimensional model behind Claim 7 characterized in that the automatic manufacturing method is given by an additive manufacturing method, in particular Selective Laser Melting SLM. Digital three-dimensional model behind Claim 7 characterized in that the automatic manufacturing method is provided by a numerically controlled machine tool, in particular Numeric Control NC.

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