Alert
OptiLife ALERT reduces the number of alarms shown to the operator thanks to data science techniques.
Benefits
Avoid an avalanche of alarms
In accordance with EPRI recommendations for control rooms of power generation plants, the number of alarm activations should be less than 150 per day (6 alarm activations / hour).
Reduction of the operator´s cognitive load
Only alarms that require operator action will be notified.
Error reduction
The likelihood of errors during operation is reduced. A reduction in the number of alarms reported reduces the risk that said alarms are not correctly dealt by staff, avoiding incidents and accidents.
Data science
OptiLife ALERT combines machine learning algorithms with expert knowledge for smart alarm management.
No CDS modifications
OptiLife ALERT executes on a layer above the DCS; therefore, no DCS configuration changes are necessary.
Efficient alarm management
OptiLife ALERT provides a great value with relatively lower costs and short implementation periods compared with traditional approaches (an engineer analyzing alarm logics).
OptiLife Alert features
Definition of alarms / Analysis amd review of alarm logics.
- Remove alarms that should not be enabled (amd).
- Avoid continuous activations and deactivations of the same alarm: adjust setpoints.
- Assign to each alarm the required priority level, taking into account severity and proper definition in accordance with consequences.
- Electronic alarm book generation.
Prioritization and filtering.
- Support the operator providing information to prevent avalanches of alarms during transient events and improving problem diagnosis.
- Dynamic prioritization: based on operating modes and plant events.
Smart alarm management.
- Take advantage of the tools provided by data science and expert knowledge to reduce the number of alarms reported.
- Ensure that the information shown on the alarm interface is the only information that must be handled by operators.
- A great value with relatively low costs and short implementation periods compared with traditional approaches (an engineer analyzing alarm logics).
Real scenario data
Case study conducted at a control center for hydraulic power plants
30 MILLIONS
Generated alarms
15-20%
Notified alarms
80-85%
Eliminated alarms
Discover your hypothetical savings
Let us show you how OptiLife ALERT can help YOUR BUSINESS. See which are the savings and benefits that you could have using the solution.
What can you do?
The aim of the alarm management solution is to ensure that the information shown on the alarm interface is the only information that must be handled by the operators. Alarms that do not require corrective action, do not inform of an abnormal situation, and/or supply redundant information should not exist.
OptiLife ALERT can be connected to the plant’s DCS.
OptiLife ALERT is executed on a layer above the plant’s DCS or SCADA, communicating with it in order to read the alarms generated.
OptiLife ALERT notifies the important alarms on a different screen of the DCS one.
The implementation of OptiLife ALERT consists of:
- Training with alarm history.
- Offline validation.
- Installation, validation and adjustment at the plant.
How does it work?
OptiLife ALERT is an automatic, dynamic alarm rationalization tool that uses data science techniques and automated learning, as well as knowledge from operation and I&C experts. The performance of OptiLife ALERT is based on a modeling of the alarm system behavior during the training phase. The predictive power of the models allows the system to decide what alarms are relevant and if they need to be shown to the operator.
OptiLife ALERT manages the alarms in real time and works on a layer above the plant’s DCS, reading the DCS alarms (read only; no write permissions). The results are displayed on a simple, intuitive interface oriented to reduce human error and whose design follows the criteria of Human Factors Engineering.
FAQs
What requirements must a DCS meet to be able to install OptiLife Alert?
The plant’s DCS must have connectivity via the OPC UA A&E communication protocol. If this is not available, other alternative communication protocols can be assessed.
What do I need to be able to install TecOs Alert in my plant?
You need a DCS or SCADA that allows to communicate alarm data to external systems.
What information is necessary to be able to install OptiLife Alert in a plant?
List of alarms implemented.
Records of plant alarms that show all operating modes. The records must include at least 1 year of operation and, ideally, it should include 2 years.
Process data records for the same period as the alarm period provided.
