Applications Of Balloon Tips In Human-computer Interface Of Power Plant DCS

Distributed control system (DCS) is a standard mode in modern thermal power plant control systems. It is the central system of monitor power generation units. Human-computer interface (HCI) is the medium between human and computers for information exchange. It is the synthetic operation environment for users when they are using computer systems. A friendly human-computer interface gives persistent attraction to users and promotes the whole effects of human and computers to the best. While the unfriendly interface could make users down in spirits, lower work efficiency, increase incorrect manipulations or cause severe accidents.With the development of electric power industry, commissioning of high parameter and large capacity units and regeneration of equipments, operating states in power plants become more complex and the data need to be displayed increase sharply. These put forward a higher requirement to HCI of DCS and aggravate workload of operators in power plants. Under many conditions, the original HCI of DCS can't meet the practical needs.This paper summarizes HCI related theories. In accordance with user-centered thinking, the paper analyses the display and manipulate mode in HCI of DCS, HCI demand of operators, then point out insufficient in HCI of DCS. Based on balloon tips in Windows operating system, the paper proposes application of balloon tips to improve HCI of DCS in power plants. Contents needed displayed in DCS divided into data point, specific equipment and alarm point. Corresponding display mode is designed for the three objects. Electronic regulations are integrated as a functional module in balloon tips. Comparative analysis show the proposed technique is quick and flexible to be operated. It displays more information on the limited screen, reduces redundant window manipulations, and improves the human-computer interface of DCS and work efficiency.