EP3483452A1 - Method for monitoring electronically controlled centrifugal pumps - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, a computer program implementing this and a system for the simultaneous monitoring of a group of electronically controlled centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) of a hydraulic system (1) by a user (3) by means of a mobile handset (4). Each of the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) in each case emits an individual pump identifier and at least one operation-specific status information using a short-range communication technology direction-independent, which receives the handset (4) in a listening mode when or as soon as it within the transmission range of the centrifugal pumps (5a). 5f) is located. The user can see the receivable centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) on the screen (6) of the handset (4) based on the received pump identifiers and their respective status based on the received status information.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the simultaneous monitoring of a group of electronically controlled centrifugal pumps of a hydraulic system by a user by means of a mobile hand-held device. Likewise, the invention relates to a system for carrying out the method and a loadable on the handset computer program with commands that cause the handset when performing on the handset to perform those steps, which are provided in the context of the inventive method to be performed by the handset , Finally, the invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with the computer program.

Not infrequently, hydraulic systems such as heating, cooling or drinking water supply systems include a large number of parallel-working centrifugal pumps, which require regular monitoring and maintenance in order to be able to detect and rectify system impairments at an early stage. Public buildings such as hospitals and schools but also hotels and office buildings can have installations with a hundred or more centrifugal pumps, major construction projects such as airports, power plants or exhibition halls even a few thousand centrifugal pumps for various purposes. In most cases, the centers of the hydraulic systems are housed in appropriate technical rooms in a ground floor or basement.

Although it is known to connect centrifugal pumps to a communication network, including the Internet, in particular to communicate with a central building control system over which they can be remotely controlled and / or remotely, the currently available communication technology possibilities of modern centrifugal pumps or their Pump electronics rarely used. Widely used and for cost reasons also in today's new construction projects continue planned and used are the usual centrifugal pumps collective error messages. This is a switch contact on the pump that is switched by the pump when a fault occurs. To such a switching contact, for example, a visual or audible warning device can be connected, for example, a horn or alarm light. In general, several or all pumps are wired together with such a warning device. The disadvantage here is that in the case of a warning is unknown, which centrifugal pump has a fault. Also, the nature of the disorder is unknown.

It is also necessary, not least for reasons of regular maintenance, to perform a review of the centrifugal pumps by a visual inspection. Some centrifugal pumps may use an optical indicator that shows the pump status in color coding so that a single glance at the pump is enough to see if everything is alright. For other centrifugal pumps, operation on the pump's control panel (HMI) is required to verify their status. Ultimately, however, this is to be done individually for each centrifugal pump, which represents a corresponding expenditure of time.

It should also be noted that the hydraulic systems in technical centers or technical rooms mostly occupy much space, or otherwise considered the corresponding spaces are often planned too small, so that optimal accessibility, visibility and / or operability is not always guaranteed at each centrifugal pump. Centrifugal pumps of the plant can stand close to a wall, with its control panel facing away from the usual space in which an installer or maintenance technician is staying, above the eye level of the technician or also generally very hidden.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method, a computer program and a system that a user such as a service or maintenance technician an immediate and quick overview of the Operating status of all centrifugal pumps of the hydraulic system conveyed at their installation location.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a system having the features of claim 12. Insofar as the handheld device acts in the method, these procedural steps to be carried out by the handheld device are implemented by software in a computer program, in particular according to claim 13. Advantageous developments are specified in the respective subclaims and are explained below.

According to the invention, it is proposed that each of the centrifugal pumps of the group in each case radiate an individual pump identifier and at least one operation-specific status information using a short-range communication technology directionally receiving the handset in a listening mode, or as soon as it is within the transmission range of the centrifugal pumps, wherein the user receivable centrifugal pumps are displayed on a screen of the handset based on the received pump identifiers and their respective status based on the received status information.

By this method, it is a user who moves with the handset in the vicinity of the centrifugal pumps or is already there, in a simple fast way possible to obtain a simultaneous overview of all centrifugal pumps. The visual inspection, possibly the search and / or operation of each individual centrifugal pump is thus superfluous. The user thus saves time and the maintenance and / or operational testing of centrifugal pumps becomes more economical.

In the method according to the invention, all centrifugal pumps of the group send status information about their operating state together with a pump identification uniquely identifying the respective centrifugal pump, so that an assignment of the status information to the respective pump is possible on the basis of this pump identifier. The pump identifier may be any alphanumeric identifier that uniquely identifies the centrifugal pump within the group, or even globally, such as a serial number of the Centrifugal pump or a communication address such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address of short-range communication technology.

As a centrifugal pump is in the context of the invention, a device at least consisting of a pump unit for conveying a liquid, a drive unit in the form of an electric motor which drives the pump unit, and a pump electronics for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor, said structurally combined or only can be functionally cooperative. Furthermore, sensors such as volume flow or pressure sensors can be part of the centrifugal pump.

The short-range communication technology used is set up, the pump identifier the status information direction independent, i. omnidirectional or, in other words, omnidirectional. Thus, unlike with an infrared link, it is not necessary to aim the handset at a particular centrifugal pump, i. establish a line of sight to receive the pump ID and status information. It is also advantageous that the user can capture the pump identifiers and status information "when passing" to the centrifugal pumps. A line of sight is not necessary here.

The short-range communication technology may be, for example, a radio technology, but is not limited thereto. Also conceivable, for example, would be a communication technology that uses a modulation of the light to transmit data.

It is particularly advantageous if the pump identifier and the at least one operation-specific status information are broadcast as a broadcast signal. It should be noted that the term "broadcast signal" is not limited to "radio" as short-range communication technology, but also includes other short-range communication technologies. The term "broadcast signal" corresponds to the English term "broadcast". This means that the radiated signals are receiver-unspecific. that is not specifically addressed to the handset used. Rather, could also be any other Handset can be used to receive the same round (radio) signals, as long as the short-range communication technology used is mastered and activated to simply listen to the round (radio) signals. It is not necessary first to establish a communication connection or a communication channel between the hand-held device and the individual pumps, in order to receive the pump identifier and the status information.

Preferably, the broadcast takes place as a round (radio) signal or broadcast repeatedly. This means that the radiation from the centrifugal pump takes place automatically, without the need for a trigger. The handset just has to listen. In this case, the listening mode of the handset can always be activated or activated as needed by the user. It is also possible that the listening mode is automatically activated when the computer program is started on the handset, which is designed for the purpose of checking the operating state of the centrifugal pumps.

The repetition of the emission of the pump identifier and the at least one status information can be done periodically, however, a non-periodic radiation is possible to avoid collisions in the radio messages of the centrifugal pumps. The centrifugal pumps can have different periods. The transmission of the pump identifier and the status information can be carried out in a common radio telegram or in different radio telegrams, which are temporally separated from each other.

As an alternative to the repeatedly broadcast radio signals, it may be provided that the pump identifier and the at least one operation-specific status information are broadcast on request of the hand-held device. In this case, the handset emits a corresponding universal, ie a request directed to all centrifugal pumps simultaneously, which triggers the transmission of the pump identifier and the status information in the centrifugal pumps. Thus, in this embodiment, the radiation of the pump identifier and the status information takes place only as needed. For the request also no establishment of a connection between hand-held device and a centrifugal pump is required.

As short-range radio technology, it is possible to use Bluetooth® according to the standard IEEE 802.15.1. It offers both the older, but still heavily used, as Bluetooth Classic designated Bluetooth 4.0 standard including episode variants 4.1, 4.2, as well as the current Bluetooth 5.0 standard, the u.a. an additional functions enabling protocol stack "Bluetooth Low Energy" includes. Both Bluetooth standards allow a feature whereby the handset sends a request to the centrifugal pumps without the need for pairing between them, with a key in the form of a 4- or 6-digit PIN between the handset and each one for connection establishment purposes single centrifugal pump would have to be replaced. In addition, the "Bluetooth Low Energy" protocol stack in the Bluetooth 5.0 allows the repeated transmission of broadcast signals in a so-called "Advertising Channel", i. an application channel, so that this standard and such an application channel for the repeated transmission of the pump identifier and the status information is particularly suitable. "Bluetooth Low Energy" enables the unidirectional transmission of data as an application in 3 of the 40 channels defined in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.

The pump ID and status information can be broadcast on the same application channel or in different advertising channels. This has the advantage that they can be broadcast in parallel and at independent intervals.

In general, other wireless technologies such as NFC, ZigBee or RFID can be used instead of Bluetooth as short-range communication technology.

In the operation-specific status information may be such information that indicates the general pump status of the respective centrifugal pump and is dependent on the operation of the centrifugal pump. The status information is preferably binary information whose two states can indicate the pump status "OK" or "out of order".

As an alternative, the status information can also contain more than two. In the handset, the user thus receives information directly for all centrifugal pumps whose pump identifiers have been received, as to whether everything is in order or if there is a need for action with one of the centrifugal pumps. In the latter case, he also receives the information in which the centrifugal pumps, the need for action exists.

According to a preferred embodiment, the centrifugal pump units can emit two or more status information. Thus, in addition to the operation-specific status information, which then forms a first status information, one or more further status information can be broadcast.

By way of example, the further status information or one of the further status information may be at least one dynamically variable operating information which is broadcast in addition to the first status information. This can also be repeated, in particular as a broadcast signal. In this case, the operating information can be emitted together with the pump identifier and / or the first status information in a radio telegram or in a separate radio telegram. It is also possible that the operating information is broadcast in the same or a different application channel as the pump identifier and / or the first status information.

The dynamically variable operating information may, for example, be the current value of a mechanical, hydraulic or electrical variable. The mechanical variable may be, for example, the speed. For example, the hydraulic variable may be the current volume flow or the delivery pressure or the delivery head of the centrifugal pump. The electrical variable may be, for example, the currently recorded electrical power. In one embodiment, at least one of these sizes, in another embodiment, two or all of these sizes can each be emitted as an operating information from the centrifugal pumps each. The user thus receives a comprehensive picture of the current operating status of the centrifugal pumps monitored by him and can change settings if necessary. Again, a particular advantage of the method according to the invention that the user for Obtaining the status and operating information must not establish a point-to-point connection from the handset to the individual centrifugal pumps.

Alternatively or additionally, the further status information or one of the further status information may be plant-specific status information. In this respect it can be provided that the centrifugal pumps also emit at least one plant-specific status information. This can also be repeated, in particular as a broadcast signal. In this case, the system-specific status information can be transmitted together with the pump identifier, the operating-specific status information and / or the dynamic operating information in a radio telegram or in a separate radio telegram. It is also possible for the system-specific status information to be broadcast in the same or a different application channel as the pump identifier, the operating-specific status information and / or the dynamic operating information.

The plant-specific status information can likewise be binary information, but preferably information comprising more than two values. For example, the plant-specific status information may indicate whether a filter is clogged or free and / or whether a valve or flap is closed or open. Each of these cases can be diagnosed by the centrifugal pump units themselves for their operational behavior or by means of an additional sensor. Thus, a closed valve can be recognized by the fact that there is no volume flow at high delivery pressure. For example, a clogged filter can be detected by means of a differential pressure sensor because the pressure loss across a clogged filter or pressure differential before and after the clogged filter is greater than with a non-clogged filter.

The handset may be, for example, a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone. Alternatively, the handset may also be a tablet, a laptop or a mobile device used specifically for the configuration and / or monitoring of the centrifugal pumps. Such a handset usually has a screen on which the receivable centrifugal pumps based on the received Pump identifiers and their respective status can be displayed based on the received status information.

For example, the handset can be set up to display a name and / or a picture of this centrifugal pump, in particular on the screen on the basis of the received pump identifier of one of the centrifugal pumps, and a text and / or a picture of the representation of this centrifugal pump on the basis of the received status information or status information of these centrifugal pumps to represent assigned. Alternatively, the representation of the centrifugal pump can be changed on the basis of the received status information.

For example, the pump identifier "5a" of a first centrifugal pump of the group with the associated status information "OK", the pump identifier "5b" of a second centrifugal pump of the group with the assigned status information "OK", and the pump identifier "5b" of a third centrifugal pump of the group with the assigned status information "Not OK". Alternatively or in addition to the pump identifiers, pictograms can be used to graphically represent the corresponding centrifugal pump. Alternatively or additionally, the status information can be displayed as a pictogram, for example as a green symbol for "OK" and a red symbol for "Not OK". Alternatively or additionally, emojis can be used. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the status information can influence the appearance of the graphical representation of the pump identifier. For example, in the case of the general pump status "OK" the pictogram may be colored green, in case of the pump status "Not OK" it may be colored red. These are just examples. Numerous variants are also possible here.

The representation of the centrifugal pumps can preferably be made as a list so that the user can obtain information about the centrifugal pumps and their statuses at a glance.

It is advantageous if the pump identifier and / or the at least one status information is sent in encrypted form. This can for example be done by the centrifugal pumps and the handset a common key is known, which is used to encrypt the data. An unwanted or unauthorized listening to other devices is thereby avoided.

According to one embodiment variant, the centrifugal pumps can internally carry out a check for errors and / or imminent errors, the operation-specific status information being an error message in the case of an existing fault and / or an abnormal operating condition, and / or an indication of an imminent fault, and / or an OK message in the absence of an existing or imminent error.

For example, the following conditions can be considered as an error: overvoltage, undervoltage, overheating, dry running, cavitation, leakage, moisture in the electronics, short circuit, bearing damage, etc. In at least some of the cases mentioned, such as e.g. Overvoltage or overtemperature detected on the presence of an error when a certain maximum value is exceeded or fallen below.

By way of example, a state in which a maximum value of a variable has not yet been exceeded or fallen below can be recognized as a threatening error, but a limit value defined at a distance from this maximum value, e.g. 10% of the maximum value is exceeded or fallen below, so that soon threatened to exceed or fall below the maximum value.

In addition or as an alternative to error checking or error monitoring, the centrifugal pumps can internally monitor the condition of at least one component subject to wear, such as a bearing, a mechanical seal and / or the impeller. Depending on this condition monitoring, the centrifugal pumps can also emit at least maintenance information about the condition of the monitored part, especially if part maintenance is required or recommended. Maintenance may be necessary, for example, when a centrifugal pump, or specifically the monitored part, has reached a certain age or has delivered a certain number of hours of operation at which statistically a failure of the part is expected. For example, a maintenance can be recommended if a centrifugal pump or Specifically, the monitored part has reached a certain second age or has delivered a certain second number of hours of operation on the basis of empirical knowledge that the part will soon be defective. The second age and / or the second number of operating hours is less than the first age or the first number.

The maintenance information may be one of the further status information which is broadcast by the centrifugal pumps in addition to the first status information. This can also be repeated as a broadcast signal. In this case, the maintenance information can be emitted together with the pump identifier, the operation-specific status information, the dynamic operating information and / or the system-specific status information in a radio telegram or in a separate radio telegram. It is also possible for the maintenance information to be broadcast in the same or a different application channel as the pump identifier, the operation-specific status information, the dynamic operating information and / or the installation-specific status information.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention can be provided that the centrifugal pumps in addition to at least one status information emit an individual configuration identifier for identifying their current operating configuration. This can also be done together with or separately from the pump identifier, the first and / or the one or more of the further status information in a common radio message or different radio messages. Likewise, the configuration identifier may be broadcast in the same or a different application channel as the pump identifier, the operation-specific status information, the dynamic operation information, the installation-specific status information, and / or the maintenance information.

After being received in the handset, the configuration identifier is compared with a previously pump-specific stored configuration identifier, which identifies an earlier operating configuration, in particular the last known handset configuration. Subsequently, a change notice is issued on the handset, in particular displayed on the screen when the received Configuration ID does not match the stored configuration ID. It is thus possible for the user to directly recognize whether in the meantime someone has changed the configuration of one of the centrifugal pumps. In addition, it recognizes which centrifugal pump is involved due to the assignment of the configuration ID to the pump ID. The user can then check with the corresponding centrifugal pump, whether the change was made properly or possibly willfully.

The configuration identifier can be, for example, a time stamp or a checksum which is stored in the respective centrifugal pump each time at the time of changing its operating configuration and then transmitted to the handset where it is also stored so that it is there for later Comparison is available.

It is particularly advantageous if the handset is capable of learning. For example, when the handset is used for the first time in a group of centrifugal pumps, the number of pump identifiers received from the handset can be stored and used as the expected value at the next receipt of the pump identifiers. Thus, the handset can expect to receive a certain number of pump IDs and issue a message if the number of received pump IDs does not match the number of expected pump IDs. Alternatively, however, it may also be provided that the expected number of pump identifications, i.e. the number of centrifugal pumps in the group is communicated.

As an alternative or in addition to the number, it may be provided that the pump identifications received from the handheld device are stored as belonging to a common group and used as expected values at a next reception of the pump identifiers. Thus, the handset can expect to receive the pump IDs of all the centrifugal pumps in the group. This has the advantage that if one of the pump identifiers fails to be received, a total failure of the corresponding centrifugal pump can be detected. In this case, an indication can then be issued to that centrifugal pump on the handset, the pump identifier has not been received.

The invention further proposes a system comprising a group of electronically controlled centrifugal pumps of a hydraulic system and a mobile hand-held device, wherein the centrifugal pumps and the hand-held device are adapted to carry out at least individual steps of the above-described method.

Finally, the invention also proposes a computer program, hereinafter also referred to as a software application, which can be loaded onto the handheld device and operated there, and which includes commands that, when executed on the handset, cause the handset to perform those method steps provided in the method of the invention are to be executed by the handset.

In particular, a computer program for the simultaneous monitoring of a group of electronically controlled centrifugal pumps of a hydraulic system by a user by means of a mobile handset is provided, comprising commands that cause the handset in the execution of the program by the handset, in a listening mode emitted by the centrifugal pumps individual pump identifiers and to receive operation-specific status information and display to the user the receivable centrifugal pumps on a screen of the handset based on the received pump identifiers and their respective statuses based on the received status information. The computer program or the software application is therefore primarily responsible for the processing and / or evaluation of the pump identifier received on the handheld device and the at least one status information item.

• nach dem Starten des Computerprogramms den Zuhörbetrieb zu aktivieren, und/ oder
• aufgrund der empfangenen Pumpenkennung einer der Kreiselpumpen einen Namen und/ oder ein Bild dieser Kreiselpumpe darzustellen und aufgrund der empfangenen Statusinformation dieser Kreiselpumpen einen Text und/ oder ein Bild der Darstellung dieser Kreiselpumpe zugeordnet darzustellen oder aufgrund der empfangenen Statusinformation die Darstellung der Kreiselpumpe zu ändern, und/ oder
• eine empfangene verschlüsselte Pumpenkennung und/ oder Statusinformation zunächst zu entschlüsseln, und/ oder
• die individuelle Konfigurationskennung zur Identifikation der aktuellen Betriebskonfiguration der Kreiselpumpen zu empfangen, nach ihrem Empfang mit einer zuvor pumpenspezifisch abgespeicherten Konfigurationskennung zu vergleichen, und anschließend einen Änderungshinweis anzuzeigen, wenn die empfangene Konfigurationskennung nicht mit der abgespeicherten Konfigurationskennung übereinstimmt, und/ oder
• eine Konfigurationskennung in Gestalt des Zeitstempels oder der Prüfsumme zu empfangen und abzuspeichern, und/ oder
• die Darstellung der Kreiselpumpen als Liste zu präsentieren, und/ oder
• den Empfang einer bestimmten Anzahl an Pumpenkennungen zu erwarten und einen Hinweis auszugeben, wenn die Anzahl der empfangenen Pumpenkennungen nicht mit der Anzahl der erwarteten Pumpenkennungen übereinstimmt, und/ oder
• den Empfang der Pumpenkennungen aller Kreiselpumpen der Gruppe zu erwarten und bei Ausbleiben des Empfangs einer der Pumpenkennungen einen Hinweis zu derjenigen Kreiselpumpe auszugeben, deren Pumpenkennung nicht empfangen wurde, und/ oder
• die Anzahl der empfangenen Pumpenkennungen abzuspeichern und als Erwartungswert bei einem nächsten Empfang der Pumpenkennungen zu verwenden, und/ oder
• empfangenen Pumpenkennungen als zu einer gemeinsamen Gruppe gehörig abzuspeichern und als Erwartungswerte bei einem nächsten Empfang der Pumpenkennungen zu verwenden.

Preferably, the computer program is further arranged such that the instructions, when the program is executed, cause the handset to perform further steps performed by the handset according to the invention. So the computer program can be set up to cause the handset, for example,

• after starting the computer program to activate the listening mode, and / or
• to display a name and / or a picture of this centrifugal pump on the basis of the received pump identifier of one of the centrifugal pumps and to display a text and / or image of the presentation of this centrifugal pump on the basis of the received status information or to change the representation of the centrifugal pump on the basis of the received status information, and / or
• decrypt a received encrypted pump identifier and / or status information first, and / or
• to receive the individual configuration identifier for identification of the current operating configuration of the centrifugal pumps, to compare after receipt with a previously pump-specific stored configuration identifier, and then to display a change notification if the received configuration identifier does not match the stored configuration identifier, and / or
• to receive and store a configuration identifier in the form of the timestamp or the checksum, and / or
• to present the representation of centrifugal pumps as a list, and / or
• to expect the receipt of a certain number of pump identifiers and to issue an indication if the number of received pump identifiers does not match the number of expected pump identifications, and / or
• to expect the receipt of the pump IDs of all centrifugal pumps of the group and to issue an indication to that centrifugal pump whose pump ID has not been received in the absence of receipt of one of the pump identifiers, and / or
• to store the number of received pump identifiers and to use as an expected value at a next reception of the pump identifiers, and / or
• stored pump IDs as belonging to a common group and to use as expected values at a next reception of the pump identifiers.

The computer program can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, preferably on a portable data storage. Preferably, it is provided for download to the handset via a local or global network such as the Internet from a remote server on that server, particularly as part of a bid.

Further features and advantages of the method according to the invention, of the computer program and of the system are explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying figure.

FIG. 1 shows a group of electronically controlled centrifugal pumps 5a to 5f a hydraulic system 1, here for example in a room 2, which are monitored by a user 3, for example in the form of a maintenance technician by means of a mobile handset 4 on site. The centrifugal pumps consist of a pump unit for conveying a liquid, a variable-speed electric motor and electronics that controls and / or regulates the electric motor. The centrifugal pumps 5a-5f together with the handset 4 form a system. The hydraulic system may be, for example, a heating system, a cooling system or a drinking water supply system. The handset here is a mobile phone running on the computer program or a software application for the maintenance of centrifugal pumps, in particular for their status check. Also can be done via this application, a configuration of the pumps 5a-5f.

While the centrifugal pumps with the reference numerals 5a to 5e for the user are relatively well visible and easily accessible, the centrifugal pump with the Reference numeral 57 slightly out of the way, also elevated and difficult to access or arranged difficult to see. The centrifugal pumps can, as shown in the figure, have a display for displaying pump data. However, all, single or even a single centrifugal pump, such as the centrifugal pump 5f may also be formed without a display or without an operator interface (HMI). For the method according to the invention can advantageously also be used, since a visual connection and an operation on the pump itself are not required.

It should be noted that the term "group" does not express a certain number of centrifugal pumps. In that case, the group includes more than two centrifugal pumps. The advantage of the method according to the invention is the greater the more pumps in the group are present. For example, in a heating system of an airport, one hundred or more centrifugal pumps can be installed in one room.

Furthermore, the term "group" does not express any particular functional or geographic identity of the centrifugal pumps, although such a relationship is not excluded. Thus, although the centrifugal pumps of the group may have a common purpose, such as centrifugal pumps 5a-5e conveying parallel to a common manifold, each centrifugal pump may serve its own purpose, e.g. be installed in a specific area of the hydraulic system. Although in terms of space, the centrifugal pumps may be close to each other, in particular juxtaposed, as is the case with the centrifugal pumps 5a-5e, however, the centrifugal pumps of the group can also be arranged at completely different locations in the space 2. This also shows a particular advantage of the method according to the invention, because the user 3 no longer has to search the centrifugal pumps.

Each of the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f of the group respectively emits an individual pump identifier and at least one operation-specific status information using a short-range communication technology in a direction-independent manner. It is therefore not necessary to direct the handset on the centrifugal pumps.

The pump identifier uniquely identifies the respective centrifugal pump so that, due to the pairing of pump identifier and status information, it is clear which centrifugal pump is emitting which status information. The operation-specific status information indicates whether everything is in order with the corresponding centrifugal pump or whether an impairment of the operation, for example an error, a fault and / or a timely maintenance is required.

The handset 4, when or as soon as it is within the transmission range of the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f, receives the pump identifiers and the status information of all the transmitting centrifugal pumps 5a-5f in a pure listening operation that has been activated by starting the software application. For the reception, no point-to-point connection is required. Such communication is also referred to as connectionless. The receivable centrifugal pumps 5a-5f are then displayed to the user 3 on the basis of the received pump identifications, including their respective status, on the basis of the received status information on a screen 6 of the handset 4. The user 3 thus receives a quick overview of the status of the entire group of centrifugal pumps 5a-5f, possibly also of other centrifugal pumps not shown, which are located outside of the room 2.

It should be noted at this point that the invention does not preclude the user 3 from all of the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f in the space 2 as a group that only includes certain centrifugal pumps 5a-5f of the space 2, so that they are specifically only can check these centrifugal pumps. Although the handset still receives the pump identifiers and status information of all centrifugal pumps, the software application then filters the received identifiers and shows the user only those centrifugal pumps and their statuses belonging to the defined group. The remaining received centrifugal pumps are ignored.

In the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiments radiate the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f repeatedly automatically, in particular periodically the pump identifier and the status information as a broadcast signal. The emitted signals are thus not receiver-specific, ie not specifically addressed to the handset 4 used. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Bluetooth® standard 5.0 is used as short-range communication technology, with the pump identifier and the status information being broadcast in a so-called Advertising Channel of the BLE, ie an application channel. The centrifugal pumps 5a-5f are thus each equipped with a radio module, here in the form of a Bluetooth ® radio module that supports the 5.0 standard.

The pump identifier and / or the status information or status information are transmitted in encrypted form. This is done by the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f and the handset, respectively the software application a common key is known, which is used to encrypt the data.

The pump identifier may be any alphanumeric identifier that uniquely identifies the centrifugal pump within the group or even globally, such as a serial number of the centrifugal pump. In the present example, the globally unique Bluetooth address of the radio module is used as the pump identifier.

As an alternative to the periodic broadcast of the broadcast signals, it can be provided that the pump identifier and the at least one operating-specific status information are transmitted on request of the handset 4. In this case, the handset 4 emits a corresponding universal, ie a request directed simultaneously to all centrifugal pumps 5a-5f which triggers the emission of the pump identifier and the status information in the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f. This can be done with both Bluetooth 4.0 and Bluetooth 5.0 standard. For the request is also no establishment of a connection between the handset 4 and a centrifugal pump 5a-5f, in particular no pairing required, as is otherwise necessary for a data transfer via Bluetooth. For example, the request may be automatically sent on or off the handset upon or immediately after starting the software application, but of course may also be triggered manually by the user in the software application. Then the handset returns to listening.

As already mentioned, the operation-specific status information can indicate the general pump status of the respective centrifugal pump 5a-5f, which depends on the proper operation of the centrifugal pump 5a-5f. For this purpose, the centrifugal pumps internally carry out a check for errors and / or imminent errors, as is already known per se in the prior art. For example, the following conditions can be considered as an error: overvoltage, undervoltage, overheating, dry running, cavitation, leakage, moisture in the electronics, short circuit, bearing damage, etc.

In the example in the FIG. 1 the status information is a binary information whose two states indicate the pump status "OK", shortly "OK" or "not OK". The case "Not OK", which is present at the centrifugal pump with the reference numeral 5c, is marked on the screen with an "E" as an error message. The received centrifugal pumps 5a-5f including their statuses are displayed on the screen 6 of the handset 4 as a list. As an alternative to specification as text, a pictogram indicating a faulty state, for example a red pictogram, can also be used. The same can be done for the case "in order", the two other centrifugal pumps 5a, 5b, 5d, 5e, 5f is present, in which case, for example, a green icon can be used. Also, the centrifugal pumps may be represented on the screen instead of or in addition to the identifier in text form by an image.

In an alternative embodiment variant, the operation-specific status information can assume three values, whereby not only a distinction is made between the statuses "in order" and "not in order", but additionally also a status is displayed, after which the corresponding centrifugal pump has detected a condition, that could turn into a mistake. This may, in addition to the above-mentioned error, the time-related or wear-related maintenance of a part of the centrifugal pump, so to speak a maintenance information to be understood. The operation-specific status information is then in the case of an existing error and / or an abnormal operating state, an error message, and / or in the case of imminent error, an information message. In the absence of an existing or imminent error, it is almost an OK message.

The operation-specific status information about the general overall condition of the respective centrifugal pump 5a-5f is the most important information for the user in order to recognize whether there is a need for action in one of the centrifugal pumps. Additional information of the centrifugal pumps, however, may additionally be of importance to the user or help to detect a particular fault and / or indicate a necessary maintenance. For this reason, the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f can radiate not only status information but also two or more other status information. The transmission can be carried out in a separate radio telegram or together with the pump identifier and / or the one state information in a common radio telegram. Furthermore, the broadcast can take place in the same application channel or in another application channel, as the pump identifier and the status information are sent.

• eine dynamisch veränderliche Betriebsinformation, und/ oder
• eine anlagenspezifische Statusinformation, und/ oder
• eine Wartungsinformation.

One of these further state information can be, for example:

• a dynamically variable operating information, and / or
• an installation-specific status information, and / or
• a maintenance information.

The dynamically variable operating information can be, for example, the current value of the rotational speed, the volumetric flow, the delivery pressure or the delivery height or the electrical power consumed. In one embodiment, at least one of these sizes, in another embodiment, two or all of these sizes can each be emitted as an operating information from the centrifugal pumps each.

The system-specific status information is information about the hydraulic system in which the centrifugal pumps are operated. For example, the plant-specific status information may indicate whether a filter is clogged or free and / or whether a valve or flap is closed or open.

The maintenance information may be an indication of whether servicing the centrifugal pump or a part of the corresponding centrifugal pump is required or recommended. Maintenance may be necessary, for example, when a centrifugal pump, or specifically the monitored part, has reached a certain age or has delivered a certain number of hours of operation at which statistically a failure of the part is expected. For example, maintenance may be advisable when a centrifugal pump, or specifically the monitored part, has reached a certain second age or has delivered a certain second number of hours of operation, based on empirical knowledge, that the part is likely to fail soon. The second age and / or the second number of operating hours is less than the first age or the first number.

To determine the maintenance condition, the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f can internally monitor their maintenance condition so that wearing parts such as e.g. a bearing, a mechanical seal and / or the impeller can be changed in time, without causing a fault or damage to the centrifugal pump. The monitoring can be done sensory and / or by the software technical check, whether a stored, pump or wear part specific maintenance interval has expired.

In addition to the one or more state information, the centrifugal pumps additionally emit an individual configuration identifier that identifies their current operating configuration. The configuration identifier may e.g. be a timestamp or a checksum formed from the configuration. This allows the user 3 to see if the pump settings have changed since its last check.

The configuration identifier can also be transmitted separately from the pump identifier, one and / or one of the further status information in a common radio message or different radio telegrams. Likewise, the configuration identifier may be in the same or a different application channel as the pump identifier, the enterprise-specific Status information, the dynamic operating information, the system-specific status information and / or the maintenance information is broadcast.

The centrifugal pumps 5a-5f are set up each time to save the configuration identifier at the time of a change in their operating configuration, or in the case of the checksum to create and save. If the configuration on the centrifugal pump 5a-5f itself, the configuration identifier is then transmitted to the handset 4 and there also stored so that it is there for later comparison available. If the configuration takes place via the handset 4, in particular the software application, then the handset or the software application can create the configuration identifier and transmit it to the centrifugal pump 5a-5f. In addition, the combination of these variants is possible, after which the configuration of the centrifugal pump 5a-5f is done via the handset 4, the centrifugal pump 5a-5f but creates the configuration and then stores and then transmits to the handset 4. This is particularly useful for a timestamp to ensure that centrifugal pump 5a-5f and handset 4 have the same timestamp.

After being received in the handset, the configuration identifier is compared with the previously pump-specific stored configuration identifier. This indicates the earlier, last handset known operating configuration that was correct from the handset's viewpoint.

If the received configuration identifier does not match the stored configuration identifier, a change notice is output on the handset 4, in particular displayed on the screen 6. It is thus possible for the user 3 to directly recognize whether in the meantime someone has changed the configuration of one of the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f. In addition, due to the assignment of the configuration identifier to the pump identifier, it recognizes which of the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f is affected. The user 3 can then then check with the corresponding centrifugal pump 5a-5f, whether the change was made properly or possibly wantonly.

The hand-held device 4 or the computer program is capable of learning in the example shown and remembers at first use and / or at each new group of centrifugal pumps, either the number of received pump IDs as expected value or at once the pump identifiers as a group, so that he / she can be used at a next receipt of the pump IDs. Thus, the handset may expect to receive a certain number of pump tags and / or certain pump tags and issue an indication if the number of received pump tags does not match the number of expected pump tags or an expected pump tag is missing. This has the advantage that if one of the pump identifiers fails to be received, a total failure of the corresponding centrifugal pump can be detected.

Claims (15)

Method for the simultaneous monitoring of a group of electronically controlled centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) of a hydraulic system (1) by a user (3) by means of a mobile handset (4), characterized in that each of the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) each have an individual pump identifier and at least radiates direction-specific status information using a short-range communication technology, which receives the handset (4) in a listening mode as soon as it is within the transmission range of the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f), wherein the user receives the receivable centrifugal pumps (5a-5f ) on the basis of the received status information on a screen (6) of the handset (4) are displayed on the basis of the received pump identifiers and their respective status. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump identifier and the at least one operation-specific status information repeatedly, in particular as a broadcast signal, are broadcast. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump identifier and the at least one operation-specific status information are broadcast on request of the handset. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the short-range communication technology is a radio technology, in particular "Bluetooth Low Energy". Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) and at least one dynamic transmit variable operating information, in particular as a broadcast signal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) also at least one system-specific status information, in particular as a broadcast signal radiate. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hand-held device (4) represents a name and / or a picture of this centrifugal pump on the basis of the received pump identifier of one of the centrifugal pumps and on the basis of the received status information of these centrifugal pumps a text and / or an image of the representation of these Represents associated centrifugal pump or changes the representation of the centrifugal pump due to the received status information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) internally perform a check for errors and / or imminent errors, wherein the status information - in the case of an existing error is an error message, and / or - in the case of imminent error is a warning message, and / or - is an OK message in the absence of an existing or impending error. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) internally perform a monitoring of the condition of at least one part subject to wear, and in that the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) also emit at least one maintenance information, in particular as a broadcasting signal, if Maintenance of the part is required or recommended. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to the status information , the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) emit an individual configuration identifier for identifying their current operating configuration, in particular as a broadcasting signal, which their receipt in the handset (4) is compared with a previously pump-specific stored configuration identifier, and that a change notice on the handset (4) is displayed when the received configuration identifier does not match the stored configuration identifier. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handset (4) expects to receive a certain number of pump identifiers and outputs an indication if the number of received pump identifiers does not match the number of expected pump identifiers. System comprising a group of electronically controlled centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) of a hydraulic system (1) and a mobile hand-held device (4), characterized in that the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) and the hand-held device (4) are arranged, the method according to a to carry out of claims 1 to 11. Computer program for the simultaneous monitoring of a group of electronically controlled centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) of a hydraulic system (1) by a user (3) by means of a mobile handset (4), comprising commands which, when the program is executed by the handset (4) Handset (4) cause to receive in a listening operation of the centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) sent individual pump identifiers and operating status information and the user the receivable centrifugal pumps (5a-5f) based on the received pump identifiers and their respective status on the basis of the received status information Display screen (6) of the handset (4). Computer program according to claim 13, characterized in that the instructions cause the handset (4) during execution of the program on the handset (4) to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 2 to 11. A computer readable storage medium storing the computer program of claim 13 or 14.

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