EP0893941A2 - Process and system for operating and monitoring via their power distribution network discontinuously driven electrical loads - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves controlling loads over a provided AC voltage supply in an AC power distribution network, whereby operating pauses are provided, in which all loads are, or can be, switched off, and in which the AC voltage supply is at least occasionally supplied on the network. An amplitude of individual half-waves or half-wave groups of the AC voltage supply, are changed during the operating pauses, to transmit an information over the network. The information is preferably transferred as a binary signal, whereby the amplitude of one, preferably an uneven amount of half-waves, is reduced or switched off, for the transmission of a determined binary value.

Description

The invention relates to both a method and a system or a circuit arrangement with which or the discontinuous consumer, in particular lighting devices, control and monitor to let. The invention is particularly for city or Street lighting systems applicable where Recurring daily periods in which all consumers, especially all lighting devices, are switched off.

Street lighting systems usually include relatively many individual lights that are connected to different Places of the city are arranged. Depending on the installation site there are usually different requirements with regard to the brightness and the brightness curve during the lighting period. For example, in Residential areas may be desirable, the brightness of the Street lighting in certain periods, for example after midnight. On the other hand, it can busy intersections or other places be useful, the lighting should always be full Performance. Areas can also occur in which the lighting is only shortened or restricted Periods to operate.

It is therefore desirable to have street lighting lamps according to the special requirements to be able to control. Existing pipeline networks support this but mostly not a bill. The street lights will divided into more or less large areas by a central control room or an automatic switch can be switched on and off. The individual consumer (Lights) are on the lines of a supply network connected in parallel to each other. By switching one Circuit are all consumers at the same time switched on or off. Separate control lines, with to which individual consumers are addressed individually could be, especially with old installations in the Usually not available.

A method is known from DE 706 270, via Power lines to transmit information to consumers. In order to do this, the curve shape of the mains voltage changed. If necessary, entire mains voltage half-waves hidden.

Street lights usually contain discharge lamps, already in the absence of a single mains voltage half-wave go out. Need after extinguishing Discharge lamps usually take a few minutes to turn on have ignited again and shine with full power. The temporary extinction of street lights can however not to be accepted.

Another problem with extensive electrical Facilities, especially street lighting, is in the mixed ohmic-inductive-capacitive behavior of the Network. Long cable runs represent considerable capacities while the load is mostly mixed ohmic-inductive is. Be at the entry point at which in the network Power is fed in, voltage half-waves are suppressed, can the voltage curve at each individual consumer cannot be predicted uniformly precisely. It can cause problems with transmission security of the data result.

DE 44 13 513 A1 describes one method and one Device for controlling and monitoring electrical Known to consumers in DC networks. The for Supply of the direct current network used source has on the output side electronic switches with which the voltage supply to the consumer is briefly interrupted can be. Through a series of short-term Voltage interruptions become the desired consumer communicated what action to take. Is the A stepper motor consumer will give him the number of steps to be carried out, which are then followed End of voltage interruptions.

This principle finds its limits when the end of the operation or action of the consumer at the time its programming is not yet predictable and another transmission of information during the Prohibits operation of the consumer. For example usually cannot be predicted exactly when one Street lighting must be switched off. This depends on the Lighting conditions that fluctuate depending on the weather.

Based on this, it is an object of the invention to To create a method or a circuit arrangement in the consumer without the aid of separate signal transmission lines remotely controllable or programmable are.

This object is achieved with the method according to claim 1 and with the system according to claim 10 or the system according to Claim 14 solved.

In the method according to the invention, the information transfer made over the lines over which the operating power (operating AC voltage) to the individual consumers in the network is transmitted. The Information transfer to consumers or there arranged special receivers, so-called slave modules, is limited to periods when all consumers are switched off or are switched off can. These periods, so-called business breaks, are with street lights, for example, times of day which the existing natural lighting with certainty no additional artificial lighting required. Here is ensured by suitable circuitry measures, that the transmission of information from permanent lighting systems to be operated, for example Illumination in tunnels or underpasses, separated and is kept away.

The restriction of information transfer only on breaks allows safe flicker and flicker-free operation of individual lights. In particular, it is ensured that the mains voltage in required amount continuously to the individual consumers is present. This will prevent them from being accidentally used extinguish and only be ignited again need, resulting in a temporary failure of the concerned Luminaire leads.

The limitation of information transfer to On the other hand, breaks in operation enable encryption the information to be transmitted by lowering or Hide individual half-waves or half-wave groups. The network is essentially at this time at idle. Consumers, usually one mixed ohmic-inductive load are switched off. This will also reduce the tension in extensive networks relatively well manageable and that Hide individual voltage half-waves or periods can be done with little power.

The information is preferably a binary signal transferred, with a binary value, for example, by a or several lowered voltage half-waves and another Binary value through one or more unchanged voltage half-waves be marked. Here it is turned out to be advantageous, for example an odd one Number of voltage half-waves, preferably one only hide, with one after each hide Even number of unchanged half-waves is sent. In addition, the other binary value is then preferred also by an even number of voltage half-waves featured. This results in being hidden Always alternate voltage half-waves in polarity. With any binary sequence, that the hidden ones that characterize a certain binary value Voltage half-waves (these characterize either Zero or one) are alternately positive and negative. On this way, DC components in the network suppressed. In any case, the number is preferably for a binary value influenced voltage half-waves around One less than the number of uninfluenced half waves for the other binary value.

Although only a gradual influence the voltage values of the half-waves to identify certain ones Binary values is possible, it will be advantageous viewed, for the one binary value voltage half-waves to completely hide during the other's voltage half-waves Binary value are left unchanged. The information coding can easily pass through in the line this way lying electronic switches can be reached.

On the part of the consumer, as soon as the concerned Consumer is not switched on, the mains voltage hidden half-waves monitored. To detect hidden or weakened half-waves are voltage and Time window set. The tension and time window is preferably placed in a period in which the effect of influencing, in particular blanking, the half-wave of the AC mains voltage is best detectable is. For this purpose, the time window is preferably immediately after the next expected peak value of the mains voltage placed. These time windows can be determined using the voltage zero crossings the AC line voltage can be detected. At capacitive networks can, however, single zero crossings fail or be greatly delayed. This is especially true for zero crossings before hidden voltage periods. In this case it is called the zero crossing time preferably the time for which the zero crossing is assumed would have been expected. The zero crossings can be generated with a generator by the synchronized actually existing zero crossings becomes. This generator can be used in software in a microprocessor will be realized.

In a preferred embodiment, at least some consumers switch on times and others Information, such as when the Power should be reduced or increased, or times between switch-off and restart, but not Transfer limit switch times. The lighting works thus timer-controlled in the dark (program-controlled) during the beginning and end of the entire operating cycle ambient light controlled (event controlled). On this prevents lighting programmatically turns off, although the natural brightness, for example due to heavy cloud cover, not is sufficient. Switching off all consumers can, for example simply by switching off the AC mains voltage respectively. Control of consumers (lamps) is thus mixed through transmitted information and by switching off the transmitted power.

The system is preferably structured hierarchically. For this purpose, several addresses are assigned to individual consumers. In this embodiment, each consumer has a single address on which he can be addressed separately is. In addition, consumer groups can use group addresses associated with which consumers as a group can be addressed. After all, consumers are preferably via a common address as a whole responsive to all consumers at the same time, for example to be able to switch on or the same information to be able to transfer all consumers. So reduced the effort for information transfer is considerable. For example, all consumers who are one and the same Switch-on and switch-off times and the same other conditions have, be grouped together. This applies, for example, to the lighting of a square, a shopping arcade, a street or one Intersection or several intersections.

In addition to the defined switching on and off as well as the power reduction, a function test of connected consumers (eg high-pressure discharge lamps) is possible. The functionality can be monitored and logged. With the exact controllability of the lighting system, considerable energy savings and ultimately a reduction in CO ₂ emissions can be achieved. It is also possible to increase the safety in the traffic area by monitoring the functionality of the lights and to reduce the effort associated with regular maintenance work.

In the system according to the invention are in one radiating network starting from a master module, Control signals via the existing power line to slave modules sent, which are available in all consumers. Consumers are on individual and group addresses from Master module from unidirectionally addressable. The transfer of information is preferably done by hiding or changing half waves during selected Periods, especially during business breaks.

Further details of advantageous embodiments the invention are the subject of dependent claims and result from the drawing and / or the following Description.

Fig. 1 eine Grundstruktur eines sternförmigen Netzes mit einem Mastermodul und mehreren Verbrauchern, in schematisierter ausschnittsweiser Darstellung,

Fig. 2 die Anlage nach Fig. 1, an Hand ihrer Kommandohierarchie, in einem Blockschaltbild,

Fig. 3 die Anlage nach Fig. 1, mit einem Mastermodul und einem Slavemodul, in ausschnittsweiser Darstellung als Blockschaltbild,

Fig. 4 die Anlage nach Fig. 3, in einer abgewandelten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 5 ein Slavemodul, in ausschnittsweiser vereinfachter Prinzipdarstellung,

Fig. 6 ein Steuerschema für verschiedene Verbrauchergruppen, dargestellt als Diagramm,

Fig. 7 ein Beleuchtungsprofil, wie es an Hand vorhandener Daten erwartet wird und wie es aufgrund konkreter Bedingungen tatsächlich eintreten kann, in schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 8 die Codierung einer Bitfolge durch Modulation einer Netzwechselspannung, in schematischen Diagrammen,

Fig. 9 eine abgewandelte Form der Codierung einer Bitfolge durch Modulation der Netzwechselspannung, in schematisierter diagrammartiger Darstellung,

Fig. 10 die Spannungsverhältnisse an einem Slavemodul bei einer ausgeblendeten Halbwelle und induktivem Netz und

Fig. 11 die Spannungsverhältnisse an einem Slavemodul bei kapazitivem Netz.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing. Show it:

1 shows a basic structure of a star-shaped network with a master module and several consumers, in a schematic, fragmentary representation,

2, the system of FIG. 1, based on its command hierarchy, in a block diagram,

3 shows the system according to FIG. 1, with a master module and a slave module, in a fragmentary representation as a block diagram,

4, the system of FIG. 3, in a modified embodiment,

5 shows a slave module, in a partial simplified schematic representation,

6 shows a control scheme for different consumer groups, shown as a diagram,

7 shows a lighting profile, as is expected on the basis of existing data and how it can actually occur on the basis of specific conditions, in a schematic illustration,

8 the coding of a bit sequence by modulation of an AC mains voltage, in schematic diagrams,

9 shows a modified form of coding a bit sequence by modulating the AC line voltage, in a diagrammatic representation,

Fig. 10 shows the voltage relationships on a slave module with a hidden half-wave and inductive network and

11 shows the voltage relationships on a slave module with a capacitive network.

An illumination system 1 is schematized in FIG. 1 to which a three-phase line network 2 heard. This is not further illustrated from a Power source 3, for example a transformer station, via one for switching lights 4 Master module 5 fed. One belongs to the master module Switching unit 6, controlled by a control unit 7 becomes. The switch unit 6 contains electronically controllable valves or switches, for example triacs, can switch the single half-waves.

On individual lines 8, 9, 10 of the three-phase Line network 2 are the consumers 4, for example switched against a neutral conductor N. Every consumer 4 a slave module 12 is connected upstream, which in turn connected to one of the phase lines L1 *, L2 *, L3 * is controlled by the switching unit 6. The Phase lines L1 *, L2 *, L3 * carry operating AC voltage and feed the slave modules 12 with them. Furthermore they carry information from the slave modules 12 be read and at least to switch on the consumer 4 can lead.

2 shows the hierarchical order of the system 1 evident. The master module 5 transmits via the phase lines L1 *, L2 *, L3 * synchronous information to the Slave modules 12 which have different individual addresses can. However, the slave modules 12 cannot Send information back so that both the flow of information as well as the energy flow is unidirectional.

The individual address of each slave module is hardware-related fixed. The individual address can be through Jumper wires or switches adjustable or in one electronic storage.

The group addresses, the selected slave module groups are assigned software addresses, which are preferably programmable, remote programmable if necessary are. If necessary, the group addresses can be like that Individual addresses are also set or defined in terms of hardware become. However, it is more advantageous to do this Define the programming of the individual slave modules, whereby after construction and installation of the lighting system 1 without manual access to individual slave modules 12 a software address can be assigned to them. These are addressed based on their individual address, after which the software address can be communicated.

There is also a specified command address available with which all slave modules 12 addressed simultaneously can be.

The master module 5 and a slave module 12 are shown in FIG. 3 separately illustrated. The master module 5 is on the input side with a feeding AC or three-phase network N, L1, L2, L3 and via this with the energy source 3 (Fig. 1) connected. The master module 5 is on the output side via the line network N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 * with inputs of Slave modules 12 connected.

For event-dependent control of the master module 5 serves a light sensor 14 which is connected to a control input of the Master module 5 is connected. The core of the master module 5 is a computer module 15 that receives signals from a real time clock 16, of voltage sensors 17, for example the on monitor the voltages present on lines L1 *, L2 *, L3 *, and receives current sensors 18 which are in these Lines capture the currents. Belongs to the master module 5 also a power supply module 19, the operating voltage provides for all modules of the master module 5. The computer module 15 controls a main switch 21 which in a power path 22 between the network N, L1, L2, L3 and the network is N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 *. The main switch 21 are a power section 23 and a parallel switch 24 are connected downstream. The power section 23 contains electronically controllable switches (valves, triacs), which when not can be ignited, individual network half-waves can be hidden. The parallel switch 24 is arranged in parallel, for example, a three-phase contactor for bridging that contains triacs.

The slave modules 12 each have a programmable one Circuit 26 on by a power supply 27th is fed and operated a switching unit 28 that the Switching the consumers 4 on and off, for example by Gas discharge lamps 4, is used. The programmable circuit 26 and the switching unit 28 controlled thereby can be constructed according to FIG. 4. Then the programmable Circuit 26 by a one-chip microcomputer 31 be formed, the input side to the power network N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 * is connected. To capture Network zero crossings can be the one illustrated in FIG. 5 Serve circuit. The one-chip microcomputer 31 is with a dedicated entrance to the exit of a Zero crossing detector circuit 32 connected. To this includes a Grätzbrücke 33, the input side a corresponding phase line L1 *, L2 * or L3 * is connected is. The Grätzbrücke 33 is on the output side a voltage divider with a voltage-limiting Zener diode connected. Only during the zero voltage crossing the mains voltage and in its immediate Nearby breaks the voltage across the Zener diode DZ, what is recognized by the microcomputer 31 as a zero crossing.

The master module 5 takes over the power control and functional control of the equipment, i.e. the consumer 4 and can therefore also be used as a power control and Service managers (PCS managers). The slave module can also be called a PCS controller.

As is apparent from Fig. 4, are on the one-chip microcomputer 31 on the output side a relay 35, which the Power flow controls the consumer 4, as well as a triac 36 or another electronic switch connected, with which the performance of the consumer 4 can be influenced is. This is a corresponding ballast 37 upstream, which is a power switch allowed.

In the case of the slave module 12 (PCS controller) shown in FIG. 4 the one-chip microcomputer 31 takes over the Actuation of the relay 35 and the triac 36 the signal evaluation and signal storage to the consumer 4 self-sufficient after switching on without further programming to be controlled by the PCS manager.

In the present exemplary embodiment, there is a street lighting system based on the reason their local location and the existing municipal functional units can be classified into five groups. These are Street intersection, main street, side street, theater square and school. This results in five software addresses, with which to implement different lighting tasks are. In other words, all consumers are 4 each assigned to one of the five groups, all Consumers of the respective group have the same software address exhibit.

As shown in FIG. 6, the intersection areas are assigned to group address 1 with the highest priority. The associated group consumers 4 are _a * t up _from work over the entire switching time of t at full power. The group address is 1.

The second highest priority is the main street and assigned to the school. They therefore receive the group or Software addresses 2 and 3. The consumers of the group address 2 light up for the entire time, whereby between 22.oo h and 2.oo h reduced power operation is set or programmed. The consumers of the Group address 3 are meanwhile switched off, whereby before and after in a reduced output Override operations.

With even lower priority, consumers Group address 4 (secondary street) operated. you will be switched on with a delay and at night from 10 pm to 4 am operated with reduced power.

The consumers of group address 5 work largely reduced power, the lighting only when opening and closing the theater and in the Is switched to full power in the morning. The Switching off takes place uniformly for all group addresses.

The operating regime shown is achieved as follows:

The computer module 15 of the PCS manager, at time t _a, the front of a switch-on time t _a * (Fig. 6), or a time point E _a (Fig. 7) either by agreement between the programmed time and the real time clock 16, or triggered by a signal from the light sensor 14, which indicates that the existing brightness has fallen below or is approaching a limit value G (FIG. 7). When it has been triggered by a sensor signal, the computer module 15 checks whether twilight is to be expected in accordance with the time of day. If yes includes the computer module 15 to a in Fig. 6, indicated at time t _on the main switch 21 and checks the terminal voltages by the voltage sensor 17. After closing of the main switch 21 and through-connection of the power unit 23 is initially operating voltage to the PCS controllers 12 are provided. The result of this is that the single-chip microcomputer 31 carry out a power-on reset and thereby block the outputs via the relay 35 and the triac 36. The single-chip microcomputer 31 then waits for the signals sent by the PCS manager 5.

If the PCS manager 5 does not detect any irregularities in the operating voltage and the operating currents when the lighting system is switched off, it opens the initially closed parallel switch 24 and sends all programming commands stored in its program memory to all groups or software addresses with the power unit 23. The programming commands include information about the switch-on time E _a and other group-specific switch-on and switch-off times as well as group-specific start and end times for phases with reduced power operation.

For address and information transfer is with the Power section 23 connected to the downstream network L1 *, L2 *, L3 * AC voltage, as explained later, see above modulates that the slave modules 12 or PCS controller the receive the required operational information. Are group addresses set in programming that is preferred has already been made and has not changed the group addresses and the associated data sent. For example, first Group address 1 is sent, whereby all slave modules 12 Group 1 and the following Receive data stream. Then the group address 2 sent, after which their slave modules through a data stream be programmed. This process continues until all group addresses have been processed.

When the programming process is complete, the Command address sent with which all PCS controllers 12 be addressed at the same time. At the command address follows a command code that all PCS controllers 12 (slaves) causes to switch from reception mode to timer mode, by working programmatically. So that's the Sending process ended and the computer module 15 of the PCS manager 5 closes the parallel switch 24.

The slave modules 12 are now in the timer mode. In this they are no longer on signal reception, but are working unaffected from the outside, self-sufficient to a certain extent Time program. The PCS controller 12 perform the RAM of the one-chip microcomputer 31 stored time and Command sequences such that the relay 35 and the triac 36 the connected lights 4 in the operating states Switch "on", "off" or "reduced power". Of the Timer mode is retained until the timer program is processed, the operating voltage is switched off or a new power-on reset takes place.

The operating voltage for the final shutdown of the lighting system is preferably switched off as a function of the existing natural brightness. If this reaches the limit value G in the morning, as shown in FIG. 7, this is recognized by the computer module 15 on the basis of the signal from the light sensor 14. The computer module 15 then opens the main switch 21 and / or the power section 23 and the parallel switch 24. The consumers 4 are thereby de-energized at the time A _a .

As can be seen from FIG. 7, for example due to extreme weather conditions, brightness values can also occur during the day which are below the limit value G and require additional lighting. If such an event occurs before 4 p.m. or another time-dependent time limit Z, the computer module recognizes that it is an "unscheduled" twilight or darkness and not the beginning of the night. The consumers are therefore switched on unprogrammed at time E _b by the master module 15 sending the command address, which addresses all slave modules 12, and subsequently sending a switch-on command. At the end of the dark phase, the computer module 15 detects with the light sensor 14 that the brightness limit value G has been reached or exceeded and switches the consumer 4 off again.

The signal transmission works as follows:

The information transfer from the master module 5 to the slave modules 12 take place during the break in operation, i.e. when consumers 4 are switched off according to FIG. 8 the AC voltage on a line (U network) are used to identify the binary value "High" (logical "1") voltage half-waves are hidden. Preferably only one half wave is hidden, if necessary, however, several, preferably one odd number can be hidden. On the sent logical "1" (hidden half-wave) follows an unchanged Tension period that has no information content wearing. After this voltage period, for example, a logical "O" sent, which is due to an unchanged voltage period is signaled. The next logical "1" is again a hidden half wave that is now due to the even number of Half waves is a hidden negative half wave, while the first sent logical "1" a hidden one was positive half wave.

The inserted voltage period is also used for longer sequences of logical ones a synchronization to achieve the slave modules 12 for AC voltage and a non-zero voltage rms value transmitted and power supply to the slave modules 12 to reach.

As illustrated in Figure 9, it is the same possible to hide the meaning of hidden half-waves on "Low" (logical "0"). Following every low level an unchanged voltage period is inserted, the carries no information.

The masked or attenuated voltage half-waves are detected as shown in FIG. 10 or 11. 10 shows voltage profiles in a mainly ohmic-inductive network over time t. If a voltage half-wave is faded out after transmission of a few voltage half-waves from a time t ₀ , the existing currents I are not zero at this time because of the phase offset between current and voltage. The induction effect on the existing inductances results in a voltage curve with a real zero crossing. The circuit according to FIG. 5 uses this to determine U _SYNC , which characterizes the zero crossings and represents an evaluable image of the mains voltage.

In a time window t ₁ , t ₂ within the masked half-wave, it can therefore be checked whether the voltage present is below a limit U _S or outside a predetermined voltage window. If this is the case, the examined half-wave is recognized as being hidden.

The situation is different in a capacitive network. This is, for example, an extensive cable network that is essentially operated in idle mode. The relationships are indicated in FIG. 11. If the network half-wave is faded out at a time t ₀ , the tyristors or triacs of the power section 23 become high-resistance. They essentially extinguish at the zero crossing of the current if it drops below the holding current value of the respective tyristor or triac. The master module 5 is therefore relatively high-impedance on the output side. The voltage present at the consumers or slaves 12 can, as indicated by the voltage curve on line L1 *, only decay relatively slowly. The decay can be accelerated if the power section 23 establishes a discharge connection, for example to the neutral conductor N. This can be done with a resistance to the neutral conductor and / or via suitable switches. Nevertheless, there remains a certain time from t ₀ in which the decaying voltage is not zero. However, the amount of the decaying voltage in the time window t ₁ , t _{2 has} fallen below the amount of the threshold voltage, so that the blanked-out network half-wave is recognized as such.

In the capacitive network, the zero crossing t ₀ on the slave module 12 when the network half-waves are hidden is not recognizable as a voltage zero crossing, as can be seen from FIG. 11. The slave module 12 must, however, query the time window t ₁ , t ₂ at a fixed distance from the zero crossing t ₀ . The circuit shown in FIG. 5 is used for this purpose. The Graetz bridge 33 and the downstream network generate pulses at every regular zero crossing in which the voltage, which is otherwise limited to the Z voltage, becomes briefly zero. The microprocessor 31 recognizes these zero crossings on the basis of the short zero pulses. Starting from each detected zero crossing, it determines the next point in time at which the next zero crossing is to be expected, based on the known duration of a network half-wave. If there is no such zero crossing, a zero crossing event t _{0 is} assumed after a short tolerance time of, for example, 100 μs, and a timer is started that runs for a few milliseconds up to t ₁ . When t _{1 is} reached, the time window begins in which the existing voltage is examined to determine whether it falls below the threshold voltage U _S.

With the system described above, consumers can 4 not just specifically and individually with regard to their Switch-on points, possibly with regard to their switch-off points as well as in terms of reduced power Operating times can be programmed, but it is too a single service and a functional check of all Consumer 4 possible:

During a break, for example during the day, at noon or in the afternoon instead of the timer mode first a service interval is processed with each individual defective slave module 12 or each defective consumer 4 can be recognized. The service mode differs from timer operation in that sending the timer command sequence is omitted and exclusively the command address is sent with a service command becomes. The service for all lamps is done by the PCS controller 12 starting with hardware address 1 all Lights 4 briefly switched on and off in succession. The current sensors 18 (FIG. 3) determine whether and how much electricity is fed into the network L1 *, L2 *, L3 * and thus how much current the relevant slave module 12 and record relevant consumers 4. Via the current sensor 18 can thus simply the function of the lamp as a yes-no statement be determined. For the exact determination of a Service status is the service at the hardware address intended. In addition to the command address the hardware address (individual address) and the corresponding one Service command sent. The addressed slave module 12 (PCS controller) switches the assigned and Luminaire 8 addressed via the hardware address via the Relay 35 in the on state until by the PCS manager 1 a power-on reset is triggered. In this Time, the computer module 15, the current profile of the lamp measure and evaluate exactly.

The results can be viewed on a serial or at a parallel interface put and additionally or alternatively in a memory filed or otherwise displayed. Beyond that a special test of individual consumers 4 and slave modules 12 possible. For example, by sending out the command address, the single or hardware address and one third command codes an examination of other functions of the Slave modules 12, for example, the ability to reduce power possible. By using the test modes mentioned, a complete inspection of all connected equipment possible. Individuals are recommended in the service interval Switch consumer 4 on and off only briefly, by the total time of the service interval at the maximum Hardware address number for a reasonable period of time limit. If there are any irregularities in the service interval at a hardware address, e.g. unsafe or unusual Ignition behavior of a gas discharge lamp determined the PCS manager performs the service on this Hardware address to precisely determine the error. Error patterns, like delayed ignition, temporary extinction etc. are thus based on the registered electrical Response of a slave module 12 is clearly recognizable.

There is also the option of using the command address and a fourth command code for all consumers switch on immediately without prior programming. This can be the case with an illumination curve illustrated in FIG. 7 become necessary. In the event of an unexpected Darkening during the day (heavy thunderstorms, solar eclipse and the like) detected by the light sensor 14 , all consumers 4 are switched on. Execution of the fourth command code, the immediate one Switching on all consumers takes place in the same way as service operation, by only the command address from the PCS manager 5 with the associated switch-on command to the PCS controller 12 or slave modules is transmitted.

It is also possible to have a fixed one Reaction of the slave modules 12 in the event that a bit sequence arriving at the slave modules 12 is not is interpretable. As a safety function, too be provided that all consumers 4 switch on, if after a waiting period (e.g. 5 min.) after the Switching on the mains voltage is not sensible or recognizable Command sequences have been sent.

The operating regime can also be modified accordingly be that each slave module 12 after completion Programming by a command individually in the Timer mode changes. The master module needs programming do so until the programmed one is reached Switching on the programming of the remaining other slave modules 12 completed with certainty is.

A system for operating several distributed Consumer 4, for example a street lighting system 1, has a central master module 5, each consumer 4 has a slave module 12. The master module 5 is used to program the slave modules 12, according to programming, the individual consumers 4 control independently. Programming the slave modules 12 takes place during operational breaks with consumers switched off 4 by modulating the AC operating voltage. The Modulation preferably involves hiding individual ones or several half waves to identify one Binary value during little or unchanged half-waves mark another binary value. On hidden half waves a filling period without information content preferably follows, that of maintaining the operating voltage and to enable synchronization of the slave modules 12 serves.

Claims (16)

Method for controlling consumers in an AC power transmission network via the operating AC voltage, in which Operating breaks are provided, in which all consumers (4) are switched off or can be switched off, and in which the operating AC voltage is at least temporarily applied to the power transmission network,
the amplitude of individual half-waves or half-wave groups of the operating AC voltage being changed during the breaks in operation. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the information is preferably only in the Pauses in operation is transmitted as a binary signal, with the Transmission of a binary value the amplitude of a particular preferably lowered odd number of half-waves or is made zero. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that to transmit another binary half waves be changed to another value or unchanged are left, the number of which is preferably greater by one is the number of affected half-waves of the other Binary value. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that after transmission of changed half-waves of one Binary value, especially off-screen or hidden Half waves, unaffected voltage trains, preferably with an even half-wave number, to the power transmission network be placed. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is tested on the consumers during the breaks in operation at a time-fixed interval after each zero crossing time of the operating voltage, whether the operating voltage is in a defined voltage window or at least above a threshold value U _S , the binary values of the signal thereafter a distinction is made as to whether or not the operating voltage value at the time of measurement or in a measurement period (t ₁ , t ₂ ) is in the voltage window or above the threshold value (U _S ). A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the time is assumed to be the zero crossing time to which the voltage of the power transmission network is actually at least almost zero, and if one no such point in time is called the zero crossing point assume the time when the zero crossing if the operating AC voltage had remained unchanged have to. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that as information to consumers switching times and / or switching commands are transmitted that the Consumers using switching devices with real-time clock to switch on and / or to switch off and / or to Influencing the implemented performance can be used the final shutdown of those to be operated discontinuously Consumers preferably by switching off the operating AC voltage is effected. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that individual consumers individually, in groups and / or overall are responsive, and that the control signals on the basis of currently recorded data as well as on Hand-set stored data can be generated. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that when individual consumers (4) are switched on, voltage and current values and / or power values are monitored to perform single function tests. System, especially for city or street lighting, with at least one power supply device (3) which supplies an operating alternating voltage with sufficient power to supply the system (1), with a line network (N, L1, L2, L3; N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 *) which can be supplied with operating voltage by the power supply device (3), with consumers (4) connected to the line network (N, L1, L2, L3; N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 *) and via the line network (N, L1, L2, L3; N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 *) can be supplied with operating power, with a master module (5) with which the AC voltage output by the power supply device (3) can be modulated in order to transmit switching information, the master module (5) being designed in such a way that the information transmission is limited to selected time periods, and with slave modules (12) which are assigned to the consumers (4) and which can each be controlled by switching information sent by the master module (5). System according to claim 10, characterized in that the selected periods are breaks, in which all consumers are switched off. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the switching information at least one switch-on time includes and that each slave module (12) one internal switching device for switching the consumer (4) at the programmed time, the Slave module (12) after programming the consumer (4) or after receiving a release command preferably against receiving further information Is blocked. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the master module (5) has a device (15) for generating of a signal containing the according to the annual and / or Natural brightness to be expected during the day describes that the master module (12) is a memory device contains information about lighting needs different consumers can be filed, and that Master module (5) at least one sensor (14) for detection current conditions. System, especially for city or street lighting, with at least one power supply device (3) which supplies an operating alternating voltage with sufficient power to supply the system (1), with a line network (N, L1, L2, L3; N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 *) which can be supplied with operating voltage by the power supply device (3), with consumers (4) connected to the line network (N, L1, L2, L3; N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 *) and via the line network (N, L1, L2, L3; N, L1 *, L2 *, L3 *) can be supplied with operating power, with a master module (5) with which the AC voltage output by the power supply device (3) can be modulated in order to transmit switching information,
wherein the master module (5) contains a modulator (23) which, for binary information transmission, changes an odd number of voltage half-waves in order to generate a signal characterizing one of the binary values, and which generates unchanged half-waves without information content after one or more changed half-waves, and with slave modules (12) which are assigned to the consumers (4) and which can be controlled and / or programmed by switching information sent by the master module. Installation according to claim 14, characterized in that the master module (5) with a feeding one or multiphase network and via the power transmission network connected to the slave modules (12) is that the master module one or more computer units (15), at least a light sensor (14), voltage and / or current sensors (17, 18) and / or at least one that forms a modulator Power unit (23) and that the slave modules (12) each have at least one computer unit (31) which via a voltage supply module from the operating AC voltage are fed and that with a real-time clock are connected. System according to claim 11 or 14, characterized in that that from the power supply facility (3) AC voltage output is a multi-phase AC voltage is and that the master module (5) all phases of the Multi-phase AC voltage with the same information modulated.

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