EP3483449B1 - Method for monitoring an electronically controlled centrifugal pump - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for monitoring an electronically controlled centrifugal pump of a hydraulic system, the operation of which can be determined by a changeable operating configuration. In addition, the invention relates to a system for executing the method and a computer program that can be loaded onto the hand-held device and has commands which, when executed on the hand-held device, cause the hand-held device to carry out those procedural steps that are provided as part of the method according to the invention, carried out by the hand-held device to become. Finally, the invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with the computer program.

From Scripture US 2017/0211285 A1 is a system and a method for providing network connections between and for remote monitoring, optimization and control of pool and spa devices, such device also being a pump that can be controlled via the Internet. For example, the pump is set up to determine system efficiency and to inform an external body if there is a deviation from a specified value.

The European patent application EP 3242033 A1 teaches you to check whether an initial configuration has already been carried out on a booster system. For this purpose, after 72 hours, for example, the pump electronics is checked to see whether the storage date of a specific file with factory setting parameters has been changed in the meantime. If this is not the case, a message will be issued and a service will be informed.

Modern, electronically controlled centrifugal pumps now offer a wide range of adjustment options. While centrifugal pumps used to run uncontrolled at a single fixed speed, speed-controlled centrifugal pumps have been in use for a long time, trying to adapt their pumping performance, in particular their operating point determined by the delivery pressure and flow rate, to the needs of the pump Adapt the hydraulic system to save energy. This occurs due to a control, for example a pressure control, which requires the actual value of the controlled variable, which can be determined by measurement using a sensor or mathematically from other variables or based on a model (observer, estimate). It goes without saying that the controller must be parameterized with regard to its control parameters and, in particular, a setpoint must also be specified for the control. In any case, at least the latter must be carried out depending on the hydraulic system in which the centrifugal pump is integrated, such as a heating, cooling or drinking water supply system for hot or cold water circulation, for accumulator loading or pressure increase.

Centrifugal pumps now offer a large selection of different operating modes, especially control modes, in order to meet their system-specific purpose. The most common types of control here are constant differential pressure (Δp-c) or variable differential pressure (Δp-v), especially proportional pressure control. Temperature control methods are also known, such as control to a constant target temperature (cT) or control to a specific difference temperature (ΔT-c), such as those used, for example, in heating systems using condensing technology or systems with heat exchangers or hydraulic switches. Another operating mode, for example, is operation at constant speed, which can also often be selected in centrifugal pumps. Each of these control types offers different setting options, in particular the selection of a specific control characteristic from a large number of different control characteristics.

In addition to the various operating modes, numerous additional settings are known and are offered as setting options for pump units. These include, for example, the so-called night reduction, in which a heating pump goes into an energy-saving mode at night due to a detected reduction in the flow temperature, the setting of a maximum volume flow (Q limit) or the "No-Flow Stop" function, which is known in specialist circles, in which the Below a minimum flow rate, the pump goes into intermittent operation, where it is switched off for a while and then briefly restarts to check whether it is needed.

In summary, the use of a centrifugal pump in a hydraulic system requires a specific setting or adaptation of its operating configuration to its operating purpose or to the hydraulic system. It is the task of a specialist, for example the installer, to carry out this configuration of the centrifugal pumps correctly during their installation or when commissioning the hydraulic systems, which usually requires knowledge of the physical control relationships on the one hand, the pump setting options (HQ pump map) and the hydraulic systems , in which the centrifugal pump is installed is, on the other hand, requires. Ultimately, the configuration can be changed again at any later point in time.

After the centrifugal pump or pumps have been installed and commissioned, at least in large systems with several tens or even several hundred pumps, such as those found in airport buildings, exhibition halls but also in many public buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, office buildings, etc., a regular checks of functionality, be it in the simplest case, for example through a visual inspection. Modern pump units use an indicator or a pump display to show whether they are OK or have detected a malfunction.

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a computer program that enables the person skilled in the art, an installer or maintenance technician, to quickly and easily recognize whether a centrifugal pump has been adjusted since the last operating configuration, i.e. the configuration has been changed.

This object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a system according to claim 15. To the extent that the hand-held device acts in the method, these method steps to be carried out by the hand-held device are implemented in software in a computer program according to claim 16. Advantageous further developments are given in the respective subclaims and are explained below.

According to the invention, a method for monitoring an electronically controlled centrifugal pump of a hydraulic system, the operation of which can be determined by a changeable operating configuration at a first point in time, is proposed, in which the centrifugal pump sends at least one configuration information characterizing its current operating configuration to a mobile hand-held device at a later, second point in time or transmits a server which compares this configuration information with a second configuration information that identifies the last operating configuration known to the handset or server, and that a change notice is issued on the handset if the transmitted configuration information does not match the second Configuration information matches. This change notice is then an indication to the specialist that the operating configuration on the centrifugal pump has been changed. He can then check them in detail and correct them if necessary.

Another advantage of the process is that every change in the operating configuration does not have to be documented in either the pump or the handheld device. There is no need to save a change history, for example in the form of a logbook. This saves storage space and the process for detecting a change in the operating configuration is particularly simple.

For the purposes of the invention, a centrifugal pump is understood to mean a device consisting at least of a pump unit for conveying a liquid, a drive unit in the form of an electric motor that drives the pump unit, and pump electronics for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor, these being structurally combined or only can work together functionally. Furthermore, sensors such as volume flow or pressure sensors can be part of the centrifugal pump.

The hydraulic system can be, for example, a heating system, a cooling system or a drinking water supply system

The handheld device can be, for example, a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone. Alternatively, the handheld device can also be a tablet, a laptop or a mobile device used specifically for configuring and/or monitoring the centrifugal pumps. Such a handheld device usually has a screen on which the change notice can be displayed. The data transmission between the handheld device and the centrifugal pump can take place using short-range radio technology, for example Bluetooth, NFC, WLAN, RFID, ZigBee or similar. Accordingly, the centrifugal pump and the hand-held device can have a radio module that is set up for communication using one of the radio protocols mentioned.

The computer program, hereinafter also referred to as a software application, can be loaded onto the handheld device and executed there in order to carry out those method steps that are intended to be carried out by the handheld device as part of the method according to the invention. The computer program is set up to receive and evaluate the configuration information and to cause the handheld device to display the change notice on the screen.

The server is a remote server, for example a server in a so-called cloud, which manages data from the centrifugal pump. To transmit the at least one piece of configuration information to the server, the centrifugal pump can have a wired or wireless communication connection to a network, for example a LAN, WLAN, CAN or the like, in particular to the Internet. A computer program is preferably operated on the server and is set up to receive and evaluate the configuration information as well as to generate and send the change notice to the handheld device. The computer program running on the handset can be set up to receive this change notice and then cause the handset to display the change notice on the screen.

According to the invention, it can be determined either locally at the location of the centrifugal pump in the hand-held device or centrally in the server whether there is a change in the operating configuration of the centrifugal pump. The server variant has the advantage that the handheld device with which the specialist is on site at the centrifugal pump does not require high computing power or large storage space to carry out the process. This advantage is particularly noticeable when there are a large number of centrifugal pumps to be checked and the larger this number is, the more noticeable it is.

According to one embodiment variant, the centrifugal pump can be set up to broadcast the configuration information repeatedly, in particular periodically, as a broadcast signal, with the handheld device receiving this broadcast signal in an activated listening mode. Therefore, there is no need for a point-to-point To establish a connection between the handheld device and the centrifugal pump, in particular to carry out a so-called pairing, as is usually required for data transmission with classic Bluetooth.

Alternatively, the handheld device can be set up to send a request to the centrifugal pump, which then triggers the centrifugal pump to send out the configuration information.

This can be done in a similar way with the server variant. Here the centrifugal pump can be set up to transmit the configuration information repeatedly, in particular periodically, to the server. Alternatively, this transmission may occur in response to a request that the handset sends to the centrifugal pump.

The request can be sent from the handheld device automatically, for example, when or immediately after the computer program is started on the handheld device. If necessary, it can also automatically activate listening mode when it is started in the handset or cause the handset to go into listening mode.

According to one embodiment variant, the at least one piece of configuration information can be an operating parameter or an operating setting of the operating configuration of the centrifugal pump. Such an operating parameter can be, for example, the set setpoint of the set control or a characteristic value defining the set control characteristic or actuator characteristic. Preferably, the operating parameter or the operating setting is a setting that would most likely be changed, such as the target delivery head of the centrifugal pump. Although such a value does not identify the operating configuration compared to the operating configurations of other centrifugal pumps, since many centrifugal pumps will probably work with the same target delivery head, one operating parameter or one operating setting is sufficient to be able to carry out a before-and-after comparison in the sense of the invention. In order to improve this comparison and also to be able to recognize changes in less prominent operating parameters or operating settings, two, three or more operating parameters or operating settings can also be transmitted from the centrifugal pump to the handheld device or the server. For example, the centrifugal pump can transmit all or part of its current operating configuration to the mobile handheld device or the server. This or this essentially forms a fingerprint of the pump. If the entire operating configuration is transferred, all types of changes to the centrifugal pump can be detected. If, on the other hand, only part of the configuration is transferred, only a change can be recognized that affects an operating parameter or operating setting contained in this part of the operating configuration.

If only part of the operating configuration is transferred, this part may include operating parameters and/or operating settings that are operationally critical, i.e. that can negatively influence the proper operation of the hydraulic systems. For example, in the case of a controlled centrifugal pump, this includes the setpoint of the control, for example the delivery head setpoint. If this is set too low, consumers may be undersupplied. In contrast, there are operating parameters and/or operating settings that are not operationally critical, i.e. cannot influence the proper operation of the hydraulic systems. This is the case, for example, when setting the so-called post-reduction, because this reduces the target delivery height in heating systems when the boiler temperature is reduced, as is common in heating systems during the night hours, for example. This only results in savings, but not switching on this additional function is not operationally critical for the system.

After receiving the operating configuration or part of the operating configuration, the handheld device or the server compares it with a second operating configuration or part of a second operating configuration, which is the last operating configuration for the centrifugal pump known to the handheld device or server, in particular the last correct one. There will then be a change notice, in particular a tampering warning, on the handheld device is issued if the transmitted operating configuration or the part of the operating configuration does not match the second operating configuration or the part of the second operating configuration.

Due to the significantly larger amount of data that is transmitted by the centrifugal pump in the embodiment variant in which more than one operating parameter or operating setting is transmitted, this variant is more suitable in the event that a direct communication connection ( point-to-point connection). When broadcast as a radio signal, the amount of data is limited.

Against this background, it is advantageous if the configuration information has the smallest possible data volume, but still identifies the entire operating configuration. This can be achieved by the configuration information being a configuration identifier. Such a configuration identifier can be, for example, a time stamp or a rule-based checksum formed from the operating configuration. The timestamp can, for example, indicate the time at which the operating configuration was defined or saved. Alternatively, the configuration identifier can be a unique alphanumeric name for the operational configuration, which is assigned during configuration. It can easily be created and/or stored in the centrifugal pump and the handheld device or server, for example when the centrifugal pump is configured. However, a checksum does not need to be saved. Rather, it can be generated dynamically as needed from the operating configuration identifier. The rules for this are identical in the centrifugal pump and the handheld device or server. Each of these configuration identifiers is individual to the operating configuration and changes in the event of a reconfiguration or change in the configuration of the centrifugal pump.

Depending on what type of configuration information or configuration identifier it is, different scenarios are possible as to who creates or stores or creates and stores which identifier and when. This will be described below. The scenario also depends on the way the centrifugal pump is configured. A distinction can be made here between the on-site configuration directly on the centrifugal pump itself via an input interface (HMI), and a remote-controlled configuration from a remote location, preferably via the software application using a hand-held device.

According to one embodiment variant, the operating configuration can be determined directly on the centrifugal pump. This operating configuration or part of this operating configuration can then be transferred to the handheld device or the server so that it becomes aware of the operating configuration. This is then saved there as the last known operating configuration and later forms the second operating configuration or part of the second operating configuration.

Alternatively, the operating configuration can be determined directly on the centrifugal pump, which then creates a configuration identifier characterizing the operating configuration, stores it and transmits it to the handheld device or the server, which stores it as the second configuration information.

If the operating configuration is determined according to another embodiment variant using the handheld device, this saves the operating configuration and transmits it to the centrifugal pump, which also stores it and adjusts itself according to the operating configuration.

According to a variant, the handheld device can immediately create a configuration identifier that characterizes the operating configuration, save it as second configuration information and transmit it to the centrifugal pump, which also stores it. In this case, the centrifugal pump receives the configuration identifier from the handheld device.

According to a second variant, the centrifugal pump can itself generate and save a configuration identifier when or after saving the operating configuration that it received from the hand-held device, so that the centrifugal pump does not need the configuration identifier from the hand-held device. However, the handheld device also needs the configuration identifier.

The hand-held device can, for example, generate this itself according to a sub-variant when defining or transferring the operating configuration to the centrifugal pump and store it as a second configuration identifier, so that here both units, i.e. both the centrifugal pump and the hand-held device, generate the configuration identifier independently of one another and for the for the second time. However, since there can be a time offset between the time at which the operating configuration is determined or transmitted from the handheld device on the one hand and the time at which it is received or stored in the centrifugal pump on the other hand, in the case of a time stamp as a configuration identifier, the configuration identifiers generated in each case can be different. This problem does not exist with the first variant because the handheld device not only provides the operating configuration, but also its identifier. Alternatively and according to another sub-variant, the centrifugal pump can also transmit the generated configuration identifier to the handheld device or the server, which stores it as second configuration information. This means the handheld device receives! In this case, the server receives the configuration identifier from the centrifugal pump and it is ensured that the identifiers are not different.

In the embodiment variant of the configuration identifier as a checksum, it is not absolutely necessary to save it, as it can be determined again from the configuration at any time. The configuration information can be a checksum that the centrifugal pump generates from its current operating configuration in a rule-based manner, and the second configuration information can be a checksum that the handheld device or the server generates in an identical rule-based manner from the operating configuration stored in it. If the operating configurations are identical, the checksums generated must also be identical.

For example, the checksum can be generated dynamically by the centrifugal pump before each transmission to the handset or server.

Alternatively, it is sufficient if the checksum is generated once by the centrifugal pump, for example at the time of its configuration. It is then saved and the saved checksum is transmitted to the handheld device or the server, which then compares it with the checksum as second configuration information.

This checksum can also be generated dynamically by the handheld device or the server after receiving the checksum from the centrifugal pump from the last known operating configuration. Alternatively, the checksum can be generated and saved once by the handheld device or server. It is then loaded and compared after receiving the checksum of the centrifugal pump.

According to one embodiment variant, the handheld device can be set up to expect the configuration identifier from a specific centrifugal pump and, if the configuration identifier is not received, to conclude that the centrifugal pump has an operational malfunction. It can then issue a corresponding advisory message.

In order for the handheld device to expect the configuration identifier of the specific centrifugal pump, this centrifugal pump must be known to it. This can be made possible, for example, by establishing a directed communication connection between the centrifugal pump and the hand-held device, within which the hand-held device and the pump are essentially communication partners with known identities. Alternatively, i.e. in the absence of such a directed connection, the pump identifier can be communicated to the handheld device, for example manually. Further alternatively, the handheld device can be capable of learning, whereby it remembers a pump identifier received for the first time, in particular when receiving several pump identifiers in the context of these further pump identifiers, and assumes that it will receive the pump identifier of the specific centrifugal pump during a next operational test. If this reception does not occur, the handset can issue a corresponding message.

The prescribed method is preferably carried out by a system comprising at least one electronically controlled centrifugal pump and a hand-held device or a server, the centrifugal pump and the hand-held device or the Centrifugal pump and server are set up accordingly to carry out the process.

Finally, according to the invention, a computer program is also proposed, hereinafter also referred to as a software application, which can be loaded onto the hand-held device and operated there and which includes commands which, when executed on the hand-held device, cause the hand-held device to carry out those procedural steps that are provided within the scope of the method according to the invention are to be carried out by the handheld device.

In particular, a computer program is provided for monitoring an electronically controlled centrifugal pump of a hydraulic system, the operation of which can be determined at a first point in time by a changeable operating configuration, comprising commands which, when the program is executed by the hand-held device, cause the hand-held device to be sent from the centrifugal pump at a later, second point in time, to receive at least one piece of configuration information characterizing its current operating configuration and to compare it with second configuration information that identifies the last operating configuration known to the handheld device, and to issue a change notice if the transmitted configuration information does not match the second configuration information.

• nach dem Starten des Computerprogramms den Zuhörbetrieb zu aktivieren, und/oder
• von der Kreiselpumpe die gesamte aktuelle oder einen Teil der aktuellen Betriebskonfiguration zu empfangen und mit einer zweiten Betriebskonfiguration oder einem Teil einer zweiten Betriebskonfiguration zu vergleichen, die die letzte dem Handgerät bekannte Betriebskonfiguration für die Kreiselpumpe ist, und einen Änderungshinweis auszugeben, wenn die übertragene Betriebskonfiguration oder der Teil der Betriebskonfiguration nicht mit der zweiten Betriebskonfiguration oder dem Teil der zweiten Betriebskonfiguration übereinstimmt, und/ oder
• eine an der Kreiselpumpe festgelegte Betriebskonfiguration oder einen Teil dieser Betriebskonfiguration von der Kreiselpumpe zu empfangen und als die letzte bekannte Betriebskonfiguration abzuspeichern, und/ oder
• eine von der Kreiselpumpe erstellte, die Betriebskonfiguration kennzeichnende Konfigurationskennung von der Kreiselpumpe zu empfangen und als die zweite Konfigurationsinformation abzuspeichern, und/ oder
• die Betriebskonfiguration vom Nutzer am Handgerät festlegen zu lassen, sie zu speichern und an die Kreiselpumpe zu übertragen, und/ oder
• eine die Betriebskonfiguration kennzeichnende Konfigurationskennung zu erstellen, insbesondere bei oder nach der Festlegung oder Übertragung der Betriebskonfiguration, die erstellte Konfigurationskennung als zweite Konfigurationsinformation abzuspeichern und an die Kreiselpumpe zu übertragen, und/ oder
• aus der abgespeicherten Betriebskonfiguration regelbasiert eine Prüfsumme zu erzeugen und als die zweite Konfigurationsinformation abzuspeichern, und/ oder
• eine Anfrage an die Kreiselpumpe zu richten, um die Konfigurationsinformation von der Kreiselpumpe übermittelt zu bekommen, und/oder
• die Konfigurationsinformation im Zuhörbetrieb als Rundfunksignal zu empfangen.

Preferably, the computer program is further set up in such a way that the commands cause the handheld device, when executing the program, to carry out further steps which, according to the invention, are carried out by the handheld device. The computer program can be set up to cause the handheld device, for example,

• to activate listening mode after starting the computer program, and/or
• to receive the entire current or part of the current operating configuration from the centrifugal pump and to communicate with a second operating configuration or part of a second operating configuration compare, which is the last operating configuration for the centrifugal pump known to the handheld device, and issue a change notice if the transmitted operating configuration or the part of the operating configuration does not match the second operating configuration or the part of the second operating configuration, and / or
• to receive an operating configuration defined on the centrifugal pump or a part of this operating configuration from the centrifugal pump and to save it as the last known operating configuration, and/or
• to receive a configuration identifier created by the centrifugal pump and characterizing the operating configuration from the centrifugal pump and to store it as the second configuration information, and / or
• have the operating configuration set by the user on the handheld device, save it and transfer it to the centrifugal pump, and/or
• to create a configuration identifier characterizing the operating configuration, in particular during or after the determination or transmission of the operating configuration, to save the created configuration identifier as second configuration information and to transmit it to the centrifugal pump, and / or
• to generate a rule-based checksum from the stored operating configuration and to save it as the second configuration information, and/or
• to send a request to the centrifugal pump in order to receive the configuration information from the centrifugal pump, and/or
• to receive the configuration information as a broadcast signal in listening mode.

The computer program can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, preferably on a transportable data storage device. Preferably, it is made available for download to the handheld device via a local or global network such as the Internet from a remote server on this server, in particular as part of an offer.

The invention also relates to a centrifugal pump which is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. This applies at least to the extent that the centrifugal pump contributes to the entire process as described above. The centrifugal pump is set up to carry out those process steps that are intended to be carried out by the centrifugal pump as part of the method according to the invention.

Further features and advantages of the method according to the invention, the computer program and the system are explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment and the attached figures.

Fig. 1 shows electronically controlled, individually configurable centrifugal pumps 5a to 5f of a hydraulic system 1 in a room 2, which are monitored on site by a user 3, for example in the form of a maintenance technician, using a mobile hand-held device 4. The centrifugal pumps 5a - 5f consist of a pump unit for pumping a liquid, a speed-controlled electric motor and electronics that controls and/or regulates the electric motor. The centrifugal pumps 5a-5f together with the handheld device 4 form a system. The hydraulic system can be, for example, a heating system, a cooling system or a drinking water supply system. The handheld device here is a cell phone that runs a software application for maintaining the centrifugal pumps, in particular for checking their status. The pumps 5a-5f can also be configured using this application.

While the centrifugal pumps with the reference numbers 5a to 5e are comparatively clearly visible and easily accessible to the user, the centrifugal pump with the reference number 5f is located somewhat off to the side, elevated and difficult to access or see, so that checking the operating configuration is difficult is possible. The centrifugal pumps 5a-5f can, as in the Fig. 1 shown, have a display for displaying pump data. However, all, individual or even just a single centrifugal pump, such as the centrifugal pump 5f, can also be designed without a display or without an operator interface (HMI). The centrifugal pumps can be configured using the handheld device.

Each of the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f is configured to transmit at least one configuration information using a short-range communication technology. The configuration information identifies the current operating configuration of the centrifugal pump 5a-5f. The configuration information can be the value of an adjustable operating parameter or an operating setting, or can be a configuration identifier. The configuration information is used in the handheld device to check whether anything has changed in the configuration of the pump.

Figures 2 to 10 represent purely exemplary scenarios for the method according to the invention, but they do not limit the applicability of the method. In particular, numerous other scenarios are possible and conceivable that are not shown in the figures. For example, combinations of the scenarios shown in the figures are also possible, provided and to the extent that the scenarios are not mutually exclusive.

The Figures 2-4 each relate to the case in which the configuration of the centrifugal pump takes place on the centrifugal pump itself, with the setting of operating parameters and/or the making of operating settings using controls on the centrifugal pump. The operating settings can be visualized by a display element, for example a display. The control elements and the display element together form a human-machine interface (HMI, Human Machine Interface).

This in Fig. 2 The first scenario shown provides that the configuration identifier is generated by the centrifugal pump. In a first step S12, the operating configuration of the centrifugal pump takes place by setting operating parameters and/or making operating settings. At the end of the operational configuration the centrifugal pump creates a configuration identifier and also saves it, step S22. This is done initially. The configuration identifier identifies the operational configuration. This configuration identifier is then transmitted to the handset 4, step S32. The handset 4 receives and stores the configuration identifier, step S42, in order to have it available at a later time.

In this first example, the configuration identifier can be a time stamp that indicates the time of the configuration, in particular its storage, a test level formed based on rules from the operating configuration, or any name or character sequence.

Steps S12, S22, S32, S42 can be carried out, for example, when the centrifugal pump is started up for the first time and are therefore assigned to the first time mentioned. A period of time now elapses, which is shown by the dashed arrow and the cloud and which includes the time until the next check of the centrifugal pump. It is assumed that this review will now take place at a second time.

The check begins in step S52 with the handheld device 4 querying the current configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump. In response to this request, the centrifugal pump transmits the configuration identifier it last saved, S62. This takes place at a second time later than the first time. If the operating configuration of the centrifugal pump has not been changed in the meantime, this configuration identifier corresponds to the configuration identifier created in step S22 and now saved. However, if the operating configuration of the centrifugal pump has been changed in the meantime, the configuration identifier deviates from the configuration identifier stored at that time in step S22.

The handheld device 4 now receives the current configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump, step S72, and calls up the configuration identifier stored in the handheld device 4, step S82. This is the last one Configuration identifier that is known to the handset 4 and from which the expert 3 can in any case assume that it was correct.

In step S92, the check now follows whether the current configuration identifier transmitted by the centrifugal pump matches the configuration identifier stored in the handheld device 4. If this is the case, the procedure is ended, step S 102, since no abnormality was detected. However, if the check shows that the configuration identifiers do not match, a change notice 7 is output on the handheld device 4, step S112. The person skilled in the art is thus informed that the configuration of the pump has been changed since the last proper operating configuration known to him. He can therefore check the centrifugal pump and correct the operating configuration if necessary. In this way he can detect any manipulation.

Steps S52, S62, S72, S82 and S92 can be carried out, for example, during a first or every further maintenance or operational test of the centrifugal pump and are therefore assigned to the second point in time mentioned.

This in Fig. 3 The second scenario shown expands the first scenario in that the configuration identifier created by the centrifugal pump at the first point in time is stored in a first handheld device A, but the centrifugal pump is checked using a second handheld device B.

In addition to the method steps S12, S22, S33, S43, which are identical in content to the method steps S12, S22, S32, S42 of the first scenario, a comparison between the first and the second handheld device is therefore provided, step S53. The configuration identifier is transferred from the first handheld device A to the second handheld device B and stored there. For example, the first and second handheld devices may belong to different maintenance technicians from the same maintenance company. Synchronizing the two handheld devices ensures that a change in the operating configuration of the centrifugal pump made by one maintenance technician will be reflected in the other handheld device The maintenance technician is not noticed by issuing a change notice 7, ie it is reported as improper.

Apart from the fact that the first handheld device A or the second handheld device B can now be used for the operational check, the method steps of the second scenario assigned to the second point in time do not differ from the corresponding method steps of the first scenario. The current configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump can thus be queried by the first handheld device A or the second handheld device B, step S63. The further method steps S62, S72, S82, S92 are identical to the first scenario, with the handheld device being replaced by the one that was used in step S63 to query the centrifugal pump.

It should be noted that the first and second scenarios assume that the handheld device knows which pump the configuration identifier comes from, either because the handheld device is intended to monitor only a single centrifugal pump or because there is one between the handheld device and the centrifugal pump Directed communication connection (point-to-point) connection is established, within which the communication participants have already exchanged their identifiers and know who the respective communication partner is.

At the in Fig. 4 In the third scenario shown, it is now assumed that the centrifugal pump repeatedly broadcasts the configuration identifier as broadcast signals and the handheld device receives these broadcast signals without there being an active connection to the centrifugal pump, only in a listening mode. Since a configuration identifier can be broadcast by a large number of pump units at the same time, it is necessary that the centrifugal pump also transmits a pump identifier that identifies it, which can also be done repeatedly as a broadcast signal, preferably together with the configuration identifier.

Having said this, it is clear that steps S12 and S22 do not differ from the steps in the first and second scenarios. However, compared to step S32 in the first scenario, the corresponding document is S34 in the third scenario adds that the centrifugal pump not only transmits its configuration identifier to the handheld device, but also its pump identifier. In a corresponding manner, compared to step S42 in the first scenario, the corresponding document S44 in the third scenario adds that the configuration identifier is saved in the handheld device under the pump identifier.

The method steps that then take place at a later, second point in time for the purpose of maintaining or checking the centrifugal pump are then designed in such a way that the centrifugal pump repeats the pump identifier and the current configuration identifier, in particular periodically broadcasts it as a radio signal, step S54, which are received by the handheld device in a listening mode , step S74, which then calls up the configuration identifier stored in it under the received pump identifier, step S84, and compares this with the received configuration identifier, step S94. The possible results of this test are identical to the first and second scenarios. If there is a match, the method is ended, step 104. If there is no match, a change notice 7 is displayed on the handset 4, step S114.

It should be noted that the third scenario can also be carried out analogously to the second scenario with more than one handheld device, i.e. synchronization can take place between two or more handheld devices. A corresponding further scenario can therefore be formed by combining scenarios 2 and 3.

Another scenario provides that instead of the automatic, repeated broadcasting of the pump and configuration identifier in step S54 of Fig. 4 the handheld device 4 carries out a query of the centrifugal pump analogous to steps S52 and S63. This is done by sending a request, in response to which the centrifugal pump then broadcasts the pump identifier and the configuration identifier as a broadcast signal. This scenario therefore only differs from scenario 3 in the trigger for broadcasting the pump and configuration identifier.

The scenarios in the Fig. 5 to 10 differ from the previous scenarios in that the configuration of the centrifugal pump is carried out using the software application running on the handheld device 4.

This is how the scenario begins Fig. 5 so that a pre-configuration of the centrifugal pump is carried out in the software application of the handheld device 4 and the operating configuration defined in the process is saved accordingly in the handheld device 4, step S15. This configuration is then transferred from the handheld device 4 to the centrifugal pump and saved there, step S25. In addition, the centrifugal pump adjusts itself according to the configuration. This means that the complete operating configuration is now available on both the handheld device and the centrifugal pump.

In the scenario in Fig. 5 the configuration identifier is a checksum from the operating configuration. Since this can be created at any time, saving is not necessary. The creation is rule-based, with the set of rules stored in both the centrifugal pump and the handheld device.

This set of rules can have any structure, either very simple or complex. For example, a simple way to create the checksum is to add the numerical values of all configurable operating parameters. This can be done in a standardized or non-standardized way. The dimension of the operating parameter is not important, as it is simply a matter of the handheld device and the centrifugal pump having to determine the test stumps in the same way. If the operating settings are also to be taken into account in the checksum, this can be done, for example, by assigning a numerical value to an operating position with two or more setting options, such as on/off, for each setting option, e.g. on = 1 and off = 2. Like this These setting values can also be added, in particular added to the values of the operating parameters.

At some later point in time, in particular as part of an operational test or maintenance, the handheld device 4 now queries the current configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump, step S65. The centrifugal pump now determines the checksum as a configuration identifier from its current operating configuration and transmits it then to the handset 4, step S75, which also receives it, step S85.

The handheld device 4 now determines the checksum as a configuration identifier from the operating configuration stored in it, step S95. The received checksum of the centrifugal pump is then compared with the checksum determined by the handheld device 4, step S105. If they match, the process is ended, step S115. If there is no match, a change notice 7 is output on the handheld device 4, step S125.

It is obvious that instead of calculating the checksum dynamically, i.e. as needed, it is also possible to determine and save the check number once. This saves computing power. So in a scenario not shown, the centrifugal pump could determine and save it once after it has received the operating configuration from the handheld device 4. The determination of the checksum mentioned in step S 75 can then be omitted or replaced by loading the stored checksum from the memory of the centrifugal pump.

Developing this idea further, in another scenario (not shown), the handheld device 4 can determine and save the checksum once after the operating configuration has been determined. The determination of the checksum mentioned in step S 95 can then be omitted or replaced by loading the stored checksum from the memory of the handheld device.

In another scenario, not shown, both the centrifugal pump and the handheld device can each determine and save the checksum once, as explained above.

In another scenario, it is possible that only the handheld device determines the checksum and makes it available to the centrifugal pump, so that the centrifugal pump does not have to determine the checksum at all, or that only the Centrifugal pump determines the checksum and makes it available to the handheld device, so that the handheld device does not have to determine the checksum at all.

This makes it clear that numerous scenarios that carry the idea according to the invention are possible without deviating from the invention.

In the case described, the scenario in Fig. 5 In further scenarios that provide for the configuration identifier to be stored, the configuration identifier can also be formed by a timestamp or any name as an alternative to a checksum.

The scenario in Fig. 5 and the scenarios explained based on this assume that the handheld device 4 knows the centrifugal pump when querying the configuration identifier. This can be the case, for example, because there is a directed communication connection (point-to-point connection) between the handheld device and the centrifugal pump, which enables targeted data exchange between these devices. The handheld device therefore knows which centrifugal pump the received configuration identifier comes from.

However, if the handheld device 4 does not know the centrifugal pump, the centrifugal pump must identify itself to the handheld device 4. This case is discussed in the in Fig. 6 The scenario shown is taken into account, whereby the centrifugal pump uses the broadcast of a pump identifier for its identification. The scenario is analogous Fig. 5 assumes that a checksum is used as the configuration identifier.

The scenario in Fig. 6 begins again with the pre-configuration of the centrifugal pump in the software application of the hand-held device, with the operating configuration defined in this process being saved under a pump identifier of the centrifugal pump in the hand-held device, step S16. The pump identifier can be assigned by the software application, or was previously transmitted to the handheld device by the unconfigured centrifugal pump, or alternatively entered manually by an installer. The operating configuration and its are then transferred Storage in the centrifugal pump, step S26, whereby the centrifugal pump also adjusts itself according to the configuration.

After configuration, the centrifugal pump repeatedly, in particular periodically, broadcasts its pump identifier and the current configuration identifier that it determines each time as a broadcast signal, step S66. The handset 4, which is in listening mode, receives the pump identifier and the configuration identifier, step S76. It now determines the checksum as a configuration identifier from the operating configuration stored in it associated with the received pump identifier, step S86. The received checksum of the centrifugal pump is then compared with the checksum determined by the handheld device 4, step S96. If they match, the process is ended, step S106. If there is no match, a change notice 7 is output on the handheld device 4, step S116.

The special thing about the in Fig. 6 The scenario presented is analogous to the scenario in Fig. 4 the fact that there is or does not need to be a directed communication connection (point-to-point connection) between the handheld device and the centrifugal pump during operational testing or maintenance. The transmission of the pump identification and the configuration identification is not receiver-specific, ie it is not directed to a specific handheld device. Broadcasting as a broadcast signal is possible with the short-range communication technology Bluetooth 5.0, more precisely with the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol stack defined therein, which is also preferred. The centrifugal pumps 5a-5f are each equipped with a radio module, here in the form of a Bluetooth ^® radio module.

As an alternative to the broadcast of the pump and configuration identifier as a broadcast signal in step S66, which occurs automatically at intervals, the trigger for the broadcast of the centrifugal pump can also be the receipt of a query from the handheld device 4, similar to that in step S65 in Fig. 5 . Such a query can be preceded by step S66, with the repetition of the broadcast then being omitted in step S66, since the centrifugal pump only broadcasts the pump and configuration identifier, preferably once, when the query is received. However, it can The broadcast must also be repeated two or three times to ensure that the handset is receiving the broadcast signals. The query of the configuration identifier by the handheld device can also be carried out in a receiver-unspecific manner. It is therefore not aimed at a specific centrifugal pump. This can be achieved with Bluetooth 5.0 but also with Bluetooth 4.0. In response, all centrifugal pumps 5a-5f in Fig. 1 their configuration identifier, which the handset 4 also receives. The handheld device can use the pump identifier to assign which configuration identifier comes from which pump.

The pump identifier and/or the configuration identifier are transmitted in encrypted form. This is done because a common key is known to the centrifugal pumps 5a-5f and the handheld device or the software application, which is used to encrypt the data.

The pump identifier can be any alphanumeric identifier that uniquely identifies the centrifugal pump within the group or even globally, such as a centrifugal pump serial number or an SAP number. In this example, the globally unique Bluetooth address of the radio module is used as the pump identifier. Another network technical address, such as a MAC address, can also be used here.

The above too Fig. 5 Further developments of the scenario described there can also be applied to the scenario in Fig. 6 be transmitted. In this way, instead of dynamically calculating the checksum, the centrifugal pump can carry out a one-time calculation and storage and then provide this in response to the query from the handheld device. Alternatively, instead of dynamically calculating the checksum, the handheld device can carry out a one-time calculation and storage and then load and use this for comparison with the checksum of the centrifugal pump. Alternatively, both the centrifugal pump and the handheld device can operate in this way.

The others are closed too Fig. 5 The further training described in the scenario in Fig. 6 applicable in which not both devices, i.e. both the centrifugal pump and the handheld device, determine the checksum, but only one of the two devices, whereby this device then makes the checksum available to the other device. In these developments, a timestamp or any name can be used as a configuration identifier instead of the checksum.

A scenario in which an arbitrary configuration identifier is agreed between the devices when configuring the centrifugal pump is in Fig. 7 shown. First, the pre-configuration of the centrifugal pump takes place again in the software application of the handheld device 4, whereby in addition to specifying the operating configuration, a configuration identifier is specified, step S17. This can be a checksum, a timestamp, or any operational configuration name.
The operating configuration and the configuration identifier are then stored in the handheld device 4 and then transmitted to the centrifugal pump, which in turn stores them, step S27. The centrifugal pump adjusts itself according to the operating configuration.

At a later point in time, the current configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump is queried, step S67, whereupon the centrifugal pump transmits the last configuration identifier it stored, step S77. The handset 4 receives the configuration identifier, step S87, and calls up the configuration identifier it has stored. The received configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump is then compared with the configuration identifier stored in the handheld device 4, step S107. If they match, the process is ended, step S117. If there is no match, a change notice 7 is output on the handheld device 4, step S127.

In all scenarios, instead of querying the centrifugal pump or instead of non-directed querying of all centrifugal pumps as a trigger for the centrifugal pump to transmit its current configuration identifier, it can be provided that the centrifugal pump repeatedly broadcasts the configuration identifier as a broadcast signal. All circuit pumps that are being monitored can also do this. Such a scenario is in Fig. 8 shown.

According to this scenario Fig. 8 is different from the scenario described in Fig. 7 is shown, only in that instead of querying the current configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump in step S67 and transmitting the configuration identifier in response thereto in step S77, the broadcasting of the pump identifier and the current configuration identifier by the centrifugal pump as a broadcast signal occurs. This takes place without being asked, so that the handset only has to be in listening mode in order to hear or receive and evaluate the radio signals.

If this is the case, the handheld device receives the pump identifier and configuration identifier, step S88, and then calls up the configuration identifier stored in it based on the pump identifier that was also received, step S98. The test already explained then follows again, after which the received configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump is compared with the configuration identifier stored in the handheld device 4, step S108. If they match, the process is ended, step S118. If there is no match, a change notice 7 is output on the handheld device 4, step S128.

An alternative scenario in which the centrifugal pump repeatedly broadcasts its current configuration identifier as a broadcast signal is in Fig. 9 shown. This scenario is particularly useful when the configuration identifier is a timestamp, although it can also be a checksum or any name for the operational configuration.

The method again assumes that the centrifugal pump is pre-configured in the software application of the handheld device 4. The operating configuration thus defined is saved in the handheld device, step S19. The operating configuration is then transferred and stored in the centrifugal pump. In addition, a configuration identifier is created by the centrifugal pump, step S29. This configuration identifier is then transmitted to the handset 4, step S39, which receives it and stores it, step S49.

The centrifugal pump periodically broadcasts its pump identifier and its current configuration identifier as a broadcast signal, step S59. As part of an operational test or maintenance of the centrifugal pump or a group of centrifugal pumps comprising this, the hand-held device 4 is put into listening mode in order to receive and evaluate the radio signals. This can be done, for example, by starting the software application on the handheld device 4. The handheld device 4 then receives the pump identifier and configuration identifier, step S79, calls up the configuration identifier stored in the handheld device 4 based on the pump identifier, step S89, compares this with the received configuration identifier of the centrifugal pump, step S99. If there is a match, the process is ended, step S109. If there is no match, a change notice 7 is output in the handset 4, step S119.

Bluetooth is preferred as the technology for short-range communication in the scenarios. The pump identifier and the configuration identifier are broadcast as a broadcast signal in a so-called advertising channel, which is defined in the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol stack of the Bluetooth 5.0 standard. No pairing of the devices is required for the transmission.

The pump identifier can be the serial number of the centrifugal pump, alternatively the Bluetooth address of the Bluetooth radio module or any other communication address such as a MAC address.

The following is provided as a further scenario in which the method according to the invention is used:
Several employees A, B, C work in company X and take turns on-site for maintenance or operational inspections. All employees A, B, C carry their handheld device 4 with activated software application with them on all their assignments.

During on-site use, the handheld devices 4 have no Internet connection, but after use the handheld devices are synchronized via an Internet connection.

• "Sie haben diese Pumpe das letzte Mal vor 6 Monaten aufgesucht."
• "Sie haben damals eine Änderung vorgenommen."
• "Seit Ihrem letzten Besuch hat niemand eine Änderung vorgenommen."

For example, on August 1, 2017, employee A encounters the centrifugal pump with the pump ID 100123 in room 2. His handheld device 4 displays:

• "The last time you visited this pump was 6 months ago."
• “They made a change then.”
• "No one has made a change since your last visit."

• "Sie haben diese Pumpe das letzte Mal vor 6 Monaten aufgesucht."
• "Sie haben damals keine Änderung vorgenommen."
• "Vor 11 Tagen hat ein Unbekannter eine Änderung vorgenommen."

According to an alternative scenario, employee A encounters pump 100124 in room 2 on August 1, 2017. His handheld device 4 displays:

• "The last time you visited this pump was 6 months ago."
• “They didn’t make any changes back then.”
• "11 days ago an unknown person made a change."

• "Sie haben diese Pumpe noch nie aufgesucht."
• "Von Firma X hat zuletzt Mitarbeiter B die Pumpe vor 2 Monaten aufgesucht."
• "Er hat damals Änderungen vorgenommen."
• "Seitdem hat niemand Änderungen vorgenommen."

According to another alternative scenario, employee A encounters pump 200007 in room 2 on August 1st, 2017. His handheld device 4 displays:

• "You've never visited this pump before."
• "Employee B from Company X last visited the pump 2 months ago."
• “He made changes back then.”
• “Nobody has made any changes since then.”

To implement these scenarios, a configuration identifier in the form of a timestamp (ZLE) generated by the pump is used. The ZLE is constantly sent repeatedly as a broadcast signal, for example via the Bluetooth Advertising Channel. All ZLE are collected by the software application of the handheld device of the respective employee A, B, C of company X when he is on site and uploaded to a central server with an existing internet connection. The data that applies personally to the employee (see “A-Part” explained below) is compared with a global part and, if new, is transferred to the global part. Conversely, ZLE are also transferred from the server to the employees' handheld devices ("synchronization of server and handheld devices"). This means that the information that various employees of a company collect merged. In addition to the list on the central server, there are copies on all handheld devices. An example of a list held on employee A's handset is shown in Fig. 11 shown.

• Beginn des Besuches: Die Pumpenkennung taucht erstmalig in der Liste der gefundenen Kreiselpumpen auf. Dies ist der Fall, wenn die Bluetooth Signalstärke ausreichend stark ist, um die Advertising Channel Informationen fehlerfrei lesen zu können.
• Ende des Besuches: Die Pumpenkennung verschwindet aus der Liste der gefundenen Geräte, weil der Nutzer sich aus ihrer Funkreichweite entfernt.

The software application recognizes the “visit” of a pump as follows:

• Start of the visit: The pump identifier appears for the first time in the list of centrifugal pumps found. This is the case if the Bluetooth signal strength is sufficiently strong to be able to read the advertising channel information without errors.
• End of visit: The pump ID disappears from the list of devices found because the user moves out of its radio range.

It is possible that an employee on site enters and leaves the radio range of a pump several times. This should still be counted as “one visit” and not “multiple visits”. Therefore, the software application can combine these events into one event, for example by defining that there can only be 1 visit per day. It is also conceivable to use GPS to detect that the employee is moving away from the location.

A flowchart of a scenario under synchronization with a server is shown in Fig. 12.

The solution makes it possible to register changes via the pump HMI as well as changes via the software application. This works because every change (including via the pump HMI) is communicated to the software application within seconds via the Bluetooth advertising channel. The software application then synchronizes this information to the server when there is an Internet connection. The only requirement is that the handheld device is within radio range of the pump and the software application is activated when any change is made.

Instead of just synchronizing the information of one company's employees, all visit information can be aggregated across companies on the server. So "External changes" could also be displayed by name. It is also conceivable that companies could release their visit information to others voluntarily or upon request.

• wann man selbst die Pumpe das letzte Mal besucht hat,
• wann ein Kollege die Pumpe das letzte Mal besucht hat, und
• ob beim letzten Besuch Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

If a timestamp is used as configuration information, the data of several employees can be merged. In this way it can be displayed

• when you last visited the pump,
• when a colleague last visited the pump, and
• whether changes were made during the last visit.

The technical requirement is that the pump constantly sends the ZLE or something similar repeatedly and that the employees always carry a hand-held device with an activated software application with them.

Claims (18)

1. Method for monitoring an electronically controlled rotary pump (5a-5f) of a hydraulic system (1), the operation of which can be established at a first point in time through a changeable operating configuration, characterised by the rotary pump (5a- 5f) at a later, second point in time transmitting at least one configuration information identifying its current operating configuration to a mobile hand-held unit (4) or to a server, which compares this configuration information with a second configuration information that identifies the last operating configuration known to the hand-held unit (4) or the server, and by a change notice (7) being output on the hand-held unit (4) when the transmitted configuration information does not match the second configuration information.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one configuration information being an operating parameter or an operating setting of the rotary pump's operating configuration (5a-5f).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by the rotary pump (5a- 5f) transmitting its entire current or a part of the current operating configuration to the mobile hand-held unit (4) or the server, which compares this operating configuration or part of the operating configuration with a second operating configuration or part of a second operating configuration, being the last operating configuration known to the hand-held unit (4) or the server for the rotary pump (5a-5f), and by a change notice (7) being output on the hand-held unit (4) when the transmitted operating configuration or part of the operating configuration does not match the second operating configuration or part of the second operating configuration.
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by the operating configuration being established directly on the rotary pump (5a-5f) and this operating configuration or part of this operating configuration subsequently being transmitted to the hand-held unit (4) or the server and being stored there as the last known operating configuration.
5. Method according to claim 1, characterised by the operating configuration being established directly on the rotary pump (5a-5f), which subsequently creates a configuration ID identifying the operating configuration, stores this and transmits it to the hand-held unit (4) or the server, which stores it as the second configuration information.
6. Method according to one of the claims 1 through 3, characterised by the operating configuration being established using the hand-held unit (4), which stores the operating configuration and transmits it to the rotary pump (5a-5f), which also stores it and configures itself according to the operating configuration.
7. Method according to claim 6, characterised by the hand-held unit (4) creating a configuration ID identifying the operating configuration, which it stores as the second configuration information and transmits to the rotary pump (5a-5f) that stores it as well.
8. Method according to claim 6, characterised by the rotary pump (5a-5f) creating and storing a configuration ID during storage of the operating configuration.
9. Method according to claim 8, characterised by the hand-held unit (4), while establishing and transmitting the operating configuration, creating a configuration ID and storing it as a second configuration ID.
10. Method according to claim 8, characterised by the rotary pump (5a-5f) subsequently transmitting the generated configuration ID to the hand-held unit (4) or the server, which stores it as the second configuration information.
11. Method according to claim 5 or 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised by the configuration ID

    - being an alphanumeric name for the operating configuration, or

    - a time stamp stating the point in time when the operating configuration was established or stored, or

    - a checksum generated from the operating configuration based on rules.
12. Method according to at least one of the claims 4 or 6, characterised by the configuration information being a checksum generated by the rotary pump (5a-5f) from its current operating configuration based on rules, and the second configuration information being a checksum generated by the hand-held unit (4) or the server from its stored operating configuration based on identical rules.
13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by the rotary pump (5a-5f) transmitting the configuration information on request of the hand-held unit (4).
14. Method according to one of the claims 1 through 13, characterised by the rotary pump (5a-5f) repeatedly transmitting the configuration information as a radio signal, which is received by the hand-held unit (4) in an activated listening operating mode.
15. System comprising at least one electronically controlled rotary pump (5a-5f) and a hand-held unit (4) or a server, characterised by the rotary pump (5a-5f) and the hand-held unit (4) or the server being configured to execute the method according to one of the claims 1 through 14.
16. Computer program to monitor an electronically controlled rotary pump (5a-5f) of a hydraulic system (1), the operation of which can be established by means of a changeable operating configuration at a first point in time, comprising commands that, during execution of the program by a hand-held unit (4), cause the hand-held unit (4) to receive at least one configuration information identifying its current operating configuration from the rotary pump (5a- 5f) at a later, second point in time and to compare it with a second configuration information, which identifies the last operating configuration known to the hand-held unit (4), and to output a change notice (7) when the transmitted configuration information does not match the second configuration information.
17. Computer program according to claim 16, characterised by the commands upon execution of the program on the hand-held unit (4) causing the hand-held unit (4) to execute the method according to at least one of the claims 2 through 14, insofar as the hand-held unit (4) is active in the method.
18. Computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 16 or 17 is stored.

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