WO2005081078A1

WO2005081078A1 - Method and system for providing set values for electrical units of an automation system

Info

Publication number: WO2005081078A1
Application number: PCT/DE2005/000220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jürgen Binder; Günter Hochhold; Oliver SCHRÖDEL
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2004-02-20
Filing date: 2005-02-08
Publication date: 2005-09-01
Also published as: DE102004009528A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for providing set values for electrical units (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of an automation system, which enables a comparatively simple data management of parameterizing data underlying required set values. According to the invention, communication links for requesting parameterizing data contained in a central parameterizing database (7) are established between parameterizing tools (4a, 4b, 4c) and a central parameterizing database (7), said tools being assigned to the respective electrical units (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). The requested parameterizing data are transferred from the central parameterizing database (7) to the respective parameterizing tool (4a, 4b, 4c). Afterwards, by means of the respective parameterizing tool (4a, 4b, 4c), respective set values for the respective electrical unit (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to be parameterized are generated from the parameterizing data and are transferred from the respective parameterizing tool (4a, 4b, 4c) to the respective electrical unit (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to be parameterized. The invention also concerns a system for providing set values for electrical units of an automation system.

Description

description

Method and system for providing setting values for electrical devices in an automation system

To control automated processes, such as manufacturing processes or distribution processes for e.g. B. electrical energy, water or gas, so-called automation systems are usually used. Such automation systems usually consist of individual electrical devices distributed around the process. These electrical devices, for example, record measured values of the automated process and / or control tasks for controlling the automated process by means of control devices integrated in the device. In addition, electrical devices in the form of protective devices can be provided, which monitor the observance of a normal operating state of the process on the basis of measured values obtained from the process. In the event that the process leaves the normal operating state, they automatically initiate the necessary countermeasures. The individual electrical devices can each be connected - directly or indirectly via further intermediate points - to centrally or decentrally arranged control center devices or control rooms.

When the automated process is started up for the first time, the process control is changed, or the structure of the automation system is changed, the electrical devices of the automation system are often to be upgraded by entering certain setting values so that they can perform their control functions as desired. Such a setting of electrical devices in an automation system is collectively referred to as parameterization of the electrical devices. For example, in the case of automatic protective devices, desired protective functions must be activated and configured in the course of parameterization using such setting values. Furthermore, limit values are defined that define the normal operating state of the process, and settings are made in which way the protective device should react to certain events. In addition, settings can be made on all electrical devices, for example, with regard to their mode of communication with other devices or with regard to the measurement value acquisition.

To carry out a parameterization, a so-called parameterization tool is usually used, which usually consists of a microprocessor-controlled computing device with special parameterization software. By means of micro-processor controlled computing device such as a laptop, can - controlled _t of the respective configuration software - see for parameterization of each electrical appliance necessary adjustments. Each parameterization tool usually has its own internal database in which the information required for the respective electrical device to be parameterized is stored in the form of parameterization data. Such parameterization data can contain, for example, information about the functional scope of the corresponding electrical device and the exact local arrangement of the electrical device in the automation system. Using the parameterization data from the internal database, the respective parameterization tool generates, for example, a parameterization file for the electrical device to be parameterized with the corresponding setting values for the electrical device. The parameterization file is subsequently transferred to the electrical device wear. After integrating the setting values into the control device of the electrical device, the parameterization is completed.

Since different parameterization tools, each with its own internal database, are often used for different electrical devices, for example devices from different manufacturers, in the event of a change, for example the process structure, changed parameterization data must be time-consuming and costly in each internal database of each individual Parameterization tool can be entered. Furthermore, complex monitoring must also be carried out to determine whether all parameterization tools are at the same level of information with regard to their parameterization data.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a method and a system for providing setting values for electrical devices in an automation system, which permits comparatively low-cost data storage of the parameterization data on which the setting values are based.

With regard to the method, the object is achieved according to the invention by a method for providing setting values for electrical devices of an automation system controlled by control devices, in which

Communication connections are formed between the parameterization tools assigned to the respective electrical devices and a central parameterization database for requesting parameterization data contained in the central parameterization database; the requested parameterization data are transferred from the central parameterization database to the respective parameterization tool; Using the respective parameterization tool, respective setting values for the respective electrical device to be parameterized and the setting values are determined by the respective

Transfer the parameterization tool to the control device of the electrical device to be parameterized. The main advantage of the method according to the invention is that the use of a single central parameterization database, to which all parameterization tools have access, means that new entries or changes to the parameterization data no longer have to be made with great effort for each individual parameterization tool. It is also not necessary to adapt the individual parameterization tools to one another with regard to their respective database of parameterization data.

An advantageous development of the method according to the invention provides that the communication connections are established between the respective parameterization tools and a software interface connected to the central parameterization database. The software interface advantageously coordinates and monitors the data access of the individual parameterization tools to the central parameterization database.

According to an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the communication connections are made via a

Network trained. In this way, a distributed arrangement of the parameterization tools or mobile use in the vicinity of the electrical devices to be parameterized is easily possible.

In this context, an intranet or the Internet can advantageously be used as the network. Common and field-tested ones exist for this type of network Communication protocols and programs that, for. B. Take over data requests and data transfers.

According to an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, parameterization tools with a client functionality and a software interface with a server functionality can also be used. In this way, the parameterization tools can be connected to the software interface of the central parameterization database using common methods from the area of client-server communication.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a web service interface is used as the software interface. A web service is a method defined by the standardization committee W3C for data exchange between individual computers or applications running on them (cf. in particular on the Internet http: // www. W3. Org / 2002 / ws /). The use of web services has the advantage that they can be used independently of operating systems and hardware configurations for communication between two data processing devices - in this case, therefore, the individual parameterization tools and a data processing device having the software interface.

A further advantageous development of the method according to the invention also provides that the setting values are combined by the respective parameterization tool in a parameterization file, which is transmitted to the electrical device to be parameterized. In this way, by transferring a single parameterization file, e.g. B. in the form of a text file, to the respective electrical see device all setting values are provided together.

According to a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the parameterization data are also transmitted in encrypted form. This has the advantage that, for example, when using a generally accessible network, such as the Internet, when transferring the parameterization data between the central parameterization database or the software interface and the parameterization tools, these are secured against access or manipulation by third parties.

Another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention further provides that the parameterization data are transmitted in XML format. XML is a description language that is particularly suitable for the hierarchical structuring of data. In this form, parameterization data can be processed particularly clearly.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is further provided that the transmitted setting values are incorporated into the control device for parameterization. In this case, for the final parameterization of the respective electrical device, no further inputs have to be made directly on the electrical device; in this case, integration into the control device takes place automatically.

With regard to the system, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a system for providing setting values for electrical devices in an automation system, which has at least two parameterization tools, each one have first communication interface for connection to at least one electrical device to be parameterized; in addition, the system has a central parameterization database, each of which is connected to a second communication interface of the individual parameterization tools. In turn, it is considered to be a significant advantage that a common central parameterization database is provided for all parameterization tools, which database holds the required parameterization data. In this way, a time-consuming comparison of the parameterization data inventory of the individual parameterization tools with one another is avoided.

An advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention is that the respective second communication interface is connected to the central parameterization database via a software interface. The software interface can advantageously monitor and coordinate access to the central parameterization database.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, it can be provided that the respective parameterization tools are connected to the software interface via a network, in particular an intranet or the Internet. This enables a decentralized arrangement of the parameterization tools. Use of mobile parameterization tools, e.g. Laptops that can be connected to the respective network are also possible.

For a more detailed explanation of the invention, a system for parameterizing electrical devices of an automation system is shown schematically in the figure. The figure shows highly schematically a process 1, which is, for example, an automated manufacturing process or a distribution process z. B. can act for gas, water or electrical energy. For the following explanations, it should be assumed that process 1 is an electrical energy transmission network for the distribution of electrical energy. At various locations in process 1, electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d controlled by control devices 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are connected to process 1. The electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d represent, for example, control devices for controlling the energy flow in the electrical energy transmission network, protective devices for monitoring the energy flow in the electrical energy transmission network and control devices for detecting the energy quality in the electrical energy transmission network with regard to, for example, compliance with a predetermined network frequency Electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are, as indicated only schematically in the figure, connected to one another via a data bus 3 and possibly also to further electrical devices or higher-level control centers. The electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d form a so-called automation system together with possibly existing control centers and other electrical devices.

In order for the electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d to function as desired with regard to process 1 and their special tasks, they must be provided with appropriate setting values during initial commissioning and changes to process 1 or to the configuration of the automation system, which define the respective device function , Such setting values are set in the course of parameterizing the electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d to an internal transfer internal memory of the electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d, so that the respective integrated control device 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d - for example a microprocessor unit - can perform the necessary control tasks of the electrical device on the basis of the setting values.

In the course of such a parameterization, data inputs and outputs of the electrical device are configured, for example, inputs are defined here, at which current and voltage measured values from process 1 are recorded. Furthermore, when parameterizing, one or more communication standards are selected according to which the electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d communicate with one another and possibly with a control center; In addition, special process-related values are set which, for example, indicate limit values or a limit value range which must not be exceeded in normal operation of process 1, and reactions of the respective electrical device 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d to specific events in process 1 - for example a limit violation - set. In addition, information is to be transmitted to the electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, for example, at which point in the process 1 they and possibly other electrical devices are located. For this purpose, GPS coordinates can be transmitted to the respective electrical device 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, for example.

Such parameterization of the electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d takes place with so-called parameterization tools 4a, 4b and 4c. In the example shown in the figure, for example, the devices 2a and 2b are each set using the parameterization tools 4a and 4b, while the electrical devices 2c and 2d can be set using the parameterization tool 4c. For example, the electrical devices 2c and 2d by similar protective devices that can be set using a common parameterization tool 4c.

Parameterization tools are usually microprocessor-controlled computing devices on which a special parameterization software is installed. Portable computers (laptops) are particularly suitable for mobile use in the vicinity of the process; if they are arranged in a fixed position, normal PCs with the appropriate parameterization software can also be used. The parameterization tool 4a is directly connected to a software interface 5 according to the figure, for example the parameterization tool 4a is a mobile or stationary parameterization PC which is connected to the software interface 5 via a data line by means of a software adapter (not shown). In this case, the software adapter can be designed, for example, on a computing device on which the software interface 5 is also installed. It is also possible for the parameterization tool 4a to be installed on the same computing device as the software interface 5 and the central parameterization database 7. Even in such a case, however, only one parameterization database 7 exists in the entire parameterization system, from which the parameterization tools 4a, 4b, 4c refer to their parameterization data.

The parameterization tools 4b and 4c, on the other hand, are initially connected to a network 6 - this can be, for example, the Internet or an intranet - and the network 6 in turn provides a connection

Software interface 5 ago. The parameterization tools 4b and 4c can, for example, be mobile computers that are used in the vicinity of the process. The connection the network 6 can be configured in a conventional manner, for example via direct network lines or via a wireless network connection, via a radio network or with the aid of mobile telephones.

The software interface 5 coordinates and monitors the access from the individual parameterization tools 4a, 4b, 4c to a central parameterization database 7, in which the parameterization data required for parameterizing the electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are stored.

A parameterization of the electrical devices 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d will now be explained using the example of the electrical device 2b and the associated parameterization tool 4b.

The parameterization tool 4b first establishes a communication connection with the software interface 5 via the network 6. For this purpose, for example, a client functionality of the parameterization tool 4b can be provided, with the aid of which the parameterization tool 4b e.g. according to a conventional client-server internet connection according to typical internet protocols (TCP / IP) with the software interface 5 acting as a server. The software interface 5 can be, for example, a software interface installed on a server device, which provides a so-called web service, which enables communication that is independent of the operating system and hardware structure of the client.

The parameterization tool 4b calls for the electrical

Device 2b requires parameterization data from the software interface 5. For this purpose, the software interface 5 accesses the central parameterization database 7 and receives an answer the required parameterization data on request. This parameterization data is in turn transmitted to the parameterization tool 4b via the network 6. In order to ensure the required data security and to prevent manipulation of the parameterization data by third parties, it is expedient to transmit the parameterization data in encrypted form via the network 6. It is also advantageous if the parameterization data are available in XML format and can be read and easily structured by any parameterization tool and are therefore easy to manage. In contrast, the data communication from the software interface 5 to the database 7 does not necessarily have to be carried out in a generally readable standard.

With the aid of the parameterization data received from the central database 7 via the software interface 5, the parameterization tool 4b creates the setting values tailored to the electrical device 2b. This can be done automatically, for example, using preset parameterization rules; Usually, however, the parameterization file will be created on the basis of specifications previously defined by a user.

The setting values generated by the parameterization tool 4b are finally transmitted to the electrical device 2b - individually or in the form of a parameterization file. This is shown schematically in the figure by a dotted line 8. The setting values can be transmitted, for example, by means of a fixed or temporarily established data connection via a data line or also a wireless connection (infrared, radio) or also with the aid of a data carrier (for example a floppy disk). After the setting values have been transmitted to the electrical device 2b, they can, for. B. automatically integrated into the control device of the electrical device 2b and stored at a corresponding point in the electrical device 2b. The electrical device 2b is then finally parameterized and can start automation operation on process 1.

The other electrical devices 2a, 2c and 2d are set analogously with the aid of the parameterization tools 4a and 4c. The main advantage of this procedure is seen in the fact that the parameterization data required for device parameterization are now stored in a central parameterization database 7, to which all parameterization tools 4a, 4b and 4c can access. This eliminates the need for regular and comparatively complex comparisons of the parameterization data that are otherwise necessarily provided in the parameterization tools 4a, 4b and 4c. Since there is no data storage itself on the parameterization tools 4a, 4b, 4c, there is also no need to compare the parameterization data between the parameterization tools 4a, 4b, 4c and any existing central data archive. The central parameterization database 7 is namely the only database in which changes are made.

Claims

claims

1. Method for providing setting values for electrical devices (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) controlled by control devices (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) of an automation system, in which the following method steps are carried out: - Establishing communication connections between the respective ones Parameterization tools (4a, b, 4c) assigned to electrical devices (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a central parameterization database (7) for requesting parameterization data contained in the central parameterization database (7); Transfer of the requested parameterization data from the central parameterization database (7) to the respective parameterization tool (4a, 4b, 4c); - Generating respective setting values for the electrical device (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to be parameterized from the parameterizing data using the respective parameterizing tool (4a, 4b, 4c) and transferring the respective setting values from the respective parameterizing tool (4a, 4b) , c) to the control device (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) of the electrical device (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to be parameterized in each case.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication connections between the respective parameterization tools (4a, 4b, 4c) and a software interface (5) connected to the central parameterization database (7) are formed.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that

- The communication connections are formed over a network (6).

4. The method according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that an intranet or the Internet is used as the network (6).

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, that the parameterization tools (4a, 4b, 4c) with a client functionality and a software interface (5) with a server functionality are used.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, that a web service interface is used as the software interface (5).

7. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, that the setting values are combined by the respective parameterization tool (4a, 4b, 4c) in a parameterization file which is transmitted to the electrical device (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to be parameterized.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parameterization data are transmitted in encrypted form.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the parameterization data are transmitted in XML format.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that - the transmitted setting values for parameterization in the control device (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are integrated.

11. System for providing setting values for electrical devices (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of an automation system with at least two parameterization tools (4a, 4b, 4c), each having a first communication interface for connection to at least one electrical device to be parameterized (2a , 2b, 2c, 2d), and a central parameterization database (7) connected to a second communication interface of the individual parameterization tools (4a, 4b, 4c).

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, so that the respective second communication interface is connected to the central parameterization database (7) via a software interface (5).

13. System according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the respective parameterization tools (4a, 4b, 4c) via a network (6), in particular an intranet or the Internet, with the central parameterization database (7) or the software interface (5) are.