WO2006094908A1

WO2006094908A1 - Measuring device and method for monitoring a network

Info

Publication number: WO2006094908A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/060254
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jens Burger; Gerhard Lang
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2005-03-07
Filing date: 2006-02-24
Publication date: 2006-09-14
Also published as: DE102005011619A1; EP1856840A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device and a method for monitoring by areas a network comprising at least one bus and electronic devices communicating through said bus by means of a protocol. The inventive measuring device is embodied in such a way that it is portable, can be used in different locations and is connectable directly to the bus or a device by an interface with the aid of a connection element. A display device for displaying signals transmitted according to the protocol used at a connection to the network is provided. The inventive measuring device is flexible, adaptable to different switch stations and is simple in use.

Description

description

Measuring device and method for testing a network

The invention relates to a measuring device and method for checking a network which contains at least one bus and electronic devices communicating via this bus.

In the area of energy supply, especially in nungs- Hochspan- and medium voltage range, are currently used for building African switchgear generally "intelligent" electro ^¬ devices.

These electronic devices are, for example, current or voltage transformers, protective devices or control units. Within the switchgear this Ge ^¬ can councils communicate with each other via a bus, which is why these devices are referred to as "intelligent". Bus and electro ^¬ African devices form a network.

Such a network allows the mutual control or monitoring of electronic devices. For example, in the event of a malfunction of the converter, the protective device could be activated to a specific behavior based on a signal from the converter.

Within the networks of switchgear of today's design, the individual electronic devices communicate by means of protocols. In this regard, the standard IEC 61850 is to be mentioned, which specifies specifications for the protocol as well as the bus. This standard has been used more and more frequently at international level for some years now. Networks of the kind described are anfäl in two ways ^¬ lig one hand may have the equipment malfunction, the other hand can also be the communication, the bus may be faulty. An example of the latter point would be a truncated data line.

If a switchgear is faulty, it will usually be attempted to correct the fault. Prefer the technician repairing a faulty switchgear described type, the first step will be the source of error (s) to taping Loka ^¬.

Here, a technician with the problem is confronted, a complicated construction network to face: On the one hand contains the bus a large number of logical Ka ^¬ nälen in which samples are transmitted consecutively. On the other hand, also the abundance of the functions that have a ^¬ individual electronic devices, very high.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a flexible measuring device which is easy to use for various switchgear systems and makes it possible to detect sources of error in switchgear systems of the type above in which the devices contained in the switchgear communicate via protocols. with little time to locate, as well as a

To provide a method by which such switchgear can be checked efficiently.

These objects are achieved by a measuring device and by two methods according to the independent claims.

By having a meter for field-by-zone checking of a network which has at least one bus and over it Bus by means of a protocol communicating electronic devices is provided, the meter is portable for use in different places, and is connected by means of a connecting element with the bus directly or with one of the devices via interfaces, and a display device for displaying the in place Having the connection in the network according to the protocol used signals, a flexible and rapid review of a network, in particular a network contained in a switchgear, is possible.

If one wishes to check a specific area of the network, the measuring device is connected by means of the connection ^element at one point to the bus located in this area or, alternatively, to an electronic device located in this area. The signals passed through the bus at the location indicated by the connector are picked up by the meter. These recorded signals are decrypted according to the protocol used. The decrypted signals are displayed as data from the display device.

Sends for example a first electronic device data to a second electronic device, these data are displayed by the display device of the measuring device: This under the condition that the connection element with the location of the bus or the electronic Gerä is connected ^¬ th course over which these Data is transferred.

The data collected by the meter provides clues as to whether the network is working properly in the area where it is being measured. Errors of the network in this area would be expressed by the fact that the deviate from comparative data. Since the data that is transmitted via the bus are usually connected to certain functions of an electronic device, a deviation of these data from the comparison values directly implies a malfunction of the specific function of the electronic device.

If the malfunction of the electronic device can not be confirmed, the deviating data indicates a fault in the bus.

Since the data flow is usually defined in a network, such determinations would have narrowed down the area of the bus in which the error must lie. By measuring the data at a more appropriate location of the network, this error could be further limited.

The inventive measuring device can also be in a construction o of an extension of a network are used: After each extension to each an electronic device, the range of the network is checked, which is newly created by the ^¬ He furtherance. As a result, errors in the network can be quickly detected and eliminated.

As connecting elements, for example, the cables used in networking technology, including light ^¬ waveguides are. At the meter would be provided a suitable socket in which one end of the connecting element or the network cable would be plugged. Alternatively, of course, a fixed connection of measuring device and connecting element would be possible, ie, the connecting element would itself be part of the meter. The other end of the connector or network cable is connected to the bus directly or to one of the electronic devices via an interface. A direct Verbin ^¬ dung bus and connecting element would be, for example, by DA possible that one separates the bus and introduced at the interface connectors to which the connection element can be inserted and can be connected to the bus. Of course, such connection sockets can also be integrated in the network from the beginning at suitable locations in the bus.

An alternative to this would be to connect the connecting ^element with egg ^¬ nem of the electronic devices, which usually already have multiple interfaces. In particular, the connection of the connecting element to a switch is to be emphasized here.

Of course, the measuring device according to the invention is not limited to being connected to only one connecting element and / or having only one display device. In particular, if you want to measure in parallel at several locations of the network or if you want to avoid a back and forth change of the connecting element, offers a Messge ^¬ advises, which can be connected to a plurality of connecting elements, and that also has a plurality of display devices.

The fact that the measuring device according to the invention is portable, it can be easily used in many places. Because ^¬ by that an operation of the measuring device

only requires the establishment and release of connections and reading the display of the meter, the meter is also very easy to handle: Elaborate connection work and decryption of data transmitted over the network is anticipated by the meter.

Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

An advantageous development of the invention provides that the network contains electronic devices such as converters and / or protective devices and / or control devices.

These devices are used in the field of energy supply in almost every switchgear.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the network is an Ethernet network.

The worldwide spread of Ethernet in the various applications, the technology for a suffi ^¬ is accordingly proven and reliable network infrastructure loading riding. Star, line and ring structures are available to suit your needs and environment, using both copper and fiber optic cables. Redundancy concepts or the modern wireless LAN are also available for use. Of the various types of Ethernet, in particular the real-time Ethernet is to emphasize that compared to the other systems with respect to the synchronization of the participants has great advantages.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the interfaces are Ethernet interfaces. Commercially available sockets for network cables such as type RJ45 can be used as sockets. For light ^¬ waveguide solutions are possible.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the bus used in the network and the protocol used in the network comply with the IEC 61850 standard.

So far, there is no globally accepted international standard for communication in switchgear, although some manufacturers use parts of standards from other application ^¬ areas. This is the background of why the IEC 61850 standard was created: this standard is intended to replace individual solutions and become a standard on an international level.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the display device is a display device for displaying the signals transmitted in the network of the transducers contained in the network.

Such a measuring device would thus be geared to a specific task: checking the transducers contained in the network and checking the bus's data lines running to the transducers. Of course, other functions can also be integrated in the measuring device as required. Whether equipping an inventive measuring device with one or more radio ^¬ tions, the meter will depend on the intended area of application.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the measuring device has an evaluation device, by means of which the signals transmitted at the location of the connection in the network and recorded by the measuring device, which Render information of power and / or voltage transformers of the power network, are time evaluable in order to check the quality of the power network.

The quality of an energy network can be assessed, for example, by the temporal behavior of the voltage of the energy network. It is desirable that the mains AC voltage of the power network has a constant frequency, a perfect ^sine waveform and a constant amplitude. All ^¬ recently, the properties of a network during operation due to load variations, interference by other equipment, and the occurrence of errors which are mainly caused by external events to change.

The evaluation device of the measuring device makes it possible to temporally evaluate the signals transmitted in the network and recorded by the measuring device with respect to the voltage of the energy network (keyword: "power quality"). In particular, he ^¬ it laubt the evaluation, the quality of the energy ^¬ network in terms of network quality criteria according to EN assess 50,160th In addition to an evaluation of voltage signals, it is alternatively possible to look at the course of the current in the energy network.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the measuring device ent ^¬ holds a first selection device, with which the signals to be displayed on the display device can be selected specifically.

As a rule, large volumes of data are transmitted over the bus of a network. A simultaneous representation of all these data is usually not useful. The one who checks the network usually wants to look at only certain data, such as the output voltage of a Converter. The meter selection device allows the operator to selectively select such data.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the measuring device includes a transmitting device, by means of which signals can be sent in accordance with the protocol used in the network via the connecting element.

The electronic devices are usually equipped with features that allow them to an input specific

Signals respond. This reaction can vary in different ways depending on the structure of the e- lektronischen device: For example, by a signal a "mechanical" radio ^¬ tion of the device is triggered, such as in egg nem protection device switching off a protected area. Another possibility is that the electronic device announces the reception of the signals via the display of a display or via light-emitting diodes or the like. Another possibility is that the electronic device emits signals on the basis of the signal itself. A typical example would be signals for your status (if any) of the elekt ^¬ tronic device: If an electronic device intended for it signals the status inquiry, the device responds with sending the desired information. If the measuring device contains a transmitting device, signals can be sent to the individual electronic devices. With these signals certain functions of the devices can be triggered. Thus, in addition to the examination of the communication ^¬ connections and a review of the functions of the devices is possible.

Are electronic devices with the possibility equipped kitchens ^¬ tet even send out signals so the answers can the individual devices are displayed on the display device of the meter. Thus target specific Components ^¬ can th and certain functions of the network checks the ^¬. Functional failures of the devices addressed in this way would be immediately recognizable, in the extreme case by a lack of response. The prerequisite here is, of course, that the components that you want to address the transmitting device, are equipped with appropriate response functions.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the meter ent a second selector ^¬ holds, with which can be selected from the meter to the network signals to be transmitted.

The signals to be sent by the meter would be particular

Signals, reindeer to the individual components of the network reagie ^¬ as described above. The second selection device of the measuring device allows the operator to easily send certain signals, for example for interrogating or controlling electronic devices, to the network: The signals to be sent are already implemented in the measuring device and only have to be selected. For example, a transmission signal could be available for selecting the status of a protection device. With a different signal, for example, a protective ^device could be targeted for protection ^triggering , for example via the simulation of an excessive current value.

Furthermore, the the meter may be tattet ausges-, which allows more signals to the Messge ^¬ advises to transfer, for example via a network connection, or via a storage medium with a device. This makes it possible for the meter to adapt to new situations. A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the measuring device has a device by means of which the physical properties of the area of the network selected over the location of the connection can be checked.

An example of such a device would be a so-called network analyzer. A measuring device with such a Vorrich- processing allows the network fen two ways to überprü ^¬: The first is the already mentioned above over ^¬ audit of the transmitted bus data, the second option is to test the physical properties of the network.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the measuring device is designed as a handheld computer.

For the function of the meter necessary electronic

Components, display device, allow interfaces for the one or more fasteners

due to the limited functions a compact design of the meter. The meter may include other interfaces to receive data, for example, to play software on the meter, or to retrieve data from the meter.

A laptop may also be a measuring device according to the invention, provided that the laptop is accordingly converted. The invention will now be explained with reference to an embodiment ^{¬ he} explained.

The figure shows a measuring device 1 for the area-wise inspection of a network 2. The network consists here exempla ^¬ risch of three converters 4a, 4b, 4c, a merging unit 5, egg ^¬ nem switch 6 and a protective device 7. These electronic devices are all connected to each other via a bus 3. The network shown here is a real-time Ethernet network with corresponding Ethernet interfaces. The bus and included in the network, the Pro ^¬ protocol used by the network complying with IEC 61850 standard.

The measuring device 1 is designed as a handheld computer. It contains a display device 9, a first selection device 10 and a second selection device 11. By way of example, three alternatives are shown in FIG. 1, in which the measuring device 1 is connected to the network 2: the measuring device is connected to the bus via the connection element 8a the connecting element 8b, the meter is connected to the switch, and via 8c, the meter is connected to the protection device. The fasteners are all commercially available network cables in this example. For the connection of the connecting elements corresponding sockets are provided.

The connecting elements 8 transmit the signals of the bus picked up at the individual points to the measuring device 1. By means of electronic components and software, these signals are processed within the measuring device 1. The machining ^¬ processing includes, for example here, the decryption of the Sig ^¬ tional to the used network protocol. Via a first selection device 10, operated via a push button, the data decrypted by the meter to be displayed on the display device 9 are selected. In this example, you could, for example, the clamping voltage of the converter can ^¬ 4c show that dung element over Then connecting is measured 8a.

Furthermore, the measuring device 1 contains a transmitting device, by means of which signals can be sent to the network 2 via the connecting elements. 1 In this regard, the measuring device contains a second selection device 11, with which the out by the measurement device in the network signals to be transmitted ^¬ be selected. For example, a transmission signal which polls the status of the protection device 7 can be selected via the selection device 11. After selection of this transmission signal, the Sig ^¬ could, for example, via the connecting member 8c are nal sent to the network 2, and the response function of the protective device are displayed on the display device 9 7 via the connecting member 8b. Alternatively, of course, other connection elements for transmitting the data can be selected.

Further includes the measuring device 1 a, not Darge here ^¬ provided, apparatus for measuring the physical properties and signal quality of the network, as well as an evaluation teeinrichtung, by means of which, due to the signals of current and / or voltage converters, the quality of the energy network according to the standard EN 50160 can be assessed.

In this embodiment, a computer 14 is provided in addition to the measuring device 1. Meter 1 and computer 14 can communicate with each other. The connection between meter 1 and computer 14 is via an interface 12 on the meter, an interface 15 on the computer and a connection 13 forth ^¬ made.

For the connection 13 of meter 1 and computer 14, all kinds of network connections are possible. In this example, connection 13 is a wireless LAN connection. This has the advantage that the handling of the instrument is not adversely impressive ^¬.

Via the computer 14, the signals recorded by the measuring device 1 can be queried and stored. Furthermore, be ^¬ is the possibility of transmitting via the computer 14 data on the meter, such as signals for at ^¬ control of certain electronic devices. The use of a computer in conjunction with the meter 1 in the manner shown here, to handle an na ^¬ hezu any division of functions between the meter and calculator. For example, all control, evaluation and processing tasks can be taken over by the computer in this way: the measuring device would in this case be a mere means for receiving the signals in the network. The Ver ^¬ loss of the meter of functions has the advantage that the handling of the instrument is simplified.

With the measuring device shown here, the network can be checked in various ways.

Via the connecting element 8a, the measuring device 1 is connected directly to the bus. The junction is between the

Merging unit 5 and the converter 4c. The location of the connection allows to check the signals sent from the converter 4c to the merging unit. Would the converter 4c a Have malfunction, so this would be the error of the data that are transmitted to the merging unit and are forwarded by the connecting element 8a to the meter, be visible. Similarly, a defectiveness of the bus to the area between converter 4c and joint with the connecting element 8a, a ^¬ could be limiting in this way.

Another possibility is not to connect the meter directly to the bus, as just described, but via an interface with one of the devices. Thus, the measuring device 1 via the connecting element 8c with the protective device 7 ver ^¬ connected. In this way, a direct check of the electronic device, here the protection device, is possible.

Furthermore, certain points in the bus can already be defined in the network with which the measuring device can be connected via a connecting element. In this embodiment, such a point is defined by the switch 6. About the connecting element 8b tapped at the switch 6 are

Signals transmitted to the meter 1 and can be checked there.

Another way the function of the network to heck Ü which offers Sendevorrich ^¬ contained in the instrument 1 processing. By means of the transmission device, signals that can be selected by the second selection device 11 can be sent to the network in a targeted manner. For example, the measuring device 1 allows to select a signal which is sent to the protective device via the connecting element 8c and polls the status of the protective device. The response of the protective ^¬ device is returned in the form of signals via the connecting element 8c to the meter 1 and there from the display Device 9 shown. The signals represented by the display device 9 can now be used to check the protective device. This procedure can be used for ^various electronic devices in the network. Furthermore, such transmit signals can also be used to trigger certain functions of the electronic devices. Again, this may be useful for a review of the network under some circumstances.

The inventive measuring device 1 can also be advantageous for

Build or expand a network. After each addition of another electronic component to the network, meter 1 can be used to check the function of the extended network area. This allows you to quickly find flaws.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 measuring device

2 network 3 bus

4a converter

4b converter

4c converter

5 Merging Unit 6 Switch

7 protection device

8a connecting element

8b connecting element

8c connection element 9 display device

10 first selection device

11 second selection device

12 interface

13 connection 14 computers

15 interface

Claims

claims

1. Measuring device (1) for area-wise checking a network (2), which at least one bus (3) and via this bus by means of a protocol communicating electronic devices (4, 5, 6, 7), wherein the measuring device (1) for the purpose of Insert is portable in different places, and by means of a connecting element (8) with the bus (3) directly or with one of the devices is connectable via interfaces, and a display device (9) for displaying the at the point of connection in the network (2) has transmitted according to the protocol used signals.

2. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the network (2) contains electronic devices such as transducers (4) and / or protective devices (7) and / or control devices.

3. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the network (2) is an Ethernet network.

4. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interfaces Ethernet

Interfaces are.

5. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bus used in the network (2) and the network used in the network (2) comply with the IEC 61850 standard.

6. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (9) is a display ^¬ device (9) for displaying the network (2) transmitted signals of the network (2) converter included (4).

7. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (1) comprises an evaluation device, by means of which at the point of the connection in the network (2) transmitted and from the measuring device (1) received signals which information from power and / or voltage transformers (4) of the power grid, are time evaluable for the purpose of checking the quality of the power grid.

8. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (1) includes a first Auswahlvor- direction (10), with which on the display device (9) to be displayed signals can be selected.

9. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (1) includes a transmitting device by means of which via the connecting element (8) signals according to the protocol used in the network (2) can be sent.

10. A measuring device according to claim 9, characterized in that the measuring device (1) ent ^¬ holds a second selection device (11), with which by the measuring device (1) in the network (2) to be sent signals can be selected.

11. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (1) comprises a device by means of which the physical properties of the selected area of the connection area of the network (2) can be checked.

12. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (1) is designed as a handheld computer.

13. Method for area-wise checking of a network (2) which has at least one bus (3) and via this bus (3) by means of a protocol communicating electronic devices (4, 5, 6, 7), comprising the step that a measuring ^¬ device (1) according to claims 1-12 by means of a connection ^¬ element (8) with the bus (3) directly or is connected to one of the devices (4, 5, 6, 7) via an interface, and the signals transmitted at the location of the connection in the network according to the protocol used by means of the display ^¬ device (9) of the measuring device, which the Signals as data represents to be checked.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that in an extension of the network (2) by further elekt ^¬ ronic devices (4, 5, 6, 7) after each extension to each electronic device, the area of the network (2) checked which has been recreated by enlargement.

15. A method for checking an electronic device (4, 5, 6, 7), which is part of a network (2), wherein the network (2) at least one bus (3) and communicating via this bus (3) by means of a protocol more electro ^¬ African devices (4, 5, 6, 7), comprising the step that a measuring instrument (1) according to claim 9 or 10 by means of a connecting element (8) with the bus directly or with one of the devices (4, 5 , 6, 7) is connected via interfaces, and via the connecting element (8) addressed to the device to be tested question signals according to the protocol used in the network (2) are sent, and the question ^¬ signals following response signals of the addressed device with ^{¬ means of} the display device (9) of the measuring device, which represents the response signals as data to be checked.