Wireless provision of information from switch function testing

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device comprising a switch (ED) and designed to perform a test for one aspect of the operational capability of the switch (ED), to store data relating to the performed test in a local storage device, and in response to a request for data about one or more performed tests sent by means of a first protocol for wireless communication, transmitting the data about the performed tests stored in the storage device to a recipient specified by the request by means of one or more messages. According to the invention, better and more effective analysis of the characteristics of the switch is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a switch device, a system and a method for wirelessly providing information from a functional test of a switch. Background Art

[0002] In many cases, electrical installations are tested regularly to ensure operational capability. This applies in particular to installations where protective switches are installed. Figure 1 An example table is shown for test requirements in the case of fixed electrical installations and production equipment.

[0003] Tests such as fault current measurements and insulation resistance measurements are increasingly being initiated wirelessly. Figure 2 The figure shows how a plurality of low-voltage components (e.g. low-voltage protection devices or circuit breakers) ED1, ED2, ED3 and EDn (end devices) are wirelessly connected to a data collector or data concentrator ZC (ZC stands for Zigbee coordinator). Communication takes place via the Zigbee protocol. The data for the application can then be sent directly or indirectly to the cloud via the data collector ZC. The provision of data in the cloud can be designed flexibly via the data concentrator ZC, for example in terms of settings, data adjustment and transmission options.

[0004] Typical low-voltage protection devices are here fault current protection switches (also called RCD or residual current breaker), line protection switches (also called MCB or miniature circuit breakers) and fire protection switches (also called AFDD or arc fault detection devices). In this case, such switches themselves also have no communication capability. The communication capability is then achieved by mechanical coupling with a communication module (Remote Control Auxiliary (RCA)) device. Such a module is described, for example, in patent document DE 202021000293 U1. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the analysis of the characteristics of a switch.

[0006] This object is achieved by a switching device according to claim 1 , a system according to claim 5 (comprising a switching device according to the invention and a terminal) and a method according to claim 10 .

[0007] According to the invention, a switching device is proposed, which comprises a switch. The switching device can be identical to the switch. Alternatively, it is possible, for example, that the switching device consists of a combination of a switch and an additional module, in particular if the switch itself is not designed for wireless communication. If the switch is not designed for autonomous self-testing, such an additional module may also be required for performing a test of the switch. Such an additional module does not have to be permanently coupled to the switch, but can also be mounted on the switch specifically only for a test period. The switch itself can be, for example, a low-voltage protection switch or a low-voltage circuit breaker.

[0008] The switching device according to the invention is designed to perform tests on one aspect of the operating capability of the switch and to store data relating to the performed tests in a local storage device (e.g. a ring memory). In the case of a combination of a switch and an additional module, the storage device can be arranged in the switch or in the additional module. The switching device is further configured to transmit the data relating to the performed tests stored in the storage device to a recipient specified by the request by means of one or more messages in response to a request for data relating to one or more performed tests sent by means of a first protocol for wireless communication.

[0009] The first protocol for wireless communication is, for example, the Zigbee protocol. The request for data about one or more performed tests and one or more messages for transmitting the stored data about the performed tests can then be executed with the aid of Zigbee commands (Zigbee Commands) that are specially created for this purpose (i.e. proprietary to a certain extent). For example, a command REQUEST_LOG is provided for the request and a command RESPONSE_LOG is provided for transmitting data via a storage device. In this case, it may be necessary to send multiple RESPONSE_LOG messages in order to transmit all requested data. In the case of transmitting log data (LOG-Daten) with the aid of multiple Zigbee messages, it is reasonable to divide the data about the performed tests requested within the scope of the request into multiple messages with the aid of Zigbee subpackaging for transmission to the recipient.

[0010] The invention thus enables efficient and user-friendly provision of the data recorded during a switch test (log data).

[0011] The invention also includes a system having a switching device according to the invention and a terminal device. The terminal device here comprises a software application (i.e. an application software or a computer program which provides user-accessible functions to a user of the terminal device) which is designed to obtain data about one or more performed tests and to enable the data to be exported from the application to a file. The application can be designed to send a request for data about one or more performed tests stored in a storage device by means of a second protocol for wireless communication and to obtain one or more messages with the requested data transmitted by means of the second protocol. In particular, the following two configurations may occur here:

[0012] a) The first and second protocols can be identical (e.g. Bluetooth or TCP). The application of the terminal device is thus designed to send a request for data stored in the storage device about one or more performed tests directly to the switching device using the protocol for wireless communication and to receive one or more transmitted messages with the requested data directly from the switching device. "Directly" here means that corresponding addressing of the messages takes place. This design is preferably used for larger switches, such as circuit breakers for low-voltage and medium-voltage technology.

[0013] b) The system comprises a data collector. The data collector is designed to receive a request for data about one or more performed tests stored in a storage device sent from an application to a switching device by means of a second protocol for wireless communication (e.g. TCP or Bluetooth) (the request may be one or more Modbus commands interpretable by the switching device), and to send one or more messages with the requested data from the switching device by means of the second protocol for wireless communication to a terminal device. Furthermore, the data collector is designed to match the request for data about one or more performed tests stored in the storage device sent by means of the second protocol for wireless communication with the switching device for transmission by means of the first protocol and transmit to the switching device (i.e. the data collector acts as a protocol converter). Finally, the data collector is also designed to receive one or more messages with the data of the requested switch log entry sent by means of the first protocol, match the one or more messages for transmission by means of the second protocol, and transmit to the terminal device (e.g. a mobile phone) by means of the second protocol (it is possible that during the protocol conversion process, the received messages are combined for more efficient transmission to the terminal device).

[0014] The invention also relates to a method for wirelessly providing information from a switch function test. It comprises performing a test on one aspect of the operating capability of the switch; storing data related to the performed test in a local storage device of the switch device; sending one or more messages, wherein the sending is triggered by a request for data stored in the storage device sent by means of a first protocol for wireless communication and is sent to a recipient specified by the request. The request for data about one or more performed tests and the sending or transmission of one or more messages with the stored data about the performed tests can be carried out here by means of a Zigbee command created for this purpose. Here, the data about the performed tests requested within the scope of the request can then be divided into multiple messages by means of Zigbee packetization for transmission to the recipient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention is explained in more detail below within the scope of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 Example tables showing test requirements for fixed electrical installations and production equipment cases,

[0017] Figure 2 shows a data collector and a low voltage protection device that are wirelessly connected to each other,

[0018] Figure 3 The Modbus mapping showing the log format for switch testing,

[0019] Figure 4 shows the data format used to transmit the log data of the switch test,

[0020] Figure 5 The Zigbee commands "REQUEST_LOG" and "RESPONSE_LOG" used to query and transmit the log data of the switch test are shown.

[0021] Figure 6 shows a flow chart for a first example of a method according to the invention (with a data collector), and

[0022] Figure 7 A flow chart for a second example of a method according to the invention is shown (without a data collector). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Tests (e.g. fault current measurement and insulation resistance measurement) are carried out and automatically documented. The execution of the tests can be largely automated and, for example, be carried out regularly at predetermined time intervals. According to the invention, a logbook entry with information about the respective test is automatically generated for each test. A separate logbook file with the respective logbook entry can be generated for each test. Alternatively, a single logbook file exists for all tests or at least for all tests of one type, into which the test results are written in sequence. For example, a permanent or non-volatile ring memory is provided for the logbook information.

[0024] The test results (e.g. of fault current measurement and insulation resistance measurement) are permanently stored in a ring memory with the help of firmware. The automated test is configured on the Zigbee terminal device via Modbus parameters and started via Modbus commands. Alternatively, the test can also be started manually or a single test can be started via Modbus commands. After the test is completed, a log entry is then automatically created. The log format for the test is specifically specified in the so-called Modbus mapping (data point list, Datenpunktliste). The Modbus mapping is a characteristic of the Modbus protocol. Here is a list for slave devices (here: Zigbee terminal devices), which describes:

[0025] - what data are involved (e.g. switch tests),

[0026] - the location where the data is stored (e.g. the data address) and

[0027] - How the data is stored (e.g. data type, byte arrangement, and word arrangement).

[0028] Figure 3 An example of a Modbus mapping for the log format for testing is given in .

[0029] This includes the following fields:

[0030] Event ID DEC: Identification tag of the corresponding test (decimal value)

[0031] Event ID HEX: Identification tag of the corresponding test (hexadecimal value)

[0032] Data Set Versions: Supported software versions

[0033] Mnemonic: Textual explanation for log information

[0034] Valency: Category of the entry (information, warning, alert)

[0035] Category: Category of the entry (system, operator)

[0036] Destination: Transport protocol

[0037] Type: the attribute type of the test related data

[0038] Escort Values: Test related data

[0039] exist Figure 3 Assign the following entries to the fields in:

[0040] Event ID DEC:1001

[0041] Event ID HEX: 03E9

[0042] Data Set Versions:1.1;2.0

[0043] Mnemonic: REMOTE_CONTROL_AUXILIARY_TEST_RESULT

[0044] Valency:Information

[0045] Category:system

[0046] Desination: ModbusTCP

[0047] Type: U16 or FP32

[0048] Escort Values:

[0049] RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_TEST_STATE

[0050] CONF_RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_TEST_CONTROL

[0051] RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_TEST_VOLTAGE

[0052] RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_SELF_TEST_TRIPPING_TIME

[0053] RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_SELF_TEST_TRIPPING_CURRENT

[0054] PARAM_INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_STATE

[0055] INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE_N_PE

[0056] INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE_L1_PE

[0057] INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE_L2_PE

[0058] INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE_L3_PE

[0059] The "Escort Values" here correspond to the test-related information determined during the test:

[0060] RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_TEST_STATE: Differential current test result (whether the test passed or not, due to different error reasons)

[0061] CONF_RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_TEST_CONTROL: Information about the test configuration (trigger current and insulation resistance)

[0062] RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_TEST_VOLTAGE: Test voltage

[0063] RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_SELF_TEST_TRIPPING_TIME: Triggering time

[0064] RESIDUAL_CURRENT_DEVICE_SELF_TEST_TRIPPING_CURRENT: Triggering current (differential current)

[0065] PARAM_INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_STATE: Insulation test measurement results

[0066] INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE_N_PE: Insulation resistance from N to PE

[0067] INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE_L1_PE: Insulation resistance from L1 to PE

[0068] INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE_L2_PE: Insulation resistance from L2 to PE

[0069] INSULATION_RESISTANCE_TEST_VALUE_L3_PE: Insulation resistance from L3 to PE

[0070] Here, L1-L3 are phase conductors, N is a neutral conductor, and PE is a protective conductor.

[0071] The test results are transmitted to the terminal device (such as a mobile phone) via Zigbee and displayed through the application. Test proof is provided by exporting files from the application.

[0072] Figure 4 The log format specified for the test log is shown, with the help of which the log information can be transmitted as a data message or a data frame.

[0073] Each test log entry has a continuous OID (Object ID), a timestamp, and a flexible length Escort-Daten area (maximum 32 bytes). Escort-Daten can be used to store test result details in the log, such as test status, fault current, insulation measurement value. Figure 4 A list of all fields of the test log.

[0074] OID (Object ID): The identification number of the entry

[0075] Reference: A reference to another item

[0076] Timestamp: Timestamp

[0077] Flags: The flag register contains Valency, Category, etc.

[0078] Context: System context for the wireless system (0x0001)

[0079] ID: Event ID (1001 means REMOTE_CONTROL_AUXILIARY_TEST_RESULT)

[0080] SRC: Source device, for example 7 indicates an RCA device.

[0081] LEN: Size of the Escort-Data field (number of bits)

[0082] Escort-Data: Test related data

[0083] In the description above the field, "U" stands for "unsigned integer", and the number that follows (such as 8, 16, 32) represents the width of the corresponding field in bits.

[0084] The log information can be transmitted via Zigbee using self-created Zigbee commands or instructions. For this purpose, the separately specified Zigbee commands "REQUEST_LOG" for requesting log information about the test and "RESPONSE_LOG" for transmitting the requested information are in Figure 5 Shown in.

[0085] Figure 6 The starting point is an application (for example, the PowerConfig application of Siemens AG), which is connected to the data collector ZC, such as Figure 2 The information shown is exchanged with a Zigbee end device ED (eg, a circuit breaker extended for communication via Zigbee) using the Zigbee protocol. The data collector ZC may be, for example, a product sold by Siemens AG under the name “Powercenter 1000”.

[0086] In the first step, during the test, according to Figure 4 The test can be started locally (e.g. using a button) or remotely (from a distance).

[0087] Using Modbus TCP or Modbus RTU over BLE Gatt (Bluetooth Low Energy) and a separately specified (specialized) 0x64 Request log command, the application or the hardware on which the application runs requests the test-related log information of the Zigbee end device on the data collector DC. The data collector converts the Modbus command into a "REQUEST_LOG" Zigbee command and sends it accordingly to the Zigbee end device ED selected by the application. The Zigbee end device ED processes the REQUEST_LOG Zigbee command and responds with a RESPONSE_LOG command and the same Zigbee sequence number (SequenceNumber) and the maximum achievable log entries "ENTRIES". Using Zigbee packetization, multiple log entries can be transmitted at once, although the Zigbee packet length is strictly limited. By using packetized RESPONSE_LOG responses, for example, 50 log entries can be transmitted in 5 seconds (average 6 entries per RESPONSE_LOG) instead of in 30 seconds (one RESPONSE_LOG response per entry). The results of the RESPONSE_LOG command can be read or queried in the data collector ZC via data points defined separately for this purpose after successful processing. The data transmitted by means of several RESPONSE_LOG commands can be combined into data fields for further transmission by the data collector ZC. The data obtained by means of several RESPONSE_LOG commands are then transmitted together from the data collector ZC to the application program ( Figure 6 TCP (LOGDaten, log data) in the log file. This can also involve multiple tests. In this case, the log data can be assigned to individual tests via the OID (Object ID) (e.g. an increment of the OID signals that subsequent data is assigned to a new test). The application has a test protocol export function (Testprotokoll-Export-Funktion) for the storage of test protocols. This includes reading the log entries of a test as well as preparing and formatting them in PDF and CSV formats. The possibility of exporting files provides proof of the execution of the test and the corresponding results.

[0088] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 6 The invention is shown for exchanging data with an application program by means of a data collector ZC (see also Figure 2 ) protection switch (such as MCB, RCD or AFDD), and Figure 6 on the contrary, Figure 7, the configuration for a low voltage circuit breaker is shown by way of example. Types of low voltage circuit breakers are, for example, open circuit breakers (also called ACB or air isolated circuit breaker) and enclosed circuit breakers (also called MCCB or molded case circuit breaker). These switches usually communicate with the terminal device ED directly and not via the data collector ZC. This configuration is Figure 7 . The test is started, for example, by maintenance personnel. This involves, for example, a reliability test for the tripping curve (circuit breakers are usually triggered according to a trigger configuration, which is usually implemented as a tripping curve and takes into account its duration in addition to the current level). The tripping curve setting for the test is communicated to the circuit breaker (here the ACB) via an application (for example the PowerConfig application of Siemens AG). The test scenario is then selected and started (possibly via the application as recommended). The waveform (usually the current) is predetermined according to the scenario. On this basis, the ACB then starts the test. During the test, it can be checked using ping messages that there are no communication interruptions between the application and the ACB. The test at the ACB is performed until the final criterion is met. This is either a switch trigger (tripping) or the expiration of a timer (if the switch does not trigger). The end of the test and, if necessary, the fact that the switch has been triggered are communicated to the application in sequence. During the test (similar to what is described above), log information about the test is stored and can also be queried by the application via the commands REQUEST_LOG or RESPONSE_LOG. For transmission, TCP or Bluetooth, for example, is used as a protocol here. Similar to Figure 6 , log information can be exported from the application. This can include, for example, reports generated by the application, which may be stored by the application in the cloud.

[0089] The invention has been explained in more detail above in the embodiments. This is merely illustrative. The invention can be used in the entire field of low voltage technology and in other fields. For example, the invention can also be used to test a low voltage switch of a low voltage control device for a medium voltage circuit breaker.

Claims

1. A switching device, comprising a switch (ED), in particular a protection switch, wherein the switching device is designed as follows: - perform a test on one aspect of the operating capability of said switch (ED), - store data related to the tests performed in a local storage device, and - In response to a request for data about one or more performed tests sent by means of a first protocol for wireless communication, the data about the performed tests stored in the storage device are transmitted by means of one or more messages to a recipient specified by the request.

2. The switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first protocol is the Zigbee protocol.

3. The switch device according to claim 2, characterized in that The request for data about one or more performed tests and the one or more messages for transmitting the stored data about the performed tests are carried out with the aid of Zigbee commands created for this purpose.

4. The switch device according to claim 3, characterized in that The data required within the scope of the request about the performed test are divided into a plurality of messages by means of Zigbee packetization for transmission to the recipient.

5. A system comprising a switch device and a terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The terminal device includes a software application (App), which is designed to: - obtain data about one or more tests performed, and - Export said data from the application to a file.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The application of the terminal is designed to send a request for data stored in the memory device regarding one or more performed tests using a second protocol for wireless communication and to receive one or more messages transmitted using the second protocol with the requested data.

7. The system according to claim 6, in particular for a circuit breaker, characterized in that - the first and second protocols are identical, and - the application of the terminal device is designed to send a request for data stored in a memory device about one or more performed tests to a switching device using the protocol for wireless communication and to receive one or more transmitted messages with the requested data from the switching device.

8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that It comprises a data collector (ZC) designed to: - obtaining a request for data about one or more tests performed by the switching device, sent from the application by means of a second protocol for wireless communication, - sending one or more messages with the requested data from the switching device to the terminal by means of a second protocol for wireless communication, - matching a request for data about one or more performed tests stored in the storage device, which is sent by means of the second protocol for wireless communication, to the switching device for transmission by means of the first protocol and transmitting it to the switching device, - receiving one or more messages with the requested data transmitted by means of the first protocol from the switching device, adapting the one or more messages for transmission by means of the second protocol, and sending them to the terminal by means of the second protocol.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that The second protocol is TCP or Bluetooth.

10. A method for wirelessly providing information from a switch functional test, comprising: - Performing tests on one aspect of the operating capability of the switch (ED), - storing data relating to the tests performed in a storage device local to the switchgear, and - resulting from a request for data about one or more performed tests, sent by means of a first protocol for wireless communication, sending one or more messages with stored data about the performed tests to a recipient specified by the request.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that With the aid of the Zigbee commands created for this purpose, data about one or more performed tests are requested and one or more messages with the stored data about the performed tests are sent.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The data required within the scope of the request about the performed test are divided into a plurality of messages by means of Zigbee packetization for transmission to the recipient.

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