Method for operating an actuator device for a field device, actuator device for a field device and field device with the actuator device

Abstract

A method for operating an actuator device (1) is presented and described, the method comprising the following steps: operating an electrical actuator unit (3) of the actuator device (1) such that heat is emitted from the electrical actuator unit (3) during operation; storing energy obtained from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit (3) during operation in an energy storage unit (5) of the actuator device (1); and supplying a consumer unit (7) of the actuator device (1) with the energy stored in the energy storage unit (5).

Description

[0001] The application relates to a method for operating an actuator device for a field device, an actuator device and a field device, in particular a drive, preferably for a control valve or the like.

[0002] Methods for operating actuators for field devices, such as actuators for control valves, are known from the prior art. Actuators can themselves also be designed as field devices (FDs). Actuators are frequently used in connection with production processes and form part of an automation unit in a process plant. In particular, the actuators or field devices are thus arranged outside of control cabinets or a control station of a control system. Actuators can, for example, be or include actuators, such as control elements or valves, or sensors, such as transmitters, in factory and process automation.Often, the actuator devices are connected to a control and monitoring system in which data received from the actuator devices is evaluated and the evaluated data is used for regulation, control and further processing.

[0003] Actuators, particularly drives, generate heat during operation. Under heavy load and / or continuous operation, this heat can cause problems for the continued trouble-free operation of the actuators. Typically, the heat generated by actuators is dissipated as quickly and efficiently as possible to the outside to prevent overloading. Generally, it is desirable to design actuator operating methods to be particularly resource-efficient. This can be achieved by using the generated heat as efficiently as possible for the continued or future operation of the actuator.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a particularly resource-saving method for operating actuator devices.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a method according to the invention with the features of claim 1. The method is provided for operating an actuator device for a field device. The method comprises the following steps: operating an electrical actuator unit of the actuator device such that heat is emitted by the electrical actuator unit during operation; storing energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit during operation in an energy storage unit of the actuator device; and supplying a consumer unit of the actuator device with the energy stored in the energy storage unit.

[0006] The method is designed for operating an actuator device. The actuator device is intended for use with a field device. Preferably, the actuator device has a mounting section by which it is attached, or can be attached, to a mounting section of another component of the field device. The actuator device can also be referred to as a field device (FD) or a section of a field device (FD). Preferably, the actuator device can be used in connection with production processes. Preferably, the actuator device forms a section of an automation unit of a process plant. In particular, the actuator device is arranged outside of control cabinets or a control station of a control system. Preferably, the actuator device includes an actuator, such as a control element or a valve, or a sensor, such as a transmitter.Preferably, the actuator device is connected to a control and monitoring system in which data received from the actuator device is evaluated and the evaluated data is used for the regulation and control of the actuator device and for further processing.

[0007] The method comprises the following step: operating an electrical actuator unit of the actuator device such that heat is dissipated by the electrical actuator unit during operation. Preferably, the electrical actuator unit comprises an electric motor or an electromagnet. Preferably, the electrical actuator unit forms a section of a drive unit of the actuator device. Preferably, the electrical actuator unit forms a section of an electrohydraulic drive unit of the actuator device. Preferably, the electrical actuator unit is configured to drive a section of a valve or a section of a pump. Thus, the electrical actuator unit is operated, and heat is generated during its operation when electrical power is applied. This generated heat can be dissipated, at least partially, by the electrical actuator unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the method includes the following step: storing energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit during operation in an energy storage unit of the actuator device. Energy can be recovered from the heat emitted, at least partially, by the electrical actuator unit and then stored in the energy storage unit of the actuator device. By recovering energy from the emitted heat and storing this recovered energy, the emitted heat is not merely dissipated by the electrical actuator unit; rather, the emitted heat is stored as energy recovered from it. Thus, the stored energy is available using the emitted heat and can be used, in particular, at a later time for further functions of the actuator device.This provides a resource-efficient method for operating an actuator device. Preferably, the energy storage unit is an electrical energy storage unit capable of storing electrical energy. Preferably, the energy storage unit is a chemical energy storage unit capable of storing chemical energy. Preferably, the energy storage unit is a thermal energy storage unit capable of storing thermal energy. Preferably, the energy storage unit is an accumulator, which can also be called a battery. Alternatively, and more preferably, the energy storage unit comprises a container and a fluid arranged within the container. The container can also be called a tank. The fluid can also be called a thermal interface material or heat transfer medium. Alternatively, and more preferably, the energy storage unit comprises a latent heat storage system.

[0009] Furthermore, the method comprises the following step: supplying a consumer unit of the actuator device with the energy stored in the energy storage unit. Preferably, the consumer unit is an electrical consumer unit. Preferably, the consumer unit can heat or cool a component of the field device connected to the actuator unit.

[0010] By operating the electrical actuator unit of the actuator device, such that heat is emitted from the electrical actuator unit during operation, the energy gained from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit during operation is stored in the energy storage unit of the actuator device, and the consumer unit of the actuator device is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit, it is ensured that the heat generated by the electrical actuator unit within the actuator device can be used by the actuator device, particularly in converted form, to supply the consumer unit with energy.Particularly when certain maximum temperatures should not be exceeded for a specific section or sections of the actuator device, such as the electrical actuator unit or components adjacent to the electrical actuator unit, this can be achieved or at least facilitated by transferring the heat emitted, at least partially, by the electrical actuator unit to the energy storage unit and storing the emitted heat in the energy storage unit as energy recovered from the heat. The stored energy is then used to supply the consumer unit. This provides a method that makes the operation of the actuator device particularly resource-efficient, since the heat generated by the electrical actuator unit can be used, especially in converted form, to supply the consumer unit.Furthermore, by storing the energy recovered from heat, the energy storage unit ensures that a specific section or sections of the actuator device, such as the electrical actuator unit or components of the actuator device adjacent to the electrical actuator unit, do not exceed certain maximum temperatures. Additionally, the stored energy can be used, preferably at a later time, to heat the consumer unit or a component of the actuator device adjacent to the consumer unit.For example, explosion protection requirements (Ex protection), particularly Ex-D protection, for the housing of the actuator device can be met by dissipating heat from the electrical actuator unit and storing the energy recovered from this heat in the energy storage unit, thus maintaining a maximum external surface temperature of, for example, 85 °C. This is particularly advantageous when, due to the explosion protection requirements, an open housing for the actuator device is not permitted. This generally limits the power output of components of the actuator device, such as the electrical actuator unit. However, the present invention allows this power limit to be increased because the heat generated by the electrical actuator unit can be dissipated and stored in the energy storage unit as energy recovered from the dissipated heat.This allows larger quantities of heat to be selectively dissipated from the electrical actuator unit in the inventive method than is possible with prior art methods for operating actuator devices without an energy storage unit. Furthermore, the energy stored in the energy storage unit can, for example, be used to heat a component of the actuator device by means of the consumer unit under certain ambient conditions, such as low temperatures, or when starting up the actuator device. The method can also be described as a method for intelligent heat / energy distribution.

[0011] In summary, a resource-efficient method for operating an actuator device is provided. The actuator device is preferably designed as a drive for a control valve, particularly in a process plant. These drives have a characteristic operating profile in which a high-load operation is required over defined time intervals during which a control movement is performed or a process within the process plant is to take place. Between these time intervals, the actuator device, and in particular the actuator unit, is at rest. This results in a significant amount of heat being generated in the actuator unit within a short time. Furthermore, no heat is generated in the actuator unit between these time intervals. However, it is conceivable that the actuator device should perform functions between these time intervals.For example, actuator devices designed as drives often incorporate consumers such as sensors, heating elements (especially for dew or frost removal), processing units (especially for diagnostic and / or monitoring purposes), and the like. These components and the functions they perform require energy, which must or can preferably be supplied by the respective actuator device or its power supply. Temporarily storing the heat generated by the actuator unit can also enable the operation of the consumer unit between heat-generating intervals, particularly without an external energy source.

[0012] In one embodiment, the energy obtained from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit depending on a first signal, wherein the consumer unit is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit depending on a second signal, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter of the actuator device detected by means of a sensor unit of the actuator device or by means of a sensor unit of a process engineering plant comprising the actuator device or of the field device.This ensures that both the storage of the energy recovered from the released heat in the energy storage unit and the supply of the energy stored in the energy storage unit to the consumer unit can preferably be started and stopped depending on the operating parameter. This allows for intelligent and automated optimization of both the storage of the energy recovered from the released heat in the energy storage unit and the supply of the energy stored in the energy storage unit to the consumer unit. Preferably, the energy recovered from the released heat is stored in the energy storage unit depending on the first signal. Preferably, the storage of the energy recovered from the released heat in the energy storage unit can be started and stopped using the first signal.For example, the first signal is configured as a control signal for a conversion unit of the actuator device and / or the energy storage unit, which is configured to start and / or stop a process for storing energy from the actuator unit. Preferably, the consumer unit is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit depending on the second signal. Preferably, the supply of the consumer unit with the energy stored in the energy storage unit can be started and stopped using the second signal.For example, the second signal is configured as a control signal for the energy storage unit and / or the consumer unit, which is designed to establish a power supply to the consumer unit and / or to put the consumer unit connected to the energy storage unit into operation, wherein, in particular, the consumer unit draws / consumes energy from the energy storage unit. Preferably, the first signal is generated as a function of an operating parameter of the actuator device detected by a sensor unit of the actuator device. Preferably, the second signal is generated as a function of an operating parameter of the actuator device detected by a sensor unit of the actuator device. Preferably, the first signal is generated as a function of an operating parameter of the actuator device detected by a sensor unit of a process plant comprising the actuator device or of the field device.Preferably, the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter of the actuator device, detected by a sensor unit of a process plant comprising the actuator device or of the field device. An "operating parameter" of a device, in particular the actuator device, is preferably understood to be a parameter relating to or describing the device, more preferably a function or state of the device, during operation of the device. Generally, "consumption" of energy from the energy storage unit is preferably understood to mean the conversion of energy into energy used by a function of the respective consumer unit, as well as into energy dissipated into the environment during operation of the consumer unit, such as waste heat, light, or the like.

[0013] Preferably, the operating parameter of the actuator device is configured as a temperature, current requirement, current consumption, rotational speed, and / or voltage of the actuator unit, particularly at a component of the actuator unit, wherein the first signal is generated, depending on the operating parameter, to start and / or stop a process for storing energy via the energy storage unit. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that, particularly when the operating parameter is configured as a current consumption, rotational speed, and / or voltage of the actuator unit, particularly at a component of the actuator unit, the second signal is generated, depending on the operating parameter, to start and / or stop a process for supplying power to the consumer unit.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the operating parameter or another operating parameter of the actuator device is configured as an electrical or mechanical signal when a manual control of the actuator device or field device is actuated, particularly for a manual drive, wherein the first signal is generated, depending on the operating parameter, to start and / or stop a process for storing energy via the energy storage unit. In particular, it is conceivable that energy storage by the actuator unit is suspended during manual actuation. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that some of the energy transmitted by the manual actuation is converted into heat at the actuator unit, with energy storage preferably being initiated by the actuator unit during manual actuation.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the operating parameter or a further operating parameter of the actuator device is configured as an outside temperature or as humidity in the vicinity of the actuator device, as the presence of liquid on a housing part of the actuator device, or the like, wherein preferably the second signal is generated, depending on the operating parameter, to start and / or stop a process for supplying the consumer unit, which in particular comprises a heating element and / or a cooling element. For example, a heating element can be activated / started if dew forms, in particular to remove it before the actuator unit starts up. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the actuator unit can be brought up to an ideal operating temperature for startup by means of a heating element.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the operating parameter or another operating parameter of the actuator device is configured as an operation-related input signal to an external unit, such as another component of the field device, for example, a sensor or a control system, such as a positioner, a valve, another field device of the plant, for example, a sensor in the process line or a pump, etc., and / or a control system of the plant, wherein the second signal is generated, depending on the operating parameter, to start and / or stop a process to supply the consumer unit. For example, this can supply a sensor-configured element of the consumer unit in order to acquire a required characteristic value at the actuator device, which is requested via the external unit, particularly for diagnostics of the actuator device or the field device.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the operating parameter or a further operating parameter of the actuator device is configured as an electrical or mechanical signal when a control element of the actuator device or the field device, such as a display, a switch, or the like, is actuated, wherein the second signal is generated, depending on the operating parameter, to start and / or stop a process for supplying the consumer unit. For example, it is conceivable that the second signal supplies and thus activates further control elements and / or prepares the actuator unit for operation or for an interruption of operation by means of the consumer unit, in particular by cooling or heating.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the second signal is generated depending on the operating parameter to start and / or end a process for storing energy via the energy storage unit, for example to react to an operation or termination of the operation of the actuator unit expected through user interaction.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the operating parameter or another operating parameter of the actuator device is configured as a parameter detected within the actuator device, for example, a sensor signal, a state characteristic of a component such as the energy storage unit, the consumer unit, or the conversion unit. Preferably, the second signal is generated, depending on the operating parameter, to start and / or stop a process for supplying power to the consumer unit, for example, to react to a state of the actuator device or component indicated by the operating parameter. For example, this can stop the supply to the consumer unit if it indicates a fault, or start the supply to the consumer unit if the energy storage unit is fully charged.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first signal and / or the second signal are generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit, which describes a state of the energy storage unit. This ensures that both the storage of the energy recovered from the released heat in the energy storage unit and the supply of the consumer unit with the energy stored in the energy storage unit can preferably be started and stopped depending on the operating parameter describing a state of the energy storage unit. This allows for further automated optimization of the storage of the energy recovered from the released heat in the energy storage unit and the supply of the consumer unit with the energy stored in the energy storage unit. Unwanted overloading of the energy storage unit can be advantageously prevented.Furthermore, controlled discharge of the energy storage unit can be enabled, for example, if more heat is generated at the actuator unit and the energy storage unit is already full. In such a case, a special consumer unit could be activated and supplied, particularly to perform time-independent functions as needed, such as a safety function or a measurement query, etc. Preferably, the state of the energy storage unit comprises a quantity of the energy stored in the energy storage unit of the actuator device, which can also be referred to as the fill level of the energy storage unit. In particular, the operating parameter describing a state of the energy storage unit includes a fill level of the energy storage unit, a temperature of the energy storage unit, a voltage measured at the energy storage unit, a pressure measured in the energy storage unit, etc.Preferably, the state of the energy storage unit includes the state of charge of a battery within the energy storage unit. Alternatively, and more preferably, the state of the energy storage unit includes the temperature of a fluid arranged in a container. Alternatively, and more preferably, the state of the energy storage unit includes the phase state of a phase-change material in a latent heat storage system. Alternatively, the state of charge of the battery can also be considered in conjunction with its temperature.

[0020] Preferably, the sensor unit comprises one or more sensor elements. Preferably, the sensor unit and each sensor element are configured to detect a property and, based on the detected property, provide a signal which, for example, is used to store the energy recovered from heat in the energy storage unit or to supply the consumer unit with the energy stored in the energy storage unit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first signal and / or the second signal are generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing the operation of the electrical actuator unit. This ensures that both the storage of the energy recovered from the emitted heat in the energy storage unit and the supply of the consumer unit with the energy stored in the energy storage unit can preferably be started and stopped depending on the operating parameter describing the operation of the electrical actuator unit. This allows for further automated optimization of both the storage of the energy recovered from the emitted heat in the energy storage unit and the supply of the consumer unit with the energy stored in the energy storage unit.Preferably, the operation of the electrical actuator unit can be described by its temperature. Advantageously, the supply of at least one power supply unit via the energy storage unit can be determined based on whether the energy storage unit will be replenished by the actuator unit, particularly depending on the actuator unit's operation. It is conceivable that the operating parameter describing the actuator unit's state includes a signal from an external control unit, such as a control valve or process plant, which is intended to control the actuator unit's operation or announces a planned future operation of the actuator unit.For example, and in particular alternatively or additionally, the operating parameter describing a state of the actuator unit includes a temperature detected at the actuator unit, a voltage detected at the actuator unit, an electric current detected at the actuator unit, a motion characteristic of at least one component of the actuator unit, such as a drive element, or the like.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first signal and / or the second signal are generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing at least one environmental condition of the field device, in particular the actuator device. This allows for advantageously environment-adapted control of the actuator device. Due to its use in field devices or process plants, environmental conditions can vary considerably. Extreme environmental conditions can have a significant impact on the electrical actuator unit and its operation. This can lead to unintended changes in operating behavior and even damage to the actuator device, in particular the actuator unit. By adapting the control of the actuator unit, as well as the energy storage unit, consumer unit, and conversion unit coupled to the actuator unit, advantageously undisturbed or...This enables the actuator to operate without damage even under extreme environmental conditions. Alternatively, it is conceivable that an operating parameter describing at least one environmental condition of the field device, in particular the actuator, is transmitted via a communication line from an external device, such as another field device, or from an external system, such as a control system of a process plant or a weather station, to the actuator, in particular the control unit, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on the transmitted operating parameter. Preferably, the first signal and / or the second signal is generated and sent by a control unit of the actuator depending on certain criteria.Preferably, the first signal is received by a component of the actuator device, such as the energy storage unit or a control unit that controls the energy storage unit, so that the energy recovered from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit depending on the first signal. Preferably, the energy storage unit comprises receiving means for receiving the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit during operation, wherein, in particular, the heat is converted into energy via the energy storage unit, especially the receiving means.Preferably, the second signal is received by a component of the actuator device, such as the consumer unit or a control unit that controls the energy storage unit and / or the consumer unit, so that the consumer unit is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit depending on the second signal. Preferably, a third signal is provided, which is generated and transmitted by the control unit of the actuator device depending on certain criteria, such as the fill level of the energy storage unit and / or an expected demand of the consumer unit. Preferably, the actuator device includes a supply unit in which electrical energy is preferably stored.Preferably, the third signal is received by a component of the actuator device, such as the power supply unit, so that, depending on the third signal, the transfer of energy stored in the power supply unit to the energy storage unit can be started and stopped. Preferably, a fourth signal is provided, which is generated and sent by the control unit of the actuator device depending on certain criteria, such as the examples described in connection with the present invention. Preferably, the fourth signal is received by a component of the actuator device, such as the electrical actuator unit, so that, depending on the fourth signal, the electrical actuator unit can be switched on and off.Preferably, the second signal and / or the third signal is generated depending on the fill level of the energy storage unit and / or on an expected demand of the consumer unit, so that the supply of the consumer unit with the energy stored in the energy storage unit and / or a transfer of the energy stored in the supply unit to the energy storage unit can be coordinated with the fill level and / or this demand.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the consumer unit is supplied with energy stored in the energy storage unit, at least one component of the actuator is heated or cooled. This ensures that the heating or cooling of the at least one component can be carried out entirely or at least partially using the stored energy. Preferably, this allows a function of the actuator, which is typically required before operation, to be performed using heat dissipated by the actuator, which is stored as energy from a previous operation of the actuator, particularly via the energy storage unit. Preferably, the component of the actuator is heated by means of a heating element in the consumer unit.Preferably, the component of the actuator device is cooled by means of a cooling element of the consumer unit.

[0024] In one embodiment, the energy recovered from the released heat is stored in the energy storage unit depending on the first signal, and the consumer unit is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit depending on the second signal. The first signal and / or the second signal are generated / are generated depending on a control signal for controlling the electrical actuator unit. Preferably, the control signal is sent from a component of the process plant or the control valve to a control unit of the actuator device, which in turn sends a corresponding control signal to the electrical actuator unit.The characteristics, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the processes in which the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing a state of the energy storage unit, and the characteristics, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the processes in which the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing an operation of the electrical actuator unit, also apply at least analogously to the processes in which the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on a control signal for controlling the electrical actuator unit, so that a corresponding repetition is omitted here.For example, the control unit can initiate an operating mode of the field device, in particular the consumer unit, to use the energy stored in the energy storage unit sparingly if no control signal is detected for a longer period of time, or if the control signal does not provide for operation of the actuator unit, or only provides for operation of the actuator unit in which insufficient heat is generated to fill the energy storage unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, a pattern for the operating behavior of the actuator unit and / or the field device is detected in a process step and stored in a memory unit. In a further process step, the first signal and / or the second signal is determined based on the stored pattern. This allows for advantageously independent adaptation of the actuator device's control system to the operating behavior during energy storage and / or when supplying the consumer unit. This results in advantageously low maintenance requirements and thus also advantageously low costs. It is conceivable that the pattern is stored during commissioning of the field device or the actuator device. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the pattern is stored periodically via the control unit.Preferably, the pattern is stored on the memory unit, which is in particular part of the control unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the memory unit is part of the field device, in particular another component of the field device. Preferably, the pattern is determined from signals of the sensor unit, in particular periodically and / or once, for example, upon user command, especially by means of the control unit. It is conceivable that a stored pattern is supplemented, adapted, and / or changed by means of the control unit, in particular depending on signals from the sensor unit, for example, if the behavior of the field device or the actuator unit changes over time.It is conceivable that a machine learning method for pattern determination is executed externally from the actuator device, for example on the field device or in a higher-level system such as a process plant, or within the actuator device by means of the control unit, wherein, in particular, at least signals from the sensor unit are used as training data as a function of time. Preferably, the pattern is determined as a most probable scenario for the future operating behavior of the actuator unit and / or the field device, determined by means of a model trained via the machine learning method. Preferably, at least the model trained via the machine learning method for pattern determination is executed via the control unit.

[0026] In one embodiment, a pattern for a detected and / or transmitted environmental condition of the field device is stored in a memory unit in a process step. In a further process step, the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on the stored pattern. This allows for advantageously independent adaptation of the actuator device's control system to environmental influences on the actuator device or the field device during energy storage and / or when supplying the consumer unit. This results in advantageously low maintenance requirements and thus also advantageously low costs. It is conceivable that the pattern is stored during commissioning of the field device or the actuator device. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the pattern is stored periodically via the control unit.Preferably, the pattern is stored on the memory unit, which is in particular part of the control unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the memory unit is part of the field device, in particular another component of the field device. Preferably, the pattern is determined from signals of the sensor unit, in particular periodically and / or once, for example, upon user command, especially by means of the control unit. It is conceivable that a stored pattern is supplemented, adapted, and / or changed by means of the control unit, in particular depending on signals from the sensor unit, for example, if the behavior of the field device or the actuator unit changes over time.It is conceivable that a machine learning method for pattern determination is executed externally from the actuator device, for example on the field device or in a higher-level system such as a process plant, or within the actuator device by means of the control unit, wherein, in particular, at least signals from the sensor unit as a function of time are used as training data. Preferably, the pattern is determined as a most probable scenario for a future development for the environmental conditions of the field device, determined by means of a model trained via the machine learning method. Preferably, at least the model trained via the machine learning method for pattern determination is executed via the control unit.

[0027] In one embodiment, the energy derived from the heat is electrical energy, wherein the heat is converted into electrical energy by means of a conversion unit of the actuator device. Because the energy derived from the heat is electrical energy, and the heat is converted into electrical energy by means of a conversion unit of the actuator device, it is ensured that when the consumer unit can be supplied with electrical energy, this can occur particularly efficiently.

[0028] In one embodiment, the energy obtained from the heat is thermal energy, and the stored energy is used as thermal energy to supply the consumer unit. By using thermal energy to supply the consumer unit, the energy obtained from the heat is thermal energy, ensuring that when the consumer unit can be supplied using thermal energy, this can be done particularly efficiently.

[0029] In one embodiment, the energy derived from heat is chemical energy, wherein the heat is converted into chemical energy by means of a conversion unit of the actuator device. Because the energy derived from heat is chemical energy, and the heat is converted into chemical energy by means of a conversion unit of the actuator device, it is ensured that when the consumer unit can be supplied using chemical energy, this can occur particularly efficiently.

[0030] Preferably, the actuator device includes a conversion unit. Preferably, the conversion unit is configured to convert the emitted heat into electrical energy, chemical energy, or thermal energy. In the case of thermal energy conversion, preferably, the heat is transferred and stored in the form of thermal energy. The conversion unit is preferably designed to absorb the heat dissipated by the actuator unit. Preferably, the conversion unit comprises at least one conversion element arranged on the actuator unit or at least in its immediate vicinity. Preferably, the conversion unit is arranged in a housing of the actuator device and / or the field device.It is conceivable that the conversion unit is formed as a single unit with the energy storage unit, for example in a configuration for storage in the form of thermal energy, wherein in particular the energy storage unit comprises a heat storage device, for example a water reservoir or similar, and the conversion unit is fluidically connected to the heat storage device.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by an actuator device according to the invention. The actuator device is designed for use with a field device. Preferably, the actuator device has a mounting section with which the actuator device is attached, or can be attached, to a mounting section of another component of the field device. The actuator device has an electrical actuator unit that generates heat during operation when electrical power is applied, and this heat can be dissipated, at least partially, by the electrical actuator unit. Furthermore, the actuator device has an energy storage unit that can store energy recovered from the heat generated during operation of the electrical actuator unit and dissipated, at least partially, by the electrical actuator unit.Furthermore, the actuator device includes a consumer unit that can be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit. The actuator device also includes means adapted to perform the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0032] Preferably, the means of the actuator device include the control unit of the actuator device. Preferably, the means of the actuator device include a processor capable of executing a corresponding computer program and a data storage device on which the computer program is stored. At least one section of the means can also be referred to as a computing unit. Preferably, the means include a computing unit / device for data processing. Preferably, the means are configured to send a control signal to the electrical actuator unit, so that the electrical actuator unit is selectively switched into an operating state (on) or switched out of an operating state (off). Preferably, the means are configured to begin and stop the storage of the energy recovered from heat in the energy storage unit based on specific information.Similarly, the means can be configured to start and stop supplying energy to the consumer unit based on specific information. The features, technical effects, and / or advantages described in connection with the method according to the first aspect of the invention also apply, at least analogously, to the actuator device according to the second aspect of the invention, so a corresponding repetition is omitted here.

[0033] Preferably, the consumer unit comprises at least one heating element and / or at least one cooling element, which are provided for heating or cooling the component. Preferably, the heating element and / or the cooling element are arranged on the actuator unit or at least in the immediate vicinity of the actuator unit. Preferably, the heating element is designed as an electric heating element, particularly in one embodiment of the energy storage unit as an electrical energy storage device. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the heating element is designed as a heating tube, through which a medium flows, and in particular, the medium is heated by the thermal energy storage unit.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the energy storage unit forms or includes the heating element, for example, in an embodiment of the energy storage unit as a chemical energy storage device, wherein the stored heat can preferably be released again via a storage volume to heat the actuator unit. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the heating element and / or the cooling element are each designed as a fan. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the cooling element is designed as an actuator for at least one housing part of the actuator device or the field device and is designed to cool the actuator unit by means of an increased airflow to / around the actuator unit via movement or adjustment of the at least one housing part. Embodiments of the cooling element as a cooling pump or the like are also conceivable.In a preferred embodiment, the heating element and / or the cooling element can each be designed as a Peltier element, which is specifically designed to dissipate heat from the actuator unit via an electrical voltage. Preferably, the heating element and / or the cooling element designed as a Peltier element is arranged, in particular, with at least one heat transfer area on an outer wall of the actuator unit. Preferably, the actuator device comprises at least one heating and / or cooling channel for the passage of a medium, for example, air, to transport heat to / from a local area of ​​the actuator unit. Preferably, the heating element and / or the cooling element designed as a Peltier element each has a heat transfer area that is at least partially located within the heating and / or cooling channel.

[0034] It is conceivable that the actuator device comprises a housing, wherein at least the actuator unit is arranged at least largely within the housing. Preferably, the energy storage unit and the consumer unit and / or the conversion unit are arranged within the housing of the actuator device. Alternatively, the actuator device, in particular the actuator unit, the energy storage unit, and the consumer unit and / or the conversion unit, is arranged substantially entirely within a housing, in particular one of the housings or a housing compartment, of the field device. Preferably, the actuator device, in particular the actuator unit, the energy storage unit, and the consumer unit and / or the conversion unit, is arranged entirely within the housing, in particular one of the housings or a housing compartment, of the field device.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a field device according to the invention with the features of claim 14. The field device comprises an actuator device according to the second aspect of the invention. Preferably, the field device is an electric drive or has an electric drive. The field device is intended for use in a process plant. Preferably, the field device has a mounting section with which the field device is or can be attached to a mounting section of another component of the process plant. Preferably, the field device has a sensor unit with one or more sensor elements. It is conceivable that the sensor element or elements are not part of the actuator device or the field device, but are, for example, part of the process plant.Preferably, signals can be sent from the sensor unit to the actuator device, which can then be used to execute specific process sequences. The features, technical effects, and / or advantages described in connection with the method according to the first aspect of the invention, and the features, technical effects, and / or advantages described in connection with the actuator device according to the second aspect of the invention, also apply, at least analogously, to the field device according to the third aspect of the invention, so that a corresponding repetition is omitted here.

[0036] When, in connection with the present invention, heat or energy or specific forms of energy, such as electrical, thermal, or chemical energy, are mentioned and these are transferred, released, stored, or otherwise used in a targeted manner, it is meant that this occurs at least partially. Thus, for example, when heat is released by the electrical actuator unit, it is meant that at least a portion of the heat present in the electrical actuator unit is released by the electrical actuator unit. Similarly, when energy is obtained from the released heat, it is meant that energy is obtained from at least a portion of the released heat.For example, if the energy gained from the released heat is stored in the energy storage unit, this means that at least a portion of the energy gained from the released heat is stored in the energy storage unit.

[0037] Even though the steps, particularly those relating to the method according to the first aspect of the invention, are described in a specific sequence, the present invention is not limited to this sequence. Rather, the individual steps can be carried out in any meaningful order, and in particular, at least partially in parallel with one another.

[0038] Further features, advantages, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and the figures. All features described and / or illustrated, individually and in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, irrespective of their composition in the individual claims or their cross-references. In the figures, the same reference numerals denote identical or similar objects. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an actuator device according to the invention, Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the actuator device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the actuator device according to the invention, and Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention for operating an actuator device.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an actuator device 1 according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, and Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for operating an actuator device 1.

[0040] The actuator device 1 comprises an electric actuator unit 3, an energy storage unit 5, and a consumer unit 7. The electric actuator unit 3 generates heat during operation when electrical power is applied. In other words, the electric actuator unit 3 can dissipate heat during operation. The electric actuator unit 3 can therefore be operated using electrical power and thereby generate heat. The generated heat can be dissipated, at least partially, by the electric actuator unit 3. In the first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, in the second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, and in the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the actuator unit 3 is an electric motor.The energy storage unit 5 can store energy derived from the heat generated during the operation of the electrical actuator unit 3 and at least partially dissipated by the electrical actuator unit 3. In the first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 is an accumulator, which can also be referred to as a battery. In the second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 comprises a container and a fluid arranged in the container. The container can also be referred to as a tank. The fluid can also be referred to as a thermal conductor or heat transfer medium. In the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 comprises a latent heat storage device.The consumer unit 7 can be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. In both the first and second embodiments of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the consumer unit 7 is a heating element. In the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 and the consumer unit 7 are formed as a single piece. The latent heat storage unit forms both the energy storage unit 5 and the consumer unit 7.

[0041] By comprising the electric actuator unit 3, which generates heat during operation when electrical power is applied and which can be dissipated at least section by the electric actuator unit 3, the energy storage unit 5, which can store energy obtained from the heat generated during operation of the electric actuator unit 3 and dissipated at least section by the electric actuator unit 3, and the consumer unit 7, which can be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5, the actuator device 1 ensures that the heat generated by the electric actuator unit 3 can be used within the actuator device 1, particularly in converted form, to supply energy to the consumer unit 7.In particular, if certain maximum temperatures are not to be exceeded for a specific section of the actuator device 1 or for specific sections of the actuator device 1, such as the electrical actuator unit 3 or components of the actuator device 1 adjacent to the electrical actuator unit 3, this can be achieved or at least supported by transferring the heat emitted, at least partially, by the electrical actuator unit 3 to the energy storage unit 5 and storing the emitted heat in the energy storage unit 5 in the form of energy recovered from the heat. The stored energy can then be used to supply the consumer unit 7.Thus, an actuator device 1 is provided that is particularly resource-efficient, since the heat generated by the electrical actuator unit 3 can be used, especially in converted form, to supply the consumer unit 7. Furthermore, because the energy storage unit 5 can store the energy recovered from the heat, it can be ensured that a specific section of the actuator device 1, or specific sections of the actuator device 1, such as the electrical actuator unit 3 or components of the actuator device 1 adjacent to the electrical actuator unit 3, do not exceed certain maximum temperatures. In addition, the stored energy can be used, preferably at a later time, to heat the consumer unit 7 or to heat a component of the actuator device 1 adjacent to the consumer unit 7.For example, requirements regarding explosion protection (Ex protection), in particular Ex-D protection, for the housing of the actuator device 1 can be met by dissipating the heat from the electrical actuator unit 3 and storing the energy recovered from the heat in the energy storage unit, so that, for example, a maximum external surface temperature of 85 °C can be maintained. This is particularly advantageous if, due to the requirements regarding electrical protection, an open housing for the actuator device 1 cannot be provided. This generally limits the power output of components of the actuator device 1, such as the electrical actuator unit 3. However, the present invention allows this power limit to be increased, since the heat generated by the electrical actuator unit 3 can be dissipated and stored in the energy storage unit 5 in the form of energy recovered from the dissipated heat.This allows larger quantities of heat to be selectively dissipated from the electrical actuator unit 3 in the actuator device 1 according to the invention than is possible in actuator devices known from the prior art without an energy storage unit. Furthermore, the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 can, for example, be used to heat a component of the actuator device 1 by means of the consumer unit 7 under certain ambient conditions, such as low temperatures, or when starting up the actuator device 1.

[0042] The in Fig. Figure 1, schematically depicted, is a first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention and also includes a conversion unit 9. In the first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the conversion unit 9 is a Peltier element. The heat can therefore be dissipated from the electrical actuator unit 3 by means of the Peltier element. Fig. Figure 1, a schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, also includes an electronic unit 11. When the electrical actuator unit 3 is in operation and electrical power is applied, the electrical actuator unit 3 generates heat. The generated heat is transferred, at least partially, to the conversion unit 9 and causes a temperature difference between two sections of the conversion unit 9. This temperature difference generates an electric current. This current, in turn, supplies the energy storage unit 5 with electrical energy, which is stored in the energy storage unit 5. Since the energy storage unit 5 includes the battery, the electrical energy is stored electrochemically in the energy storage unit 5.In the schematically depicted first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 can also be configured to store energy not as electrical energy, but as chemical energy or as thermal energy. With the aid of the energy storage unit 5, the stored energy can be used, depending on the situation, to operate the consumer unit 7, which here is a heating element. The stored energy can thus be used for heating, depending on the situation. The electronic unit 11 here forms a component of the actuator device 1, which can be heated by the heating element, depending on the situation.

[0043] The in Fig. Figure 2, a schematic representation of the second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, also has a conversion unit 9. In this second embodiment, the conversion unit 9 is formed integrally with the consumer unit 7. The heating element forms both the consumer unit 7 and the conversion unit 9. The heating element has several cavity sections through which a fluid can be guided along the electrical actuator unit 3 by means of a pump unit 13, whereby the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 is transferred to the fluid. The fluid can also be referred to as a thermal conductor or heat transfer medium. The pump unit 13 conveys the fluid towards the energy storage unit 5, carrying the emitted heat with it.The fluid is then transferred to the energy storage unit 5, and the energy is stored as thermal energy in the energy storage unit 5. The energy storage unit 5 is therefore designed to store energy as thermal energy. Also, the fluid in... Fig. Figure 2, a schematically depicted second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, has an electronics unit 11. When the electrical actuator unit 3 is in operation and electrical power is applied, the electrical actuator unit 3 generates heat. The generated heat is transferred, at least partially, to the conversion unit 9 and is carried with the fluid to the energy storage unit 5. The energy storage unit 5 is then supplied with thermal energy by means of the fluid, which is stored in the energy storage unit 5. Depending on the situation, the stored energy can be used by the energy storage unit 5 to operate the consumer unit 7, which in this case is the heating element. For this purpose, the fluid is guided from the energy storage unit 5 along the several cavity sections. The stored energy can thus be used for heating depending on the situation.The electronic unit 11 forms a component of the actuator device 1, which can be heated by the heating element depending on the situation.

[0044] At the in Fig. In the schematically illustrated second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 has a first container 15 and a first fluid arranged in the first container 15. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention. The energy storage unit 5 comprises a second container 17 and a second fluid arranged in the second container 17. The first fluid and the second fluid can each also be referred to as a thermal conductivity or heat transfer medium. The first fluid has a first temperature, and the second fluid has a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature. The first fluid can now be guided along the electrical actuator unit 3, so that the generated heat can be dissipated particularly efficiently from the electrical actuator unit 3 to the first fluid and thus from the electrical actuator unit 3. If the electronic unit 11 is to be heated, this can be achieved, for example, by guiding the second fluid along the electronic unit 11.The heating element can have several first cavity sections through which the first fluid can be guided along the electrical actuator unit 3 by means of the pump unit 13. The heating element can also have several second cavity sections through which the second fluid can be guided along the electronic unit 11 by means of the pump unit 13.

[0045] As already described, in the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 includes the latent heat storage unit. The latent heat storage unit forms both the energy storage unit 5 and the consumer unit 7. Thus, in the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 and the consumer unit 7 are formed as a single piece. The heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 can be supplied to the latent heat storage unit, at least partially. The latent heat storage unit stores a large portion of the thermal energy supplied to it in the form of conversion enthalpy. The energy storage unit 5 is therefore designed to store the energy, at least partially, in the form of conversion enthalpy. The latent heat storage unit 5 is also designed to store the energy, at least partially, in the form of conversion enthalpy. Fig. Figure 3, a schematically depicted third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, comprises an electronic unit 11. When the electrical actuator unit 3 is in operation and electrical power is supplied, heat is generated by the electrical actuator unit 3. The generated heat is transferred, at least partially, to the latent heat storage unit. The energy storage unit 5 is supplied with thermal energy, which is stored, at least partially, in the energy storage unit 5 in the form of conversion enthalpy. Depending on the situation, the stored energy can be used by the energy storage unit 5 to operate the consumer unit 7.With the aid of an activation unit 19 of the actuator device 1, a phase change of a phase change material of the latent heat storage can be induced, and thus the stored energy can be released depending on the situation. The consumer unit 7 can then be supplied with the stored energy and heat up, thereby heating the electronic unit 11. Here, the electronic unit 11 forms a component of the actuator device 1 that can be heated by the latent heat storage depending on the situation. In the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the energy storage unit 5 can also be configured to store the energy as chemical energy.

[0046] As already described, Fig. 4 A schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive method for operating an actuator device 1. Using the method, the in Fig. 1 Schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, which is in Fig. 2 schematically illustrated second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention and the one in Fig. 3 schematically illustrated third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention.

[0047] In a first process step 101 of the process, the electrical actuator unit 3 of the actuator device 1 is operated, such that heat is emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during operation. In a second process step 102 of the process, energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during operation is stored in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1. In a third process step 103 of the process, the consumer unit 7 of the actuator device 1 is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5.By operating the electrical actuator unit 3 of the actuator device 1 in the first process step 101 of the process, such that heat is emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during operation, by storing the energy obtained from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during operation in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1 in the second process step 102 of the process, and by supplying the consumer unit 7 of the actuator device 1 with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 in the third process step 103 of the process, it is ensured that the heat generated by the electrical actuator unit 3 can be used by the actuator device 1, particularly in converted form, to supply the consumer unit 7 with energy.In particular, if certain maximum temperatures are not to be exceeded for a specific section or sections of the actuator device 1, such as the electrical actuator unit 3 or components of the actuator device 1 adjacent to the electrical actuator unit 3, this can be achieved or at least supported by transferring the heat emitted, at least partially, by the electrical actuator unit 3 to the energy storage unit 5 and storing the emitted heat in the energy storage unit 5 in the form of energy recovered from the heat. The stored energy is then used to supply the consumer unit 7.This provides a method that makes the operation of the actuator device 1 particularly resource-efficient, since the heat generated by the electrical actuator unit 3 can be used, especially in converted form, to supply the consumer unit 7. Furthermore, by storing the energy recovered from the heat in the energy storage unit 5, it can be ensured that a specific section of the actuator device 1, or specific sections of the actuator device 1, such as the electrical actuator unit 3 or components of the actuator device 1 adjacent to the electrical actuator unit 3, do not exceed certain maximum temperatures. In addition, the stored energy can be used, preferably at a later time, to heat the consumer unit 7 or to heat a component of the actuator device 1 adjacent to the consumer unit 7.For example, requirements regarding explosion protection (Ex protection), in particular Ex-D protection, for the housing of the actuator device 1 can be met by dissipating heat from the electrical actuator unit 3 and storing the energy recovered from this heat in the energy storage unit 5, thus maintaining a maximum external surface temperature of, for example, 85 °C. This is particularly advantageous when, due to the requirements regarding electrical protection, an open housing for the actuator device 1 is not permitted. This generally limits the power output of components of the actuator device 1, such as the electrical actuator unit 3. However, the present invention allows this power limit to be increased because the heat generated by the electrical actuator unit 3 can be dissipated and stored in the energy storage unit 5 as energy recovered from the dissipated heat.This allows larger quantities of heat to be selectively dissipated from the electrical actuator unit 3 in the inventive method than is possible in prior art methods for operating actuator devices without an energy storage unit. Furthermore, the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 can, for example, be used to heat a component of the actuator device 1 by means of the consumer unit 7 under certain ambient conditions, such as low temperatures, or when starting up the actuator device 1.

[0048] The energy recovered from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit 5, depending on a first signal. This first signal is generated based on an operating parameter of the actuator 1, which is detected by a sensor element of a sensor unit of the actuator device 1. The operating parameter describes a state of the energy storage unit 5. In the examples shown, the state of the energy storage unit 5 comprises the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1.

[0049] At the in Fig. In the schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the state of the energy storage unit 5 includes a state of charge of the battery, wherein the state of charge of the battery is specified as a percentage. The sensor element, which can also be referred to as the first sensor element, can detect the state of charge of the battery. If the sensor element detects, for example, that the state of charge of the battery is below a first state of charge threshold, such as 100%, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to a Fig. The control unit of actuator 1 (not shown) sends a signal to the energy storage unit 5. Since the battery's state of charge is below the first charge threshold, the control unit of actuator 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. This first signal represents the information that energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator 3 during its operation can be stored in the energy storage unit 5 of actuator 1. Thus, energy storage in the energy storage unit 5 is activated. For example, if the sensor detects that the battery's state of charge is equal to or greater than the first charge threshold, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor to the control unit of actuator 1.Since the battery's state of charge corresponds to or exceeds the first state of charge threshold, the control unit of actuator 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. This first signal indicates that the energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator 3 during its operation should not be stored further in the energy storage unit 5 of actuator 1. Thus, energy storage in the energy storage unit 5 is deactivated. Therefore, depending on the state of the energy storage unit 5, the energy recovered from the emitted heat can be stored or not stored in the energy storage unit 5.In particular, this allows time periods to be defined in which either energy gained from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit 5 or energy gained from the emitted heat is not stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0050] At the in Fig. In the schematically illustrated second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the state of the energy storage unit 5 includes a temperature of the fluid arranged in the container, the temperature being specified in °C. The sensor element, which can also be referred to as the first sensor element, can thus detect a temperature of the fluid arranged in the container. If the sensor element detects, for example, that the temperature of the fluid is below a first predetermined temperature, such as 80 °C, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to a [missing information - likely a specific device or component]. Fig. The control unit of actuator 1 (not shown) sends a signal to the energy storage unit 5. Since the fluid temperature is below the first preset temperature, the control unit of actuator 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. This first signal represents the information that energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator 3 during its operation can be stored in the energy storage unit 5 of actuator 1. Thus, energy storage in the energy storage unit 5 is activated. For example, if the sensor element detects that the fluid temperature is equal to or above the first preset temperature, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of actuator 1.Since the fluid temperature corresponds to or is above the first preset temperature, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. This first signal indicates that the energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during its operation should not be stored further in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1. Thus, energy storage in the energy storage unit 5 is deactivated. Therefore, depending on the state of the energy storage unit 5, the energy recovered from the emitted heat can be stored or not stored in the energy storage unit 5.In particular, this allows time periods to be defined in which either energy gained from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit 5 or energy gained from the emitted heat is not stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0051] At the in Fig. In the schematically illustrated third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the state of the energy storage unit 5 comprises a phase state of the phase-change material of the latent heat storage. A first phase state is solid and a second phase state is liquid. The phase state of the phase-change material can therefore be the first phase state, where the first phase state defines that the phase-change material is in a solid state. Alternatively, the phase state of the phase-change material can be the second phase state, where the second phase state defines that the phase-change material is in a liquid state. The phase-change material can switch between these two phase states when absorbing and releasing energy. The sensor element, which can also be referred to as the first sensor element, can detect a phase state of the phase-change material of the latent heat storage.For example, if the sensor element detects that the phase state corresponds to the first phase state, i.e., the phase-change material has a fixed state, then a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to a [device / connector / etc.]. Fig. The control unit of actuator 1 (not shown) sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. Since the phase change material is in a solid state, the control unit of actuator 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. This first signal represents the information that energy gained from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator 3 during its operation can be stored in the energy storage unit 5 of actuator 1. The storage of energy in the energy storage unit 5 is thus activated. For example, if the sensor element detects that the phase state corresponds to the second phase state, i.e., that the phase change material is in a liquid state, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of actuator 1.Since the phase-change material is in a liquid state, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. This first signal indicates that the energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during its operation should not be stored further in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1. Thus, energy storage in the energy storage unit 5 is deactivated. Therefore, depending on the state of the energy storage unit 5, the energy recovered from the emitted heat can be stored or not stored in the energy storage unit 5.In particular, this allows time periods to be defined in which either energy gained from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit 5 or energy gained from the emitted heat is not stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0052] It has already been described that the energy recovered from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit 5 depending on the first signal. It has also already been described that the first signal is generated depending on the operating parameter of the actuator 1, which is detected by the sensor element (which can also be referred to as the first sensor element) of the sensor unit of the actuator device 1. This operating parameter describes a state of the energy storage unit 5. Furthermore, the first signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit, which describes the operation of the electrical actuator unit 3. This sensor element of the sensor unit can also be referred to as the second sensor element.

[0053] At the in Fig. 1 schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, in which in Fig. 2 schematically illustrated second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention and in the Fig. In the schematically illustrated third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the operation of the electrical actuator unit 3 can be described by the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3, where the temperature is specified in °C. The sensor element, which can also be referred to as the second sensor element, can thus detect the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3. If the sensor element detects, for example, that the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 corresponds to or is above a second predetermined temperature, such as 80 °C, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator device 1.Since the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 corresponds to or is above the second preset temperature, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. This first signal represents the information that energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during its operation can be stored in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1. The storage of energy in the energy storage unit 5 is thus activated. For example, if the sensor element detects that the fluid temperature is below the first preset temperature, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator device 1.Since the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is below the second preset temperature, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5. This first signal indicates that the energy recovered from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during its operation should not be stored further in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1. Thus, energy storage in the energy storage unit 5 is deactivated. Therefore, depending on the operation of the electrical actuator unit 3, the energy recovered from the emitted heat can be stored or not stored in the energy storage unit 5.In particular, this allows time periods to be defined in which either energy gained from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit 5 or energy gained from the emitted heat is not stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0054] At the in Fig. 1 schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, in which in Fig. 2 schematically illustrated second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention and in the Fig. In the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, shown schematically, it can be provided that the first signal is generated depending on the operating parameter describing one state of the energy storage unit 5, or that the first signal is generated depending on the operating parameter describing one operation of the electrical actuator unit 3, or that the first signal is generated both depending on the operating parameter describing one state of the energy storage unit 5 and depending on the operating parameter describing one operation of the electrical actuator unit 3.

[0055] For example, in the Fig. In the schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, it is provided that the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5 only when the state of charge of the battery is below the first state of charge threshold and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 corresponds to or is above the second predetermined temperature, wherein the first signal represents the information that energy obtained from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during operation can be stored in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1.The storage of energy in the energy storage unit 5 is therefore only activated if both the charge level of the battery is below the first charge level threshold and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 corresponds to the second specified temperature or is above the second specified temperature.

[0056] For example, in the Fig. In the second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, shown schematically in Figure 2, it is provided that the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5 only if the temperature of the fluid is below the first predetermined temperature and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 corresponds to or is above the second predetermined temperature. The first signal represents the information that energy obtained from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during operation can be stored in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1.The storage of energy in the energy storage unit 5 is therefore only activated if the temperature of the fluid is below the first specified temperature and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 corresponds to the second specified temperature or is above the second specified temperature.

[0057] For example, in the Fig. In the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, shown schematically in Figure 3, it is provided that the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the first signal to the energy storage unit 5 only when the phase change material is in a solid state and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 corresponds to or is above the second predetermined temperature, wherein the first signal represents the information that energy obtained from the heat emitted by the electrical actuator unit 3 during operation can be stored in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1.The storage of energy in the energy storage unit 5 is therefore only activated if the phase change material is in a solid state and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 corresponds to or is above the second specified temperature.

[0058] Furthermore, the consumer unit 7 is supplied with energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 depending on a second signal. This second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter of the actuator 1, which is detected by a sensor element of a sensor unit of the actuator device 1. The operating parameter describes a state of the energy storage unit 5. In the examples shown, the state of the energy storage unit 5, which can correspond to the state of the energy storage unit 5 already described, includes the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 of the actuator device 1.

[0059] At the in Fig. In the schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the state of the energy storage unit 5, as already described, includes a state of charge of the battery, where the state of charge of the battery is specified as a percentage. The sensor element already described, which can also be referred to as the first sensor element, can detect the state of charge of the battery. If the sensor element detects, for example, that the state of charge of the battery corresponds to a second state of charge threshold, such as 20%, or is above the second state of charge threshold, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator device 1.Since the battery's state of charge corresponds to or is above the second state of charge threshold, the control unit of the actuator 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7. This second signal represents the information that the consumer unit 7 should be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. Thus, the supply of the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 to the consumer unit 7 is activated. For example, if the sensor element detects that the battery's state of charge is lower than the second state of charge threshold, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator 1.Since the battery's state of charge is lower than the second state-of-charge threshold, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7. This second signal indicates that the consumer unit 7 should not be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. Therefore, the supply of energy to the consumer unit 7 is deactivated. Thus, depending on the state of the energy storage unit 5, the consumer unit 7 can either be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 or not.In particular, this allows time periods to be defined in which either the consumer unit 7 is successively supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 or the consumer unit 7 is not supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0060] At the in Fig. In the schematically illustrated second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the state of the energy storage unit 5, as already described, includes a temperature of the fluid arranged in the container, where the temperature is specified in °C. The sensor element already described, which can also be referred to as the first sensor element, can thus detect a temperature of the fluid arranged in the container. If the sensor element detects, for example, that the temperature of the fluid corresponds to or is greater than a third predetermined temperature, such as 80 °C, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator device 1.Since the fluid temperature is equal to or greater than the third preset temperature, the control unit of the actuator 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7. This second signal indicates that the consumer unit 7 should be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. Thus, the supply of energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 to the consumer unit 7 is activated. For example, if the sensor element detects that the fluid temperature is lower than the third preset temperature, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator 1.Since the fluid temperature is lower than the third preset temperature, the control unit of actuator 1 sends the second signal to consumer unit 7. This second signal indicates that consumer unit 7 should not be supplied with the energy stored in energy storage unit 5. Therefore, the supply of energy stored in energy storage unit 5 to consumer unit 7 is deactivated. Thus, depending on the state of energy storage unit 5, consumer unit 7 can either be supplied with the energy stored in energy storage unit 5 or not.In particular, this allows time periods to be defined in which either the consumer unit 7 is successively supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 or the consumer unit 7 is not supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0061] At the in Fig. In the schematically illustrated third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the state of the energy storage unit 5, as already described, comprises a phase state of the phase-change material of the latent heat storage. A first phase state is solid and a second phase state is liquid. The phase state of the phase-change material can therefore be the first phase state, where the first phase state defines that the phase-change material is in a solid state. Alternatively, the phase state of the phase-change material can be the second phase state, where the second phase state defines that the phase-change material is in a liquid state. The phase-change material can switch between these two phase states when absorbing and releasing energy.The sensor element already described, which can also be referred to as the first sensor element, can detect the phase state of the phase-change material of the latent heat storage system. For example, if the sensor element detects that the phase state corresponds to the second phase state, i.e., that the phase-change material is in a liquid state, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator device 1. Since the phase-change material is in a liquid state, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7, where the second signal represents the information that the consumer unit 7 should be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. The supply of the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 to the consumer unit 7 is thus activated.For example, if the sensor element detects that the phase state corresponds to the first phase state, meaning the phase-change material is in a solid state, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator device 1. Since the phase-change material is in a solid state, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7, where the second signal represents the information that the consumer unit 7 should not be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. The supply of the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 to the consumer unit 7 is therefore deactivated. Thus, depending on the state of the energy storage unit 5, the consumer unit 7 can be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 or not.In particular, this allows time periods to be defined in which either the consumer unit 7 is successively supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 or the consumer unit 7 is not supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0062] It has already been described that the consumer unit 7 is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 depending on the second signal. It has also already been described that the second signal is generated depending on the operating parameter of the actuator 1, which is detected by the sensor element (which can also be referred to as the first sensor element) of the sensor unit of the actuator device 1. This operating parameter describes a state of the energy storage unit 5. Furthermore, the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit, which describes the operation of the electrical actuator unit 3. As already described, this sensor element of the sensor unit can also be referred to as the second sensor element.

[0063] As already described, during the in Fig. 1 schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, in which in Fig. 2 schematically illustrated second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention and in the Fig. In the schematically illustrated third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the operation of the electrical actuator unit 3 is described by the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3, where the temperature is specified in °C. The sensor element, which can also be referred to as the second sensor element, can thus detect the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3. If the sensor element detects, for example, that the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is lower than a fourth predefined temperature, such as 80 °C, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator device 1.Since the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is lower than the fourth preset temperature, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7. This second signal represents the information that the consumer unit 7 should be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. Thus, the supply of the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 to the consumer unit 7 is activated. For example, if the sensor element detects that the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is equal to or greater than the fourth preset temperature, a signal representing this information is sent from the sensor element to the control unit of the actuator device 1.Since the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is equal to or greater than the fourth preset temperature, the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7. This second signal indicates that the consumer unit 7 should not be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. The supply of the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 to the consumer unit 7 is therefore deactivated. Thus, depending on the operation of the electrical actuator unit 3, the energy recovered from the emitted heat can be stored in the energy storage unit 5 or not.In particular, this allows time periods to be defined in which either energy gained from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit 5 or energy gained from the emitted heat is not stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0064] At the in Fig. 1 schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, in which in Fig. 2 schematically illustrated second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention and in the Fig. In the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, shown schematically, it can be provided that the second signal is generated depending on the operating parameter describing one state of the energy storage unit 5, or that the second signal is generated depending on the operating parameter describing one operation of the electrical actuator unit 3, or that the second signal is generated both depending on the operating parameter describing one state of the energy storage unit 5 and depending on the operating parameter describing one operation of the electrical actuator unit 3.

[0065] For example, in the Fig. In the schematically illustrated first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, it is provided that the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7 only when the state of charge of the battery corresponds to or is above the second state of charge threshold and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, wherein the second signal represents the information that the consumer unit 7 is to be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5.The supply of the consumer unit 7 with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 is therefore only activated if the state of charge of the battery corresponds to or is above the second state of charge threshold and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is lower than the fourth specified temperature.

[0066] For example, in the Fig. In the second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, shown schematically in Figure 2, it is provided that the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7 only when the temperature of the fluid corresponds to or is greater than the third predetermined temperature and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is less than the fourth predetermined temperature, wherein the second signal represents the information that the consumer unit 7 is to be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5.The supply of the consumer unit 7 with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 is therefore only activated if the temperature of the fluid corresponds to or is greater than the third specified temperature and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is less than the fourth specified temperature.

[0067] For example, in the Fig.Figure 3 schematically illustrates the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention. It is provided that the control unit of the actuator device 1 sends the second signal to the consumer unit 7 only when the phase-change material is in a liquid state and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature. The second signal represents the information that the consumer unit 7 is to be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. Thus, the supply of the consumer unit 7 with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 is only activated when the phase-change material is in a liquid state and the temperature of the electrical actuator unit 3 is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature.

[0068] It has already been described that the energy recovered from the released heat is stored in the energy storage unit 5 depending on the first signal, and that the consumer unit 7 is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 depending on the second signal. In addition to the processes already described regarding the operating parameters, it is provided that the first signal and / or the second signal is generated / will be generated depending on a control signal for controlling the electrical actuator unit 3. The control signal is preferably sent from a component of the process plant to the control unit of the actuator device 1, which in turn sends a corresponding control signal to the electrical actuator unit 3 for controlling it.The characteristics, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the processes in which the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing a state of the energy storage unit 5, and the characteristics, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the processes in which the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing an operation of the electrical actuator unit 3, also apply at least analogously to the processes in which the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on a control signal for controlling the electrical actuator unit 3, so that a corresponding repetition is omitted here.

[0069] Furthermore, it has already been described that one or more sensor units of the actuator device 1 detect one or more operating parameters of the actuator device 1. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that one or more sensor units of a process plant comprising the actuator device 1 detect one or more operating parameters of the actuator device 1. The features, technical effects, and / or advantages described in connection with the sensor unit or the multiple sensor units of the actuator device 1 also apply, at least analogously, to the sensor unit or the multiple sensor units of the process plant comprising the actuator device 1, so a corresponding repetition is omitted here.

[0070] In the first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, in the second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, and in the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, at least one component of the actuator device 1 is heated when the consumer unit 7 is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5. As already described, in both the first and second embodiments of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the consumer unit 7 is a heating element. By supplying the heating element with energy, its temperature can be increased, and heat can be transferred from the heating element to the electronic unit 11, so that the electronic unit 11, as an example of a component of the actuator device 1, is heated.As already described, in the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, the latent heat storage unit forms the consumer unit 7. By supplying the latent heat storage unit with the energy stored in it, the temperature of the latent heat storage unit can be increased, and heat can be supplied from the latent heat storage unit to the electronic unit 11, so that the electronic unit 11, as an example of a component of the actuator device 1, is heated. In alternative embodiments of the actuator device 1 according to the invention, at least one component of the actuator device 1 can be cooled when the consumer unit 7 is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit 5.

[0071] Preferably, different forms of energy can be obtained from heat within the scope of the present invention. For example, the energy obtained from the heat can be electrical energy, wherein the heat is converted into electrical energy by means of a conversion unit 9 of the actuator device 1, as is the case in the first embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention. Alternatively, the energy obtained from the heat can be thermal energy, wherein the stored energy is used as thermal energy to supply the consumer unit 7, as is the case in the second embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention.Alternatively, the energy obtained from the heat can be thermal energy, wherein the thermal energy is supplied to the latent heat storage and a large part of the thermal energy supplied to the latent heat storage is stored in the latent heat storage in the form of conversion enthalpy, as is the case in the third embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention. Alternatively, the energy obtained from the heat can be chemical energy, wherein the heat is converted into chemical energy by means of a conversion unit 9 of the actuator device 1, as is the case in a further embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention.

[0072] The actuator device 1 and the method according to the invention have already been described. A further aspect of the present invention is a process plant with an embodiment of the actuator device 1 according to the invention. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the actuator device 1 also apply, at least analogously, to the process plant, so that a corresponding repetition is omitted here.

[0073] As already described, the actuator device 1 or the process plant comprising the actuator device 1 can carry out the steps of the described method, at least in sections. For this purpose, the actuator device 1 and / or the process plant has means adapted to execute the steps of a corresponding embodiment of the method according to the invention. The means of the actuator device 1 include, for example, the control unit of the actuator device 1. In particular, the means of the actuator device 1 include a processor that can execute a corresponding computer program and a data storage device on which the computer program is stored. At least one section of the means can also be referred to as a computing unit.Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is a computer program comprising commands that cause the actuator device 1 to perform the steps of the method. Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable medium on which the computer program is stored.

[0074] It should be further noted that "having" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as a limitation. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 actuator device 3 electric actuator units 5 Energy storage unit 7 consumer units 9 conversion unit 11 Electronic unit 13 Pump unit 15 first container 17 second container 19 Activation unit 101 First procedural step 102 second procedural step 103 third procedural step

Claims

Method for operating an actuator device (1) for a field device, the method comprising the following steps: operating an electrical actuator unit (3) of the actuator device (1) such that heat is emitted from the electrical actuator unit (3) during operation, storing energy obtained from the heat emitted from the electrical actuator unit (3) during operation in an energy storage unit (5) of the actuator device (1), and supplying a consumer unit (7) of the actuator device (1) with the energy stored in the energy storage unit (5). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the energy obtained from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit (5) depending on a first signal, wherein the consumer unit (7) is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit (5) depending on a second signal, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter of the actuator device (1) detected by means of a sensor unit of the actuator device (1) or by means of a sensor unit of a process engineering plant or field device comprising the actuator device (1). Method according to claim 2, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by means of a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing a state of the energy storage unit (5). Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by means of a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing an operation of the electrical actuator unit (3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on an operating parameter detected by means of a sensor element of the sensor unit and describing at least one environmental condition of the field device, in particular the actuator device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when supplying the consumer unit (7) with the energy stored in the energy storage unit (5), at least one component of the actuator device (1) is heated or cooled. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy obtained from the emitted heat is stored in the energy storage unit (5) depending on the first signal, wherein the consumer unit (7) is supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit (5) depending on the second signal, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal is generated / is generated depending on a control signal for controlling the electrical actuator unit (3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a method step a pattern for an operating behavior of the actuator unit and / or the field device is recognized and stored in a storage unit, wherein in a further method step the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on the stored pattern. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a method step a pattern for a detected and / or transmitted environmental condition of the field device is stored in a storage unit, wherein in a further method step the first signal and / or the second signal is generated depending on the stored pattern. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy obtained from the heat is electrical energy, wherein the heat is converted into electrical energy by means of a conversion unit (9) of the actuator device (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy obtained from the heat is thermal energy, wherein the stored energy is used as thermal energy to supply the consumer unit (7). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy obtained from the heat is chemical energy, wherein the heat is converted into chemical energy by means of a conversion unit (9) of the actuator device (1). Actuator device (1) for a field device comprising an electrical actuator unit (3) which, during operation, generates heat when electrical power is applied, which can be released at least sectionally by the electrical actuator unit (3), comprising an energy storage unit (5) which can store energy obtained from the heat generated during operation of the electrical actuator unit (3) and released at least sectionally by the electrical actuator unit (3), comprising a consumer unit (7) which can be supplied with the energy stored in the energy storage unit (5), and comprising means adapted to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Field device, in particular an electric drive, for a process engineering plant, with an actuator device (1) according to claim 13.

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